A Call for Unity in Ogun West
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, recently emphasized the importance of unity among politicians from Ogun West Senatorial District to ensure that the next governor of Ogun State comes from the region. His remarks were made during a town hall meeting organized by Ogun Visionaries, which focused on the theme “Yayi 2027: Making a Case for Ogun State Unity and Prosperity.”
Salako highlighted that breaking the nearly 50-year jinx of not producing a governor from Ogun West would require the people of the district to prioritize unity, sincerity of purpose, and avoid personal or selfish interests. He described Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi), the Senator representing Ogun West and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, as a tested and visionary leader who could succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun.
During the event, which took place in Ota, Salako was joined by Abiodun Sherif, the Majority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly. Together, they stressed the need for genuine collaboration to achieve the long-desired goal of having a governor from Ogun West. Salako said:
“The journey to 2027 begins now, and the foundation of victory is unity. No party, no movement, and no vision can thrive in division. This meeting is crucial — to strengthen the bond that holds us together as a state, to reconcile differences where they exist, and to remind ourselves that our collective future is far more important than any personal ambition.”
He further noted that Senator Adeola has demonstrated the capacity, competence, and compassion needed to consolidate Governor Abiodun’s achievements. Salako described him as “the best hope for the future we all desire.” However, he warned that even the best candidate cannot succeed without unity and commitment from his people.
“Victory in 2027 will not come by chance,” he said. “It will come through hard work, coordination, discipline, and collective sacrifice.” He urged every local government, ward, polling unit, and support group in Ogun West to see themselves as part of a collective movement for transformation to ensure that the next governor of the state comes from their district.
A Voice for Development
Also speaking at the event, former Senator Lekan Mustapha, represented by Dapo Oke, Registrar of Tai Solarin University of Education, praised Senator Adeola as “a politician with a difference” who has brought significant infrastructural development to the state. He emphasized the need for Ogun West to speak with one voice to make history in 2027.
The Director-General of Ogun Visionaries, Asiwaju Leye Odunjo, explained that the town hall meeting, which will be replicated across the three senatorial districts, aims to examine challenges confronting the state and explore opportunities for accelerated development. Odunjo, a two-term former lawmaker representing Ado-Odo Constituency 1 (2003–2011), noted that the forum would also serve as a platform to assess political aspirants ahead of 2027 and support only those with genuine intentions for the state.
He maintained that Senator Adeola has proven himself worthy of the leadership task ahead and urged the All Progressives Congress to zone the 2027 governorship ticket to Ogun West. Odunjo appealed to other parts of the state to support the senatorial district’s quest to produce the governor for the first time since the state’s creation in 1976.
The Path Forward
The discussions at the town hall meeting underscored the critical role of unity in achieving political success. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the focus remains on building a strong, cohesive movement that can bring about change and progress for Ogun State.
As the events unfold, the message from leaders like Salako, Adeola, and Odunjo is clear: the path to a governor from Ogun West requires collective effort, shared goals, and unwavering commitment. The coming years will be pivotal in determining whether this vision becomes a reality.