A Call for Unity and Vision in Ogun West
Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health, has emphasized the need for a united front 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 will require unity, sincerity, and a focus on collective goals rather than personal 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.
The minister spoke alongside Abiodun Sherif, the Majority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, and stressed the importance of genuine collaboration for Ogun West to achieve its long-desired goal. He stated, “The journey to 2027 begins now, and the foundation of victory is unity. No party, no movement, and no vision can thrive in division.”
He further elaborated on the significance of the meeting, saying it was crucial for strengthening the bond that holds the state together, reconciling differences where they exist, and reminding everyone that their collective future is more important than any personal ambition.
Salako noted that Senator Adeola has demonstrated the capacity, competence, and compassion needed to consolidate Governor Abiodun’s achievements. He described the senator 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 and Leadership
Former Senator Lekan Mustapha, represented by Dapo Oke, Registrar of Tai Solarin University of Education, also spoke at the event. He described Senator Adeola as “a politician with a difference” who has brought significant infrastructural development to the state. Mustapha 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
As the discussions continue, the focus remains on building a unified front that can drive Ogun West toward achieving its goal of producing a governor in 2027. The message is clear: success will not be achieved through individual efforts alone but through collective action, shared vision, and a commitment to the greater good of the state.