Ijebu Traditional Council Backs Adeola for Ogun Governorship, Endorses Abiodun’s Senate Bid

The Ijebu Traditional Council has endorsed Senator Olamilekan Adeola for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election and expressed support for Governor Dapo Abiodun’s bid to represent Ogun East Senatorial District in the Senate after the expiration of his tenure.

The endorsement was announced during a meeting of the council at the Awujale Palace in Ijebu-Ode on Friday, where Governor Abiodun presented Adeola and his running mate, Alhaja Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa Balogun, to the traditional rulers.

Speaking on behalf of the council, the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo, said the traditional rulers had resolved to support Adeola’s governorship aspiration. He attributed the decision to what he described as the senator’s contributions to infrastructure and development projects in Ogun State.

Adebajo also recalled that the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, had publicly expressed support for Adeola’s governorship ambition during the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival. He said the council would continue to support the aspiration in line with the late monarch’s position.

According to him, the Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas and the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, had also sought the support of the Ijebu Traditional Council for Adeola’s candidature.

Governor Abiodun, in his remarks, described the gathering as significant, recalling that he was introduced to the same council ahead of the 2019 governorship election by former Governor Olusegun Osoba.

The governor said he considered Adeola qualified to succeed him, citing his experience in public service and leadership.

“I have found a worthy successor in Senator Olamilekan Adeola. I was looking for someone with business experience, political maturity and leadership capacity who can sustain the developmental strides of this administration,” he said.

Responding, Adeola thanked the governor, the party leadership and the traditional rulers for their support.

He pledged to build on the programmes of the present administration if elected and promised to pursue policies aimed at expanding Ogun State’s economic opportunities.

The senator also said he would work towards maximising the state’s economic potential, including ongoing infrastructure projects such as the proposed deep seaport and other investments expected to boost economic activities.

He reiterated his commitment to consulting traditional institutions and other stakeholders across the state as preparations continue ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The meeting was attended by members of the Ijebu Traditional Council as well as leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State.