Ogun Chiefs and Retirees Back Yayi for Governor in 2027

The Ogun State Council of Baales and a group of retirees have thrown their support behind Senator Solomon Adeola, known as Yayi, who is running for governor under the All Progressives Congress.

The Baales and retirees, organized as the Yayi Retirees Network, shared their endorsement during meetings with Adeola in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, on Monday.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the groups said their support comes from their assessment of Adeola’s work over the years and their belief that he can lead Ogun State’s development.

Chief Tunji Falola, the Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Baales, read a communique stating that their endorsement is based on Adeola's “proven record of service, his demonstrated commitment to community development and our confidence in his vision for a greater Ogun State.”

Falola said, “His record of service speaks for itself. Across Ogun West and the 20 local government areas of the state today, Senator Yayi has delivered life-changing projects including roads, schools, hospitals, markets, town halls, streetlights, water schemes, transformers, electricity projects and extensive empowerment programmes.”

He added, “We also appreciate the respect and support he has consistently extended to traditional institutions, particularly the Council of Baales.”

Earlier, Falola mentioned that the Baales, being the closest traditional institution to the people, represent all parts of society and are committed to rallying votes for Adeola.

He described the senator as a philanthropist whose empowerment programmes have helped many people. “As Baales, we don’t just follow any politician, but we are supporting Senator Adeola because of his good deeds in society and his support for us over the last four years. We are committed to ensuring that he not only wins but wins with votes that will surpass the highest winning tally of 450,000 previously recorded in Ogun State,” he said.

Falola also urged the senator to set up a uniform salary structure for all Baales and include them in his administration from May 29, 2027, especially at the local government level.

Pastor (Mrs.) Mary Adeosun, the President of YAREN, spoke for the retirees. She said the group includes retirees from Ogun State who have worked in local, state, and federal public services.

Adeosun mentioned that the network has over 1,865 members and aims to grow to 7,000 retirees. “As an enlightened part of society that has served the state, we decided to come together to support Senator Adeola based on the projects he has implemented across Ogun State. Only a blind person will say he has not seen or benefited in one way or another from these projects,” she said.

She added that the group is self-funded through their pensions and envisions Ogun State as a model for others. Members believe Adeola is the right choice for governor in 2027.

Adeola thanked the Baales and retirees for their support and endorsement. He said his bond with traditional institutions started before the campaign.

“I will immediately provide a new bus for the Baales and also pledge to provide one for each local government area as requested in due course. I will also ensure that the issue of a uniform salary structure is addressed when I am elected governor,” he said.

He was pleased that the retirees backed him based on his record without meeting him first. “I cannot thank you enough for using your own resources just to support me based on your enlightened view and not any pecuniary consideration.”

Adeola continued, “This is indeed a first in my political experience to see people who are my mothers and fathers as retirees come together to adopt and work for a candidate even before meeting the candidate. I will not take you for granted.”

He promised to consider the proposals they submitted and to include them in his government to benefit from their experience.

Adeola was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Temitope Adeola; his running mate, Alhaja Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun; Ogun State APC Chairman, Yemi Sanusi; Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Kunle Salako; former Deputy Governor, Alhaja Salmot Badru; and former Speakers of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Mrs Titi Oseni and Suraju Adekumbi.

Others present included former Ogun APC Chairman, Chief Derin Adebiyi; former Ogun PDP Chairman, Dr Sikirulai Ogundele; Senator Lekan Mustapha; Hon. Bode Mustapha; former APC governorship aspirant, Kayode Jelili Amusan; Hon. Bukky Braimoh; Hon. Segun Seriki; Chief Femi Majekodunmi; Chief Tunde Osinowo; and other APC leaders.