….vow to mobilize 500,000 votes for Tinubu, Adeola

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governorship aspiration of Solomon Olamilekan Adeola have received a major boost, as coronet kings, traditional heads (Baale) and market leaders in Ogun West senatorial district declared their support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At a well-attended gathering held at Empire Pavilion Ground, Ilaro, over 1,000 Baales, market men and women unanimously adopted and endorsed President Tinubu for a second term, while also throwing their weight behind Adeola, as their preferred candidate for the Ogun State governorship.

The groups cited what they described as the “sterling performance” of the Tinubu administration, alongside the developmental projects facilitated by Adeola across Ogun West and other parts of the state, as justification for their decision.

Speaking on behalf of the market community, the Babaloja of Yewaland, Chief Adewale Adesina, said the endorsement was a collective decision taken voluntarily by stakeholders.

“Our decision to adopt and endorse these leaders is not influenced by any monarch or politician. It is a product of our conviction and appreciation of their performance,” he said.

Adesina, however, urged members of the public, particularly traders, to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that electoral participation remained key to actualizing their political choices.

“We will mobilize massively. Our target is to deliver no fewer than 500,000 votes for President Tinubu’s re-election and Senator Adeola’s governorship ambition,” he added.

He further declared that Ogun West’s quest to produce the next governor was long overdue.

“To adopt and endorse is not a crime. Yewa-Awori deserves the governorship seat, and we have identified a man with the competence and capacity to lead the state,” Adesina stated.

Also speaking, the Iyaloja General of Ogun State, Chief (Mrs.) Yemisi Abass, reaffirmed the loyalty of market women to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. We are fully in support of President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. As for Ogun State, it is the turn of Ogun West, and Senator Adeola is our preferred choice,” she declared.

In separate remarks, some Baales, including Simeon Fagbohun, Anthony Akinbode and Sanni Ahmed, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Ogun State Baales Forum, maintained that the endorsement followed extensive consultations.

“No one compelled us. This is the outcome of our deliberations. President Tinubu has performed creditably and deserves a second term,” they said.

They also expressed confidence in Adeola’s capacity to govern the state.

“Considering what he has done for Ogun West and beyond as a senator, we are convinced he will deliver even more as governor. We hereby adopt President Tinubu for re-election and Senator Adeola as Ogun West’s sole governorship aspirant,” they declared.

The traditional rulers cautioned against misinformation, noting that despite visible projects, critics continued to spread false narratives.

To formalise their position, communiqués affirming the endorsements were read and signed by leaders of the Baales Forum and market associations.

Similarly, coronet kings from Ogun West extraction aligned with the position, announcing their endorsement of both Tinubu and Adeola.

In a communique read by the Obiyan of Alari, Oba Isaac Kehinde Adeisha, the monarchs described Adeola as a tested and trusted leader.

“We are making our position known publicly with one voice. Senator Adeola is our sole aspirant based on his proven track record,” the statement read.

The endorsement is seen by political observers as a significant development in the build-up to the 2027 elections, particularly amid growing agitation for power shift to Ogun West.