By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Kayode Oladele has commended Awori traditional rulers in Ogun West, for what he described as their courageous and principled support for the aspiration of Ogun West to produce the next governor of Ogun State in 2027.

Oladele, a former member of the House of Representatives, said the position expressed by the monarchs during the visit of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, to the palace of the Olota of Ota reflected the collective desire of the people of Ogun West to end what he described as decades of political marginalisation.

He particularly commended the Olota of Ota, Oba Prof. Adeyemi AbdulKabir Obalanlege, and other Awori monarchs for articulating their position with dignity, clarity and a strong sense of responsibility.

According to Oladele, the agitation for an Ogun West governorship is neither a Yewa nor an Awori agenda, but a collective aspiration of the people of the Ogun West Senatorial District.

“For 50 years since the creation of Ogun State in 1976, our people in Ogun West have waited patiently for an opportunity to govern the state through the democratic process. While our brothers and sisters from the other senatorial districts have had opportunities to produce elected governors, Ogun West has never had the privilege of producing a democratically elected governor of Ogun State,” he said.

He added: “this is why the position taken by our revered Awori Obas is significant. It is not simply about supporting Yayi; it is about equity, fairness, inclusion and the legitimate aspiration of an entire senatorial district that has contributed enormously to the development, prosperity and political stability of Ogun State.

“The Awori people are an important and integral part of Ogun West, just as the Yewa people are. We are one people, bound together by history, geography and a common political destiny. The aspiration to produce the next governor, therefore, belongs collectively to every community, every traditional institution and every citizen of Ogun West.”

Oladele said the candidacy of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, presented Ogun West with a historic opportunity to realise its long-standing aspiration, citing the senator’s experience, competence and political reach across the three senatorial districts.

He said the growing support for Yayi outside Ogun West was an indication that the agitation for power rotation and equity was gradually being embraced as a broader Ogun State project rather than a sectional demand.

“What our people seek is not a privilege at the expense of anybody. We seek an opportunity to participate fully and equitably in the leadership of a state to which we all belong. After half a century, this is a reasonable, legitimate and morally compelling aspiration,” Oladele said.

“We are particularly encouraged that our brothers and sisters in Ogun Central and Ogun East increasingly appreciate the justice of this cause. Ogun West has supported candidates from other parts of the state at different times in our political history. We believe that 2027 presents an opportunity for that goodwill to be reciprocated.”

The former federal lawmaker also praised the Awori monarchs for the manner in which they received Adebutu, noting that they were able to engage him respectfully while remaining firm in their position on the Ogun West governorship agenda.

He said their conduct demonstrated that political differences could be managed without hostility and that traditional institutions could champion the aspirations of their people while promoting peace, mutual respect and unity across the state.

“The message from our revered royal fathers is clear: there is nothing to fight about. This is about fairness. It is about a people who have waited for 50 years, asking their fellow citizens to support them in achieving an aspiration that has remained unfulfilled since the creation of Ogun State,” he said.

Oladele urged stakeholders in Ogun West to sustain constructive engagement with people across the state, stressing that the emergence of Yayi as governor in 2027 should be viewed as an opportunity to advance equity and inclusion.

“I therefore salute the Olota of Ota and all the Awori Obas for standing firmly with the collective aspiration of Ogun West. Their intervention strengthens our resolve and sends a powerful message that Ogun West is united in purpose.

“The task before us now is to continue engaging our brothers and sisters across Ogun State with humility and respect and to demonstrate that the emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, Yayi, as governor in 2027 will not be a victory for Ogun West alone. It will be a victory for equity, inclusion and the unity of the entire Ogun State.”

He further described Yayi as a candidate with the experience, capacity and broad-based political support required to translate the region’s long-standing aspiration into reality.

“With Senator Yayi, Ogun West has a candidate with the experience, capacity and broad-based support required to translate this historic aspiration into reality. By the grace of God and with the support of the good people of Ogun State, 2027 will mark the beginning of a new chapter of fairness and inclusive leadership in our dear state,” Oladele said.