As political permutations ahead of 2027 gather momentum, all eyes are on Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as YAYI, who is widely tipped to contest for the governorship of Ogun State.
With a track record of legislative excellence, constituency projects, and grassroots engagement, stakeholders across the state believe a YAYI administration would put Ogun’s development on fast-track.
1. A Proven Record of Delivery
Senator YAYI is currently serving his second term in the Senate, representing Ogun West Senatorial District. Before that, he represented Lagos West for 8 years.
His signature is on hundreds of federal projects: schools, roads, health centers, ICT centers, and empowerment programs spread across Ogun and Lagos.
A community leader in Yewa said:
“YAYI is not a stranger to development. Wherever he goes, projects follow. Ogun needs that kind of capacity in 2027.”
2. The Case for “Fast-Track” Development.
Ogun State, Nigeria’s industrial hub, faces key challenges: infrastructure gaps, youth unemployment, and the need to maximize its border economy with Benin Republic.
Analysts argue that Senator YAYI’s national network, budgeting experience as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, and relationship with the Presidency place him in a unique position to attract federal investment and PPPs to Ogun.
Political economist Dr. Femi Olukoya noted:
“Fast-track development requires 3 things: access, experience, and execution. Senator Adeola has all three. He knows how the federal budget works and how to bring projects home.”
3. Key Focus Areas of a YAYI Administration
Sources close to the Senator say his 2027 agenda will prioritize:
1. Industrialization 2.0 – Expanding the Agbara, Ota, and Sagamu corridors to create more jobs.
2. Agriculture & Export – Leveraging Ogun’s cocoa, cassava, and rice value chains for FX earnings
3. Infrastructure – Completing key inter-city roads and improving rural-urban connectivity
4. Youth & Technology – Tech hubs and skills centers in all 3 senatorial districts
5. Healthcare & Education – Upgrading general hospitals and investing in vocational training
4. Grassroots Momentum
Across Ogun West, Central, and East, “YAYI 2027” support groups have been holding town halls and empowerment outreaches. Market women, artisans, and youth groups cite his accessibility and consistent empowerment as reasons for their support.
A youth leader in Ilaro said: “We don’t want trial and error in 2027. We want someone who already knows how government works. That person is YAYI.”
5. Aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Proponents also argue that a Governor YAYI would align perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring Ogun gets priority attention in federal allocations, rail, energy, and port access projects.
CONCLUSION
With 2027 approaching, the conversation in Ogun is shifting from “who” to “capacity to deliver.” For many, Senator Adeola YAYI represents continuity, competence, and connections.
As a former Governor and APC chieftain, Akinrogun Olusegun Osoba puts it: “If we want Ogun development in fast-track, then we need a governor who already has the keys to Abuja. YAYI has those keys.”
In the next 5 months, i am sure that the electorates will give YAYI their mandate, to prove their desire for greater Ogun State.
Samson O. Oderinde, JP is former Executive Chairman, Yewa North Local Government and former Senior Special Adviser to Deputy Governor of Ogun State. He writes in from Igbogila-Yewa
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