The Ogun State Council of Baales and a network of retired public servants have endorsed the governorship ambition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The endorsements came during separate consultative meetings held with the senator in Abeokuta, where influential grassroots stakeholders declared that his record in public office made him the preferred candidate to lead Ogun State.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, both groups said their decision followed an assessment of Adeola’s performance, particularly his constituency projects and empowerment initiatives across the state.
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Speaking on behalf of the Ogun State Council of Baales, the council chairman, Chief Tunji Falola, said the traditional institution unanimously endorsed the APC candidate because of his “proven record of service, commitment to community development and vision for a greater Ogun State.”
Falola said Adeola had delivered roads, schools, hospitals, markets, town halls, water projects, electricity infrastructure and empowerment programmes across the state’s 20 local government areas.
“We also appreciate the respect and support he has consistently extended to traditional institutions, particularly the Council of Baales,” he said.
He added that the Baales would mobilise strong grassroots support for the APC candidate and expressed confidence that he could record one of the biggest electoral victories in the state’s history.
The council also appealed to Adeola to introduce a uniform salary structure for Baales and give them greater roles in local governance if elected.
In another meeting, the President of the Yayi Retirees Network, Pastor (Mrs.) Mary Adeosun, announced the endorsement of the senator by retired public servants drawn from the local, state and federal civil service.
She said the network currently has more than 1,865 members and plans to expand to 7,000.
According to her, members decided to support Adeola because of the projects he had facilitated 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.
Responding, Adeola thanked both groups for their confidence in his leadership.
He pledged to provide a new bus for the Council of Baales and promised to extend similar support to each local government area over time.
The APC candidate also assured the traditional rulers that he would consider their request for a uniform salary structure if elected governor.
Addressing the retirees, Adeola said he was encouraged that they endorsed him based on his record even before meeting him personally.
He promised to review their proposals and ensure experienced retirees contribute to governance if elected.
Several APC leaders attended the meetings, including Ogun APC Chairman Yemi Sanusi, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Dr Iziaq Kunle Salako, former Deputy Governor Salmot Badru, former Speakers Titi Oseni and Suraju Adekumbi, alongside other party stakeholders.
