ABEOKUTA – The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), has unveiled plans to make Ogun an oil-producing state through commercial oil exploration, describing the initiative as a major step towards transforming the state’s economy and unlocking the vast potential of the coastal Ogun Waterside axis.
Adeola said his administration would prioritise the exploration of hydrocarbon deposits in the state’s coastal communities, while pursuing other strategic infrastructure projects, including the establishment of a deep seaport and the revival of the Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas (OKLNG) project.
According to him, the projects would expand Ogun’s revenue base, attract local and foreign investments, create employment opportunities and position the state as a key player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The APC governorship candidate made the pledge while addressing traditional rulers, during his presentation by Governor Dapo Abiodun, held at the Awujale’s Palace on Friday.
He assured them that his administration would consolidate on the developmental strides of Governor Dapo Abiodun and implement policies that would accelerate economic growth across the state.
“I appreciate the support our traditional rulers have given Governor Abiodun over the past seven years, and I assure you that we will build on his achievements while advancing projects that will accelerate the development of Ogun State,” Adeola said.
Beyond the economic agenda, Adeola also reiterated his support for the agitation for the creation of Ijebu State, pledging to ensure that Ijebuland receives equitable development and adequate government attention.
Speaking earlier, Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, sought the support and blessings of the Ijebu Traditional Council ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Addressing the traditional rulers, Governor Abiodun said his choice of Senator Adeola as his preferred successor was informed by the twin principles of equity and competence, stressing that the Ogun West Senatorial District deserves the opportunity to produce the state’s governor for the first time since Ogun was created 50 years ago.
He said his search was not for a third term by proxy, but for a capable leader who would consolidate on the achievements of his administration and sustain the state’s developmental momentum.
“I was not looking for a third term, but for somebody who would comfortably step into my shoes and continue to build on what we have achieved from day one,” the governor said.
“I was looking for that person from Ogun West because it is only fair and just. In the last 50 years since the creation of Ogun State, no son of Ogun West has had the opportunity to serve as governor. In Senator Solomon Adeola, I have found all the qualities I have been looking for.”
Governor Abiodun recalled the prayers and support he received from the traditional institution when he sought their blessings ahead of the 2019 election and appealed for the same goodwill to be extended to the APC governorship candidate.
“The same way you prayed for me in 2018 and have continued to support me over the past seven years, I ask that you extend the same prayers and support to him. I can confidently assure you that he will not disappoint the people of Ogun State,” he said.
The governor also canvassed support for the deputy governorship candidate, Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun, describing her as an accomplished professional whose corporate experience would complement Senator Adeola’s leadership.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements in Ijebuland, Governor Abiodun said the promises he made to the traditional rulers before assuming office had either been fulfilled or were at various stages of implementation.
He listed the reconstruction of the Ijebu-Ode-Epe Road, the Federal Government’s takeover of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), and the ongoing transformation of Ogun Waterside through strategic infrastructure and economic projects as evidence of his administration’s commitment to the area.
The governor also noted that Ogun Waterside, which had suffered years of neglect under previous administrations, was now receiving the attention it deserved.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Acting Chairman of the Ijebu Traditional Council and Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba, pledged the support of the royal fathers for Adeola’s governorship ambition.
The monarch also declared the traditional institution’s backing for Governor Abiodun’s bid for the Ogun East Senatorial seat, expressing confidence that continuity in leadership would facilitate the completion of ongoing developmental projects across the senatorial district.
The event, attended by APC Chairman Chief Yemi Sanusi, Prince Segun Adesegun, former deputy governor of Ogun State, Senator Lekan Mustapha, Senator Gbenga Kaka and stakeholders from the three senatorial districts of the state, climaxed with special royal blessings offered by the traditional rulers for Governor Abiodun, Senator Adeola and Mrs. Adegunwa-Balogun ahead of the 2027 elections.
