ABEOKUTA — Veteran journalist and Chief of Staff to Senator Olamilekan Adeola, Chief Kayode Odunaro, has urged residents of Ogun State to support his principal’s governorship ambition, describing Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as a politician committed to addressing what he termed decades of injustice in the state.
Odunaro made the call at the 60th birthday celebration of his wife, Susan Odunaro, in Abeokuta, where a gathering meant to celebrate the celebrant was transformed into a platform for canvassing support for Adeola ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking to guests at the ceremony, Odunaro said Adeola’s political project dated back to 2012, arguing that his principal had remained committed to what he described as a cause to correct historical injustices in Ogun State.
He appealed to the people of the state to consider Adeola’s candidature in the 2027 election, citing his record as a senator and his proposed ITESIWAJU nine-pillar agenda as part of the basis for his support.
Odunaro, who openly expressed his affiliation with the All Progressives Congress (APC), repeatedly chanted, “Yayi ni joo, Yayi ni jare,” with the slogan subsequently taken up by several guests at the event.
He also expressed confidence in Adeola’s chances in the 2027 governorship election, saying he believed the APC candidate would emerge victorious.
According to him, Adeola represents the political direction he believes Ogun State requires in the next administration.
The Chief of Staff further urged eligible voters to protect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), warning them against surrendering the cards to politicians or individuals who might seek to obtain them for personal or political interests.
Odunaro maintained that Adeola’s legislative experience and the proposed ITESIWAJU nine-pillar agenda positioned him as a candidate capable of offering a different direction for the state.
The birthday celebration began with a service attended by family members, friends and associates.
The programme featured praise and worship, hymns, Bible reading, citation of the celebrants, testimonies, exhortation, prayers for the celebrants and their family, as well as a recessional hymn.
The celebration also coincided with the 21st birthday of the couple’s second son, Timilehin Odunaro.
The reception later moved to the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors Hall in the Magbon area of Abeokuta, where guests were entertained with food, drinks and music from different generations.
Among the dignitaries who attended were Pastor Sam Adeniran, Assistant Pastor in charge of CSR at the Redeemed Christian Church of God; Pastor Olufunbi Kuye of RCCG Kings Court Provincial Headquarters; Professor Joyce Ogwezi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; retired Professor Olulana of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, Director-General of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON); Hon. Olufemi Ogunbanwo, representing Ijebu-Ode Federal Constituency; Hon. Bukky Braimoh, former member of the House of Representatives; Hon. Tunde Tella, representing Abeokuta North State Constituency; Alhaji Lawal Arolat; and US-based Prince Sola Olabode.
