By Segun Olatunji
In what could be a strategic game changer in the 2027 Ogun State governorship race, Baales in the Ogun State Council of Baales and state retirees under Yayi Retirees Network (YAREN) have separately thrown their weight behind the aspiration of Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly called ‘YAYI’, the All Progressives Congress’ governorship candidate for the Ogun State governorship race.
In two separate strategic consultative meetings at H3 Event Centre in Abeokuta, the Baales and the Ogun State retirees stated that their endorsements were the outcome of the assessments of the person and good works of Senator Adeola over the years and their belief that he is better positioned to significantly develop Ogun State.
Reading the Baale’s Communique after narrating the beneficial relations the Baales have had with the APC flagbearer dating back to the past four years, Chief Tunji Falola, the Chairman of the Ogun state Council of Baales stated that the endorsement of Senator Adeola is borne out of his “proven record of service, his demonstrated commitment to community development and our confidence in his vision for a greater Ogun State.”
The communique further stated that “his record of service speaks for itself. Across Ogun West and indeed the 20 local government areas of the state today, Senator Yayi has delivered life- changing projects, including roads, schools, hospitals, markets, town halls streetlights, water schemes, transformers, electricity projects and extensive empowerment programmes. We also appreciate the respect and support he has consistently extended to traditional institutions, particularly the Council of Baales”.
Earlier in his address, Chief Falola said the Baales represents all sections of the society and groups as the closest to members of their communities at the grassroots and are poised to deliver unprecedented votes for Senator Adeola, stressing that he is a philanthropist that has brought succour to the needy in society with his massive empowerment programmes.
“As Baales we don’t just follow any politician but we are in support of Senator Adeola for his good deeds in the society and good gestures towards us in the last four years. We are committed to ensuring that he will not only win but win with massive votes that will surpass the highest winning votes of 450,000 previously recorded in Ogun state” he stated.
He thereafter appealed to the Senator to ensure that all Baales are on uniform salary structure as well as make them part of his administration from May 29, 2027, particularly at the local government level, stressing that they will not want a situation of “use and dump.”
Similarly, Pastor (Mrs.) Mary Adeosun, the President of YAREN, said they are retirees of Ogun State origin from local, state and federal government services, adding that their members number over 1,865 with a target for 7000 Ogun State retirees.
“As enlightened part of the society that had put in service for the state, we decided to come together to support Senator Adeola based on the projects he has implemented across Ogun State. Only a blind person will say he has not seen or benefited in one way or another from these projects,” she stated.
She said their organisation, which is self-funded from their pension, has a vision of an Ogun State that will be a model to other states, stressing that they are convinced that Senator Adeola is the right person for the position of governor come May 29, 2027.
These were contained in a statement on Tuesday by Senator Adeola’s Media Adviser, High Chief Kayode Odunaro.
Senator Adeola, in his response to these massive endorsements by the two bodies, thanked both the Baales and YAREN members for their unalloyed support and endorsements, stressing that his relationship with the Baales did not start because of election but the crucial role they play in community development.
“I will immediately get a new bus for the Baales with a pledge to get one per LGA as requested, in due course. I will also ensure the issue of uniform salary structure is addressed when I am elected governor,” he stated.
For YAREN, Senator Adeola said he was dazed at their decision to support him based solely on his work and performance even without meeting him personally, stressing that instead of campaigning for their support, they are the ones canvassing for support for him.
“I cannot thank you enough for using your own resources just to support me based on your enlightened view and not any pecuniary consideration. This is indeed a first in my political experience to see people who are my mothers and fathers as retirees come together to adopt and work for a candidate even before meeting the candidate. I will not take you for granted. I will look into the proposal you submitted to me and will ensure you are part of my government when elected to tap from your wealth of experiences,” he stated.
At the two events, Senator Adeola was in company with his wife Mrs. Temitope Adeola; deputy governorship candidate, Alhaja Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun; Ogun State APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi; the Minister of State for Health and Social Services, Dr. Kunle Salako; Alhaja Salmot Badru, former deputy governor of Ogun State; Rt. Hons. Titi Oseni and Suraju Adekumbi, both former speakers of the Ogun State House of Assembly; Chief Derin Adebiyi, former APC State Chairman; Hon Sikirulai Ogundele, former Ogun PDP chairman now in APC; Senator Lekan Mustapha; Hon. Bode Mustapha, the Osi of Egbaland; Hon. Kayode Amusan, a former governorship aspirant of APC; Hon. Bukky Braimoh; Hon Segun Seriki; Chief Femi Majekodunmi and Chief Tunde Osinowo, among other APC leaders and well -wishers.
