The Ogun State Council of Baales and a coalition of retirees have thrown their weight behind the governorship ambition of the All Progressives Congress candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.
According to The Punch, the endorsements were announced during separate consultative meetings held with the APC flagbearer in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Monday.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, both the Baales and the retirees, under the umbrella of the Yayi Retirees Network, said their decision followed a careful assessment of Adeola’s track record and their conviction that he possesses the capacity to advance Ogun State’s development.
Presenting the Baales’ communiqué, the Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Baales, Chief Tunji Falola, said the endorsement was driven by Adeola’s “proven record of service, his demonstrated commitment to community development and our confidence in his vision for a greater Ogun State.”
He said, “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.”
Falola noted earlier that the Baales, being the traditional institution closest to the grassroots, represent every segment of society and were committed to mobilising massive support for Adeola at the polls.
He described the senator as a philanthropist whose empowerment initiatives had positively impacted many residents across the state.
“As Baales, we don’t just follow any politician, but we are supporting Senator Adeola because of his good deeds in society and his support for us over the last four years. We are committed to ensuring that he not only wins but wins with votes that will surpass the highest winning tally of 450,000 previously recorded in Ogun State,” he said.
The Baales’ chairman also appealed to the APC candidate to place all Baales on a uniform salary structure and include them in his administration from May 29, 2027, particularly at the local government level.
Speaking for the retirees, YAREN President, Pastor (Mrs.) Mary Adeosun, said the association consists of Ogun indigenes who retired from local, state and federal public service.
She disclosed that the network currently has more than 1,865 members and is targeting a membership strength of 7,000 retirees.
“As an enlightened part of society that has served 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 said.
Adeosun explained that the organisation is funded through members’ pensions and is committed to seeing Ogun State become a model for others, adding that members believe Adeola is best suited to govern the state from 2027.
In his response, Adeola appreciated both groups for endorsing his candidacy, noting that his relationship with the traditional institution predates the current political campaign.
“I will immediately provide a new bus for the Baales and also pledge to provide one for each local government area as requested in due course. I will also ensure that the issue of a uniform salary structure is addressed when I am elected governor,” he said.
The senator also expressed delight that the retirees endorsed him solely on the basis of his performance before any direct engagement with him.
He said, “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, so that we can tap into your wealth of experience.”
Adeola attended the meetings alongside his wife, Mrs. Temitope Adeola; his running mate, Alhaja Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun; Ogun APC Chairman, Yemi Sanusi; Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako; former Deputy Governor, Alhaja Salmot Badru; and former Speakers of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Mrs. Titi Oseni and Suraju Adekumbi.
Also present were former Ogun APC Chairman, Chief Derin Adebiyi; former Ogun PDP Chairman, Dr. Sikirulai Ogundele; Senator Lekan Mustapha; Hon. Bode Mustapha; former APC governorship aspirant, Kayode Jelili Amusan; Hon. Bukky Braimoh; Hon. Segun Seriki; Chief Femi Majekodunmi; Chief Tunde Osinowo; and other leaders of the APC.
