The Ogun monarchs and traders mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re‑election bid and the governorship ambition of Senator Solomon Adeola ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring readiness for grassroots mobilisation to deliver votes.
The event took place on Wednesday at Ilaro, Ogun State, where market leaders, coronet traditional rulers, community heads and other stakeholders gathered under the auspices of the Baales Forum to publicly express their support for the re‑election of President Tinubu and the governorship ambition of Senator Adeola, also known as “Yayi,” who represents Ogun West Senatorial District.
A significant number of Ogun West community leaders, including traders and chiefs, were present. They emphasised that their mobilisation efforts would centre on voter education and participation when the general elections are held in January and February 2027.
At the programme, the Babaloja of Yewaland and Ogun State, Chief Adewale Adesina, cited perceived contributions of President Tinubu and Senator Adeola to infrastructural development and community well‑being as key reasons for their decision to mobilise support.
Chief Adesina said:
“President Bola Tinubu, since assuming office, has spared no effort to reposition the country. He has taken some tough economic reform decisions that are beginning to stabilise our finances.
We can see his efforts across the country, and it is because of this purposeful leadership that we believe he should be supported to continue beyond 2027.”
He added that Senator Adeola’s leadership in Ogun West has facilitated several projects, including schools, roads, hospitals and empowerment programmes that have benefited residents.
Chief Adesina stressed that endorsement alone would not translate into electoral outcomes without active voter participation. He urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the elections.
He said:
“Yes, it is good for us to gather here in large numbers and endorse President Tinubu for a second term and Senator Solomon Adeola for his governorship ambition, but this must be backed by action.
Politics is a game of numbers. Without a voter card, you cannot vote, and if you do not vote, then you are not counted.”
The group said it plans to launch an operation tagged “Show Your PVC” to encourage voter registration and turnout, with a mobilisation target of at least 500,000 votes for both Tinubu and Adeola in the 2027 polls.
Also addressing the gathering, the Iyaloja of Yewaland and Iyaloja‑General of Ogun State, Chief Yemisi Abass, expressed confidence in the continuity of the work of both leaders, stating that traders were committed to achieving this through grassroots mobilisation.
She said the traders’ declaration of support was intended to ensure continuity of what she described as the “good work” of both President Tinubu and Senator Adeola.
Representatives of the Baales Forum, including Simeon Fagbohun, pledged that over 1,000 community heads were prepared to mobilise support for the pair.
They outlined various developmental projects they attributed to Adeola’s representation, such as roads, schools, markets and health centres, as reasons for their backing.
Speaking on behalf of the coronet rulers of Ogun West, Oba Isaac Adeisa, the Ogiyan of Alari, said the monarchs resolved to support Tinubu’s re‑election and Adeola’s governorship ambition after considering their contributions to economic and community development.
Oba Adeisa said:
“Having considered the efforts of President Tinubu in revamping the economy, as well as the developmental projects facilitated by Senator Adeola, the coronet Obas have decided to endorse Tinubu’s re‑election for another term of four years. And also support the 2027 governorship ambition of Senator Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.”
The mobilisation by traditional leaders and market associations in Ogun West highlights early grassroots efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections scheduled to begin with the presidential poll on January 16, 2027, followed by governorship and state assembly elections on February 6, 2027.
