Sen. Solomon Adeola (Yayi) Is The Next Governor Of Ogun State, Says Prof. Ajibola
"I'm working assiduously for Sen. Adeola's success in 2027 as our next Governor.
By Charles Segun Adegbite
His immeasurable passion for the actualisation of the governorship ambition of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola in 2027 is amazing. You can think he has been hypnotized by the man everyone knows as Yayi.
But Prof. Abdulwahid Ajibola is neither hypnotized nor intoxicated. Read the full interview to discover why this university don is going about campaigning vigorously for a man who has not even officially declared his intention to succeed the incumbent governor.
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SPM: Please, can you tell us briefly who Prof Ajibola is?
I am Abdulwahid Ajibola from Ijaye-Kunmi, Abeokuta South Local Government of Ogun State. A Professor of Nutritional Physiology and Public Health Advocate.
I have been teaching medical students for more than two decades nationally and in foreign universities. And I have contributed my expertise immensely to the development of medical education in Nigeria.
Prof Ajibola was part of the team responsible for the review and development of the Physiology curriculum aspect of the BMAS (Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards) for undergraduate programme of Medicine & Surgery, facilitated by National Universities Commission, Abuja for use in Nigerian universities.
I have held some administrative positions within the university system both in Nigeria and foreign medical schools. These include Head of Department; Dean of Faculty; as well as Chairman of Staff Training & Development Committee.
I have also been Senate member of universities at different times. In my quest for the enthronement of good governance in Ogun State, I am the founder and coordinator of a non-governmental organization (NGO) called Omoluabi Support for Good Governance Group, and that’s why some associates often called me OMOLUABI.
SPM. Do you have anything you are doing outside the university community, apart from being an academic?
I am into farming; because agriculture is the in-thing for self-sufficiency, sustainability and food security.
I am also in the telecommunication industry as a Director of InterThinQ Tell Limited, a telecommunication giant working towards laying optic fibers for direct internet connectivity between the United States of America and Nigeria.
As an academic, I have three core mandates vis-Ã -vis teaching; research and community service. A life that’s not impactful is unfulfilled, so I like making impacts on people and my immediate environment.
As such, I’m not paying lip-service to this third leg of my academic mandate, which is community service. I have championed roads rehabilitation and facilitated water channels construction in my immediate community.
I am very much optimistic that it’ll materialize, having committed YAYI project to Allah and with the continuous prayers of YAYI’s beneficiaries, admirers and supporters, as well as people of goodwill.
These community works and development earned me recognition and elevated my status as a Community leader. In recognition of these laudable efforts of mine a street was named after me thus: Professor Abdulwahid Ajibola Crescent, Sagamu.
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SPM. How long have you been in politics, if you're a politician? And what are some of the practical politics have you been involved in?
I am not a politician, but a technocrat with yearnings and aspirations to contribute my expertise to governance for the growth and development of my dear (Ogun) state.
It’s not enough calling and clamouring for good governance alone, without participatory efforts and keen involvement to better the lots of our people. It is common with some professionals and most technocrats shying away from politics and governance under the guise of the notion: “Politics is a dirty game”.
My passion for YAYI’s emergence as Ogun State Governor come 2027 informed my recent self-sponsored journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Umrah (lesser Hajj) for fervent prayers to Allah for his triumph, victory and success in all polls (primary and general elections).
Who’ll sanitise it, if people like us that have something to offer stay aloof? That’s the reason that informed my wanting to “Bell the cat”, Take the bull by the horns, and ensure that the most distinguished Senator, a man symbolizing good governance, get the mandate to govern Ogun State come 2027.
And that is no other person than Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola YAYI.
SPM. If you are just joining politics, are you joining because the APC is in power or because of Senator Solomon Adeola ?
As I said earlier, I am in politics to contribute positively and practically to the lives of the people of Ogun State and Nigeria at large. My objective about politics as stated above attracted me to that man of vision and accomplishments, Senator Solomon Adeola.
So, frankly speaking the essence of my joining politics is to add value and quality, as well as contribute my expertise, experience and intellectual capacity to governance for the growth and development of Ogun State, though preferably under YAYI for the principle of equity, fairness and justice to be upheld.
SPM. Why are you so passionate about Senator Olamilekan Adeola?
I am very passionate about Senator Adeola because I strongly believe he is able and capable of achieving great things for my (Ogun) state which is also in line with my dreams, aspirations and vision for the State.
I am an advocate of good governance, which Yayi (Sen. Adeola) symbolizes, and thus I am working assiduously for his success.
For me as a person, work and prayers go together simultaneously. And as a Muslim who believe very much in the powers of prayers, I have committed this YAYI project to the hands of Almighty Allah.
Prof AbdulWaheed Ajibola
My passion for YAYI’s emergence as Ogun State Governor come 2027 informed my recent self-sponsored journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Umrah (lesser Hajj) for fervent prayers to Allah for his triumph, victory and success in all polls (primary and general elections).
I am of the very strong opinion that Senator Adeola is best qualified to rule our dear state come 2027.
In addition, he has proved himself to be someone with ability and capability for governance with neither ethnic bias nor religious sentiments.
He has been tried and tested with one-third of the state as the Senator representing the good people of Ogun West senatorial district, he’s proven to be a worthy leader to be trusted.
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SPM. Do you think the issue of zoning formula would favour him in 2026 when it is time for primary elections?
Yes! The zoning would favour him if principle of equity, fairness and justice is anything to go by, as no indigene of Yewa/Awori extraction has ever governed the state since creation in 1976.
Perhaps that informed the unanimous feeling currently in the State now that it is high time Ogun West should have a taste of leadership in the Gateway state.
The zoning would favour him if principle of equity, fairness and justice is anything to go by, as no indigene of Yewa/Awori extraction has ever governed the state since creation in 1976.
For the sake of clarity, it is on record that Ogun East has produced three civilian governors till date (Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and now Prince Dapo Abiodun), while Ogun Central has produced two governors (Chief Olusegun Osoba and Senator Ibikunle Amosun). For Ogun West, it's nill till date.
And this is one geographical area that is responsible for the buoyancy of Ogun State in terms of internally generated revenue (IGR). Ogun West generates tremendous IGR for the State, as most companies and industries paying heavy taxes are located in that axis.
Without mincing words, Ogun West is the productive hen laying the golden eggs in Ogun State. In complimenting the economic prowess of the Yewa zone, Ogun State designation as frontier for Oil exploration is also in the offing with the recent discovery of crude oil in Tongeji island of Ipokia local government area of Ogun State.
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Thus, Ogun State will also join the oil producing State and benefit from 13% derivation revenue, courtesy of the oil-rich Tongeji island of Ogun West. This highly productive zone should not be short-changed. And, as such, the precious hen laying the golden eggs would be so honoured by God’s grace.
Yewa people are very fortunate this time around to be blessed with an illustrious son in person of Senator YAYI, currently representing the Ogun West constituents in the Upper Legislative arm of the National Assembly.
YAYI is an uncommon politician as he has been supporting several people from near and far; constituents and people outside his constituency alike, borne out of his compassion, magnanimity and sheer benevolence.
He can be best described as Ilufemiloye of Ogun State (People want me on the throne; People want me to lead).
Without mincing words, Ogun West is the productive hen laying the golden eggs in Ogun State.
He has thrusted his name into the mouths of almost all the inhabitants of Ogun State, as he’s been enshrined in the hearts of all and sundry through his good works, unalloyed benevolence and pristine humanitarian services.
Let me even give you a shocker. It’s noteworthy that his former constituents are still benefitting from his generosity till date. People on monthly stipends; routine assistance; impromptu help and benevolence, and so on and so forth.
These are people that Senator Adeola is not expecting their votes as they are non-inhabitants of Ogun State. That’s on individual levels.
At the senatorial district level, Senator Adeola has been doing developmental projects in all sectors, vis-Ã -vis Agriculture; Health; Education; Commerce; Transportation including road construction and provision of automobiles; Human capital development through Youth training and Traders and Artisans empowerment.
Name it.
The list is endless, as there’s hardly an aspect of human endeavour that our governorship hopeful has not touched. All those giant strides made within a sphere of one year as Ogun West Senator.
You can imagine if such a person has Executive power in the entire state. Your guess is as good as mine; with the transformational changes that will bath the Gateway State at the end of his tenure.
You’ll agree with me that the issue of Senator Adeola’s emergence as APC candidate come 2026 goes beyond mere Yewa/ Awori agitation now. YAYI is a household name throughout the nooks and crannies of Ogun State now.
I am very much optimistic that it’ll materialize, having committed YAYI project to Allah and with the continuous prayers of YAYI’s beneficiaries, admirers and supporters, as well as people of goodwill.
I am of the strong belief that our individual and collective efforts will yield positive results in favour of our governorship hopeful, YAYI. We’ll also compliment these efforts by consultation with people and Stake holders within and outside the party (APC).
With all the aforementioned, YAYI will emerge victorious not only at the party primary elections but also at the gubernatorial election, and become our Governor come 2027 by God’s grace. Ogun State cannot settle for anything less.
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SPM: In politics they always say "there's no permanent friend and no permanent enemy, only permanent interest". What is your permanent interest in politics, if there's?
I appreciate the insight behind that quote, it’s quite impressive. My permanent interest is the wellbeing, growth and development of the people of Ogun State in particular and Nigeria at large.
This implies that I will naturally be interested in someone whose interest aligns with mine in that regard. And that’s part of what endeared Senator Adeola to me naturally. There cannot be any meaningful development without ensuring equitable access to education for all.
The list is endless, as there’s hardly an aspect of human endeavour that our governorship hopeful has not touched. All those giant strides made within a sphere of one year as Ogun West Senator.
That brings us to my primary constituency, Academia & Education. I believe education is foundational for opportunity, growth and development. This belief emanates from my own personal experience and the impact I’ve seen education have on communities empowerment.
While I hold this interest deeply, I recognize that achieving it requires collaboration with various stakeholders and sometimes shifting alliances to promote effective policies. Ultimately, my focus remains on making a positive impact on people's lives.
SPM. Do you have any life principles you live by? What is it, if there's any?
Without being immodest, I belong to the crème de la crème of the society that’s the academia that are highly principled people. Personally, by Allah’s grace being a Muslim makes me more principled.
My core life principles are justice and equity (fairness) to all irrespective of ethnic / geographic background and religious affiliations and service above self.
This principle reminds me that true leadership is about service to humanity; making impacts on people’s lives positively; and prioritizing the needs of the people over personal interests. It's crucial for effective governance.
These have been my guiding principles as a university administrator and community leader. And have influenced my championing initiatives that directly addressed people's concerns, even when they required sacrifices on my part.
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This principle will always drive me to advocate for policies that genuinely improve lives, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and prioritized in decision making.
SPM. Are there things you are doing towards making your dream of seeing Senator Adeola becomes governor in 2027?
I am fully committed to seeing Senator Adeola become governor in 2027. To support this goal, I’m actively organizing community forums to raise awareness about his policies and vision.
I’m also working to mobilize volunteers and build a strong grassroots network that can engage voters directly. Collaboration is key, so I’ve partnered with local organizations to amplify our outreach efforts and ensure diverse voices are included in the conversation and mobilization.
Grassroots engagement is vital in building trust and support, and I believe that when people feel connected to the campaign, we can achieve significant momentum.
I am fully committed to seeing Senator Adeola become governor in 2027. To support this goal, I’m actively organizing community forums to raise awareness about his policies and vision.
Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to a movement that not only supports Senator Adeola but also indirectly address the needs and aspirations of our community; thereby paving the way for positive change and good governance in Ogun State.
There are continuous prayer and campaign for his emergence at the primary and the gubernatorial elections. Mobilization and sensitization of the established and new structures for his emergence will be fully sustained and activated.
In addition, efforts are geared towards projecting his image within and outside the State, through media publications and personal interactions.
In fact, as mentioned earlier, I just returned from the KSA where I performed Umrah (lesser Hajj) praying fervently for the emergence of YAYI as APC candidate and his landslide victory at the general polls.
Beyond that, regular prayer sessions are often organised because the belief is that God is the Ultimate Decider of everything. It equally goes in line with the principle of Work and Pray.
SPM. If he offers you an appointment to join him in the mission to keep on building a greater Ogun State, what would be your reaction to it?
The issue of being offered an appointment in YAYI’s administration is secondary now. What is paramount to me in this YAYI project is our governorship hopeful emerging victorious.
The reason is not far-fetched, I love my country and adore my state so much, and as such wish for the growth and development of this Gateway State, a cause I believe will happen with YAYI’s mandate.
Senator Adeola’s vision for a greater Ogun State aligns closely with my own goals for progress and development of our State. I believe that by working together, we can address the challenges our state faces and implement solutions that will be of immense benefits to our citizens.
Hence, in the light of that, I will gladly accept it if he regards me as someone that can work with him for the continuous progress of our State. That would afford me the opportunity of contributing my own quota and expertise as a technocrat.
Thus, making meaningful impacts on the entire citizenry of Ogun State. It’ll go a long way in making my State great and also a reference point for other States in the federation, and beyond.
As such, I am ready to bring my expertise and experience to bear with full dedication and collaborate with Senator Adeola for a formidable team to drive impactful initiatives.
SPM. In less than one and a half years, Ogun State will be 50 years old, what are some of the things you think need to be done for Golden Jubilee of the State to really worth celebration?
The attainment of the golden age is not a small thing, but a landmark achievement and laudable milestone. Thus, the Golden Jubilee of Ogun State deserves thoughtful planning prior to celebration.
To make it truly worthwhile, we should focus on a few key areas, but I’ll just summarise thus: First, we could organize a series of cultural festivals that celebrate our rich heritage, similar to how Lagos showcased its diverse culture during the State’s anniversary.
Events like art exhibitions, music festivals, and local cuisines presentation can highlight the uniqueness of Ogun State and foster a sense of pride among residents.
Secondly, it's essential to initiate legacy projects that can have a lasting impact. For example, we could establish community development programmes focusing on Art exhibition, Education and health, ensuring that the celebration leads to tangible benefits for our citizens.
This is where the inhabitants come in; the indigenes and residents alike. Thus, involving the people and communities is crucial. We could create opportunities for residents to participate in planning, ensuring that people’s voices are heard and their contributions valued.
This could be in form of contests for local artists or scholars to present their ideas on the future of Ogun State. Ultimately, the Golden Jubilee should not just be a mere celebration, but a Launchpad for the future, while reflecting on our past with the appreciation of the present.
In addition, Sports appear to be a unifier of people from diverse spheres of life. As such, the Sports festival to be hosted by our dear state is a step in the right direction and a good preamble to our golden jubilee anniversary celebration.
This is based on the wisdom and vision of our dear governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in building capacity. It will no doubt foster unity and inspire us all to contribute to a greater Ogun State.
SPM. What would be your advice for all political gladiators who would be running for various offices in the State in 2027, ahead of the time?
As we approach the 2027 general elections, my candid advice to all politicians in Ogun State is to prioritize thorough preparation and genuine engagement with the electorates.
The candidates and their promoters should focus on transparency and integrity. Voters are increasingly discerning, and as such political aspirants being honest about their intentions and policies are crucial for building trust.
They should also engage with the grassroots as a matter of necessity. Listening to their constituents and understanding their needs will not only inform campaign strategies but also demonstrate a commitment to public service.
Additionally, campaigns should be centered around clear, actionable policies rather than empty promises and vague slogans. It is noteworthy that voters are becoming more enlightened and appreciate candidates who can articulate their visions with mission and provide concrete plans for addressing the issues that matter most to them.
The issue of being offered an appointment in YAYI’s administration is secondary now. What is paramount to me in this YAYI project is our governorship hopeful emerging victorious.
I’ll also urge all political aspirants and their supporters to foster a spirit of unity and sportsmanship. The elections are about serving the people of Ogun State, and collaboration among candidates can lead to a more robust democratic process that benefits everyone.
Let’s remember that our ultimate goal is to create a better future for our State.
Lastly, I’ll advise all political gladiators and players within the state to have the mindset of making Ogun State the centre of attraction to Nigerians and foreigners.
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Politicians should be more decorous, and let’s play the game by the rules, afterall it’s all about service to humanity. They should address issue of development of the State, shun violence/thuggery and come up with attainable programmes and projects.
SPM. What can be done to arrest youth restiveness vis-Ã -vis their being engaged as thugs for elections disruptions and manipulations?
The devil will find job for an idle person. As the popular saying goes: “an idle hand is the devil’s workshop”. Youths empowerment that is rural oriented should be given priority, such as crop farming and livestock rearing.
This will minimise social menace in the major cities in the State and help boost food production, thus addressing issue of food security which is germane to human existence.
I’ll enjoin our youths to get themselves busy and engaged meaningfully by keying-in to the various laudable programmes of the federal and state governments such as: agricultural activities, supported with farming inputs (seeds and fertilizers distribution); livestock farming (livestock feeds subsidies and free vaccination of birds); and CNG tricycles for youth, courtesy of Federal Ministry of Youth.
SPM. What do you have to say about the rumoured infighting between Gov. Dapo Abiodun and Senator Adeola...And that the incumbent governor is not supporting his candidature?
That's just speculative. It's a mere speculation, as it doesn't exist. Let me tell you for free, and all that cares to listen that neither infighting nor outfighting exist between the two great APC leaders.
In fact, Senator Adeola referred so much and hold the Governor in high esteem as his leader. Nonetheless, it is noteworthy to say that differences of opinion exist in all families, but most often than not, worthy family members disagree to agree.
YAYI's developmental projects in Ogun West are complementary to the giant strides of our governor, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
So it is in APC strata and among members. We'll disagree on points, to agree in principles. Both the incumbent governor and his prospective successor, by God’s grace, are working together for the good people and entire citizenry of Ogun State.
YAYI's developmental projects in Ogun West are complementary to the giant strides of our governor, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun. The governor has been seen commissioning most projects executed by Senator Adeola in recent times.
SPM. On a final note, what advice do you have for the people of Ogun State?
My candid opinion borne out of utmost sincerity is that the entire citizenry of Ogun State, irrespective of party affiliations, geographic background and religious inclination, should rally round Senator Adeola YAYI and give him our mandate wholesomely to govern Ogun State come 2027.
The reason is not far-fetched, as we are all living witnesses to his giant strides in all sectors of the economy and human endeavours (education; health; agriculture; road & transport; infrastructure; human capital developments) as Ogun West senator barely one year in office.
One can imagine a landmark transformations that will be our lots in Ogun State if such an individual should have executive powers. Your guess is as good as mine. In addition, coincidental leaders rarely have much impact on governance.
I am speaking with benefits of hindsight and examples of such leaders abound within the Nigerian society locally and nationally. What do you expect from a student who failed to prepare for examinations other than failure.
Unlike our governorship hopeful, Senator Adeola, who has been preparing from time immemorial. He is well positioned for leadership and has also shown us samples of what to expect with one-third of the State. Here comes the ILUFEMILOYE (People want me to lead) of Ogun State. Tested; Tasted; Sweet and Trusted.
The reward of good work is more work. So don’t let us make the mistakes of giving in to leaders by coincidence again.
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