Stakeholders across Afon Town and several communities in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State have unanimously endorsed Hon. Jemili Adigun Akingbade for another term as the Member representing Imeko-Afon State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was contained in a statement delivered on Friday by the Secretary of the Afon Youth Movement, Samuel Ogunrinola, on behalf of traditional rulers, community leaders, youth and women groups, artisans, market leaders and political stakeholders across more than 750 villages and settlements within the constituency.
According to the stakeholders, the decision was reached after what they described as “patience, calculation and strategic positioning” by leaders and political actors in the area.
They declared that the era of “politics of whispers” had come to an end, stressing that the endorsement represented a bold, open and collective declaration of support for continuity and sustained representation.
The statement emphasized that Hon. Akingbade’s previous electoral victories were products of democratic processes and the will of the people.
“At no point in his political journey has he been imposed on the people. His emergence has always been through the ballot box, reflecting the trust, confidence and acceptance he enjoys among the electorate,” the statement read.
The stakeholders further maintained that Akingbade’s aspiration for a fourth term remains constitutionally valid and should be assessed on the basis of his performance and developmental contributions rather than political sentiments.
They cited his achievements in grassroots governance and community development, including support for the creation of the Afon Local Council Development Area (LCDA), provision of boreholes, construction of roads, empowerment programmes for youths and women, as well as educational support initiatives across the constituency.
The group also commended Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for promoting consensus-building and inclusive politics within the ruling party.
They specifically referenced the emergence of Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as the APC governorship flag bearer, describing the development as “a reflection of inclusiveness, political maturity and strategic wisdom.”
Reacting to the endorsement, Hon. Jemili Adigun Akingbade expressed appreciation to the people of the constituency for their continued support and confidence in his leadership.
“I am excited today because our people are happy and they want the House of Assembly position to remain in Isokan, particularly the Afon zone.
“Leadership is not about oppressing the people but about delivering development, empowering lives and uplifting the community. I have always remained close to my people, and we will continue to carry everyone along in the scheme of things,” he said.
Also speaking, the Oba Ladi of Afon, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdul Rasheed Adewanre, described the gathering as a historic demonstration of unity and collective resolve among the people of the constituency.
“Today’s gathering is glorious because our people came out en masse to affirm the consensus candidate chosen by the leaders. He is well known to us, accessible and trusted by the community,” the monarch stated.
The royal father also commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting what he described as improvements in fuel availability across the country.
“There was a time people spent several hours struggling at petrol stations, but today fuel is more readily available.
“Alhaji Jemili Akingbade remains our preferred choice to continue representing Imeko-Afon State Constituency in 2027,” the traditional ruler added.
The stakeholders assured Governor Abiodun, Senator Adeola and Hon. Akingbade of their commitment to mobilising voters, strengthening party unity and sustaining peaceful political engagement across the constituency ahead of the 2027 elections.
