Thousands of youths across Ogun State have thrown their weight behind Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as momentum builds ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
The show of support was reinforced on Tuesday during a well-attended interfaith prayer session organised by the Yayi Youth Vanguard, where participants drawn from across the state gathered to seek divine guidance for the senator’s ambition and the future of Ogun State.
The event, which attracted Christian and Muslim clerics including Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundioe ,(Genesis Global) ,Imam Abubakar Olayinka ,Onibara, ( BulBulu Qodiriyah Siru Zakamas well as political stakeholders, underscored the growing influence of youth participation in the state’s political landscape.
Speaking at the gathering, a member of the Ogun State House of Assembly representing Yewa North, Hon. Bisi Oyedele, emphasised the importance of youth engagement in governance. He noted that the increasing number of young people in elective positions, particularly in the state assembly, reflects a positive shift in political inclusion since the 2023 elections.
According to him, Ogun youths are no longer passive observers but active contributors shaping the future of the state.
On the agitation for Ogun West to produce the next governor, Oyedele maintained that the district had been marginalised for years, stressing that there is now a broad consensus among stakeholders and the youth to support Adeola’s candidacy.
“We are all rallying behind Yayi because we know he has the capacity to deliver. Ogun West has been shortchanged for a long time, and now there is a united front to ensure the region produces the next governor,” he said.
He further highlighted Adeola’s track record, citing infrastructural development and empowerment initiatives, including the construction of over 290 roads, installation of solar-powered streetlights, and youth-focused programmes across communities.
Describing these achievements as unprecedented, Oyedele expressed confidence that the senator’s performance has endeared him to many across the state.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ogun State Service Commission, Pastor Abiodun Sanyaolu, described politics as “a game of numbers,” urging supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections. While acknowledging the presence of other capable aspirants within the ruling party, he insisted that Adeola remains the most suitable candidate for the job.
In his welcome address, the State Coordinator of Yayi Youth Vanguard, Comrade Emmanuel Enitan Ojo, said the gathering symbolised unity, faith, and a shared commitment to Ogun State’s development.
“Today marks a significant moment for us — a day of unity, prayer and commitment to the future of Ogun State. We have come together to seek divine guidance for peace, development and prosperity,” he said.
Ojo commended Adeola for his consistent support for youths and pledged that the group would intensify its mobilisation drive by taking the campaign to all federal constituencies in the state.
He also acknowledged the support of key leaders, including Governor Dapo Abiodun, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the National Sports Commission.
“This is just the beginning. We will move from one federal constituency to another to sensitise the people on what Yayi represents. We believe everything must start with prayer,” Ojo added.
In his remarks, Olamide Lawal appreciated the presence of dignitaries at the event and noted that Comrade Ifekayode Akintode represented Senator Adeola at the gathering. He expressed optimism about Adeola’s chances, praying for his success in succeeding Governor Abiodun.
The event concluded with special prayers for peaceful elections, unity, and sustained development in Ogun State, as organisers announced plans to commence house-to-house mobilisation in support of the senator’s governorship ambition.
