The sociocultural group representing the Igbo community in Ogun State, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, has formally endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term and Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) for Governor of Ogun State in the 2027 elections.
The President of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo in Ogun State, Eze Stephen Okorie, conveyed the endorsement during a courtesy visit over the weekend. He led a five-man delegation to inform Senator Adeola of the decision and to announce that the group has conferred on him the chieftaincy title of “Dike Eji Eje Mba.”
Eze Okorie disclosed that the installation ceremony, scheduled for the end of this month in Abeokuta, will also feature the formal public endorsement of the senator and a declaration of support by the Igbo community for all APC candidates in Ogun State.
“I have lived in Ogun State for the past 36 years, specifically in Owode-Yewa in Yewa South Local Government Area,” Eze Okorie stated. “We have closely observed the politics and development of the state. Based on the significant infrastructure and economic projects Senator Adeola has attracted in the last three years — particularly market facilities and road construction that promote trade and commerce — the Igbo community has no hesitation in endorsing him for Governor of Ogun State and President Tinubu for re-election in 2027.”
He added that, on a personal level, he has erected five campaign billboards for Tinubu and Yayi across the state on behalf of the Igbo community and produced various campaign materials for the senator and the APC. He stressed that the endorsement is also intended to address the long-standing sense of injustice felt by the people of Ogun West, who have never produced a governor since the creation of the state.
“We are aware of your positive record of development and humanitarian work while you were in Lagos, and we see the same commitment continuing in Ogun State,” Eze Okorie said.
Addressing the gathering in a mix of Igbo, Yoruba and English, he expressed confidence that as governor, Senator Adeola would do even more for all residents of the state, regardless of origin.
In response, Senator Adeola expressed appreciation for the gesture. He recalled that the Igbo community in Lagos had earlier supported his political journey and that the Eze Ndi Igbo of Lagos had conferred on him the title “Dike Di Ora Nma.” He emphasised that his developmental efforts and goodwill gestures are directed at every resident of society, irrespective of tribe or religion.
“My brand of politics is one of inclusion and the delivery of good governance for all,” Senator Adeola stated. “When roads, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure are built, they serve everyone. All law-abiding Nigerians are welcome to live, do business and prosper in Ogun State.”
Present at the courtesy visit were Alhaja Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa Balogun, the APC deputy governorship candidate in Ogun State; Dr Kunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Services; Hon. Laolu Olabimtan, Ogun State Commissioner for Budget and Planning; Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele, APC candidate for Ogun West Senatorial District; and other APC candidates.