Senator Solomon Adeola (popularly known as Yayi), representing Ogun West Senatorial District, has decried the near five-decade marginalization of his region in Ogun State’s governorship seat.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Yewa Think Tank Secretariat in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area, Senator Adeola lamented that since Ogun State’s creation in 1976, the Ogun West region has yet to produce a governor; a situation that he described as both regrettable and unacceptable in a state that prides itself on equity and inclusion.
He branded the situation as “an unjust and inequitable anomaly”, stressing that it must be corrected in the interest of fairness and democratic balance.
“You will agree with me that this is an unjust and unequitable anomaly.
“It is not due to lack of qualified individuals or absence of interest. Rather, it is a culmination of complex internal and external dynamics.” Adeola said.
In comparing the political trajectory of Ogun’s three senatorial zones — Central, East, and West, observers note that both Ogun Central and Ogun East have produced governors multiple times since the state’s inception.
Ogun Central produced Chief Olusegun Osoba and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, while Ogun East produced Otunba Gbenga Daniel and currently Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Ogun West, however, remains unrepresented at the top leadership level.
Senator Adeola emphasized that the absence of a governor from Ogun West was not from lack of participation or ambition.
“Our people have contested. They have aspired. Yet, something always gets in the way. It is a political truism that power is not served a la carte. Singular reliance on the goodwill of others will not take us far,” he asserted.
The senator’s comments mark a renewed call to political consciousness within Ogun West, as he urged his constituents to rise beyond passive participation.
“Going forward, I don’t expect anyone from Ogun West to be a bystander in the ongoing struggle for political power in Ogun State.
“We must redouble our efforts, mobilize, strategize, and speak with one voice. The prize is within reach and achievable,” he declared.
