By Peace Udugba — The Daily Torch Media
The long-standing absence of Ogun West Senatorial District from the governorship seat of Ogun State has taken center stage in Senator Solomon Adeola’s bid for the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking on Monday during an interview on FRONTLINE, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Kayode Odunaro, Media Adviser and Chief of Staff to Adeola, emphasized that the district has been excluded from executive leadership since the creation of Ogun State in 1976.
Odunaro, who also serves as Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the Ogun State APC Campaign Council, clarified that Adeola’s ambition extends beyond securing political power for Ogun West, focusing instead on rectifying long-standing political imbalances and unequal development across the state.
“Senator Solomon Adeola happens to come from a district in Ogun West where, over the past 50 years and counting, they have not been opportuned to govern Ogun State as a whole,” Odunaro said.
Historical records confirm that since Ogun State was carved out in 1976, all elected civilian governors have hailed from Ogun Central or Ogun East, leaving Ogun West—comprising the Yewa-Awori axis—without representation at the highest level of state governance.
Representation and Development Gaps
Odunaro directly linked the region’s political underrepresentation to severe infrastructure deficits, asserting that residents of Ogun West have long felt neglected compared to other zones.
“The people of Yewa have been complaining; looking at all the infrastructure in Ogun West, it happens to be like third class in Ogun State,” Odunaro stated.
He maintained that Adeola’s candidacy represents a decisive opportunity to restore balance and foster equity across all senatorial districts.
“Solomon Adeola is coming to Ogun State to fight and regain Ogun State’s reputation and legacy… Yewa-Awori have been excluded completely from being in government,” he added.
Adeola’s Infrastructure Track Record
Highlighting Adeola’s achievements as a serving senator, Odunaro argued that the lawmaker’s development footprint already extends well beyond his constituency.
“Senator Solomon Adeola has done things that are unprecedented. He has done more in infrastructure in Ogun State; about 300 road projects have been executed or repaired by him,” Odunaro said, adding that these interventions aim to elevate Ogun West’s infrastructure to levels comparable with Ogun Central and Ogun East.
Promises of Continuity and Harmonious Succession
Despite focusing on Ogun West’s historical disadvantage, Odunaro insisted that Adeola’s campaign is driven by a state-wide vision. He pledged that an Adeola administration would build upon the foundation laid by Governor Dapo Abiodun.
“The governor of our state has done very well, and whatever Senator Solomon Adeola is doing will complement it,” Odunaro noted. “Over time, Ogun State has experienced hostile political succession. This will be the first time there will be a harmonious succession.”
No New Airport for Ogun West
Addressing speculation regarding key infrastructure projects, Odunaro ruled out plans to construct a new airport in Ogun West, citing the existence of the Gateway Agro-Cargo Airport in the state.
“Building a new airport in Yewa is not a critical agenda for Senator Solomon Adeola, whereas we have one over there that is working perfectly,” Odunaro explained. “He is just going to improve on the existing one and bring it to a level that makes it commercially viable for Ogun State.”
The 2027 Contest
As debate intensifies over political representation, zoning, and Adeola’s origin, Odunaro urged voters to evaluate candidates based on track record and capacity to deliver development.
While political opponents continue to challenge Adeola’s lineage—prompting the senator to demand concrete proof from his detractors—the structural issue of Ogun West’s 50-year exclusion from the governorship remains a central
pillar of the upcoming 2027 contest.
