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A political pressure group, West to West for Dapo Abiodun Convergence (W2W4D), at weekend converged on Ayetoro in Yewa North Local Government of Ogun state and decided in respect of Governor Dapo Abiodun second term bid as well as endorsing Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola to represent Ogun West in 2023.
The group in scores , urged the Ogun West people to support Abiodun’s agenda for second term and appealed to Senator Adeola , otherwise known as Yayi, who has spent his political career in Lagos State to run for the Ogun West Senatorial race.
Former Commissioner for health in the state, Dr. Kunle Salako, who addressed the gathering said it has become imperative for them to do a SWOT analysis of themselves as a people and carefully plot their political trajectory in a specific, achievable and time – bound manner.
The Chairman of the group, Iziaq Kunle Salako said allowing Abiodun for second term is imperative in the political history of the state, adding that the choice of Yayi as next Ogun West Senator was birthed out of his (Yayi’s) developmental strides in the local government.
He said “Prince Dapo Abiodun has brought renewed hope for the people of Yewa North and Ogun West Senator District with his inclusive approach to governance. Many projects are being implemented by his government and we have concluded that Yewa North and Indeed Ogun West has fared better under Prince Dapo Abiodun than most previous administration.
The group however called on the governor to ensure the completion of all abandoned projects and the ones started by his administration before the completion of his first term.
Also, two – time member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Sunday Kojeku, who commended governor Dapo Abiodun for what he described as his “Pan – Ogun State Development Strides,” in his remarks, said people and residents of Yewa North Local Government have decided to converge at United Primary School premises, Ayetoro, to “make a loud and unambiguous statement” about Yayi and the senatorial district’s yearnings to have him represent it at the Senate in 2023.
Since the return of democracy in 1999, Ogun West has had the fortune of being represented at the Senate by Prof. Afolabi Olabimtan (Alliance for Democracy,AD), Senator Iyabo Anisulowo(People’s Democratic Party, PDP,), Senator Felix Bajomo(PDP), Senator Akin Odunsi(All Progressives Congress, APC) and Senator Gbolahan Dada (APC).
The present occupant of the seat is Senator Tolu Odebiyi, who is a former chief of staff to the then governor Ibikunle Amosun. Despite repeated claims of his lacklustre representation of the district, according to the constituents, Tolu, who hails from Iboro extraction of Ogun West, is said to be nursing an ambition to return to the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly in 2023 while a three – time governorship contestant in the state, Prince Gboyega Nasiru, from Imeko, is also eyeing Tolu’s seat.
But the ‘West to West 4 Dapo Abiodun Convergence’ who chanted the success of YAYI many times, said Adeola is the best choice for them this time.
They anchored their decision on Senator Adeola’s towering legislative experience and passion for Ogun West development among other considerations, submitting that the Senate Committee chairman on Finance, is an asset they must grab ahead of 2023.
They also implored YAYI to heed their calls and contest for Ogun West senatorial seat in 2023.
“Politically, he is well rooted at the grassroots and well connected at the middle and upper echelon of the Nigerian polity. Having served for over two decades at the House Assembly, the House of Representatives and the Senate, he is in a class of few politicians in the country.
“His experience heading very strategic and important committees in the legislative arm of government at the state and federal levels of government is an asset that is not possesed by many. Yayi as he is fondly called, is an asset that Ogun West should grab with both hands to tap his capacity, experience and network for the development of the Senatorial District,” they said.
