By Lukman OMIKUNLE
APC aspirant Olukemi Adeogun formally declares for Ogun State House of Assembly, drawing strong support and calls for rural and women’s inclusion in Ota politics
OGHA 2027: Olukemi Adeogun Declares for Assembly Bid… Pushes Rural Turn, Women Representation
The political tempo in Ado-Odo/Ota rose sharply as Olukemi Adeogun formally declared her intention to contest for the Ogun State House of Assembly under the All Progressives Congress, drawing a large crowd of supporters, party leaders, and stakeholders to the party secretariat in Ota in what many described as a defining moment ahead of the 2027 elections.
Adeogun, the Yeyegunwa of Ota and a respected grassroots figure from Iju Ward, arrived with a strong entourage of loyalists and family members, projecting both political strength and deep community roots. Her entrance was greeted with cheers, setting the tone for what quickly became a rallying point for conversations around representation, inclusion, and political balance within the constituency.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Dele Adeniji framed her candidacy as a blend of legacy and readiness, telling party leaders that her emergence carries both history and hope.
“We are here not just to present a candidate, but to present a woman whose character, competence, and compassion have already earned the trust of her people. This is a collective aspiration rooted in the will of the community,” Chief Adeniji said.
He further reminded the gathering of the legacy of their late patriarch, Chief Rokeeb Adeniji, noting, “She comes from a lineage of service and integrity, and she understands the weight of that responsibility. Adeogun is prepared to uphold that legacy with honour and deliver meaningful representation.”
The conversation soon shifted to a broader issue of equity within the constituency, as Nurudeen Olukotun, from Atan Ward, passionately called for a political reset that favours fairness between urban and rural wards.
Addressing party executives, he said, “For decades, representation has not reflected true balance. The rural communities have stood firmly behind the party, yet have not been given proportional opportunity to lead. This moment is about correcting that imbalance.”
He added that Adeogun’s candidacy reflects a united front among rural stakeholders, stating that, “The rural wards have come together with one voice because we believe she represents credibility, capacity, and the future we want. This is not just support—it is a consensus built on trust and performance.”
Momentum continued to build as influential women leaders openly endorsed Adeogun, positioning her candidacy as both strategic and symbolic.
Ex-Ogun lawmaker, Folakemi Akintayo, described the moment as an opportunity for the party to make history, urging leaders to act decisively. She said, “This is more than a political decision; it is a defining opportunity to show that the party truly believes in inclusion. Adeogun has the competence, the experience, and the courage to lead effectively. She is not a candidate to overlook.”
She added that giving women a chance in leadership would bring fresh perspectives and strengthen governance outcomes.
Also lending her voice, Waliat Ogunbiyi highlighted Adeogun’s long-standing contributions to the community, describing her as a tested leader with a deep understanding of grassroots realities.
“Her track record speaks clearly—she has served as an educator, a community leader, and an active stakeholder in our socio-cultural space. She understands the needs of the people because she has lived among them and worked with them,” Mrs Ogunbiyi said.
She further urged party executives to rally behind her, adding that, “Women bring empathy, discipline, and balance to leadership. Supporting her is not just about gender—it is about choosing capacity and commitment.”
When she took the floor, Mrs Adeogun delivered her message with clarity and conviction, positioning her ambition within the broader demand for fairness and inclusive governance.
She said, “This is the time for our constituency to embrace equity and give every segment a fair opportunity to serve. The rural communities have waited patiently, and I stand ready to represent that voice with dignity and purpose.”
She outlined her vision for the constituency, stressing that education would remain a top priority, adding, “Every child deserves access to quality education, and we must ensure that no young person is left behind or forced into the streets due to lack of opportunity.”
She also spoke passionately about women and youth empowerment, noting, “Our women are the backbone of our communities, and they deserve structured support to thrive economically and socially. When you empower a woman, you strengthen a family and secure the future.”
On youth development, she emphasised the need for deliberate engagement with industries in the area, saying, “We must create pathways for our young people to benefit directly from the economic activities around them. Employment, skills, and capacity development must be intentional.”
Highlighting infrastructure, she pointed to Ota’s strategic location near Lagos as a major advantage that must be fully leveraged. “Our proximity to Lagos should translate into real development—better roads, improved services, and expanded economic opportunities. We cannot afford to remain underdeveloped when the potential is so clear,” she said.
She concluded with a firm declaration of readiness, stating, “I am fully prepared for this responsibility, and I am committed to delivering results that will uplift every part of this constituency.”
Her formal letter of intent was thereafter presented to the party secretary, marking the official commencement of her campaign. In the letter, she reaffirmed her dedication to fairness, inclusiveness, and diligent service, while emphasising the need to address long-standing disparities in representation.
Responding on behalf of the party leadership, Olujimi Jimoh Akeran welcomed her and her supporters, acknowledging receipt of the letter and commending the orderly nature of the declaration.
“We appreciate the manner in which you have presented your ambition. The party remains committed to due process, and we are confident that the best among all aspirants will emerge,” Akeran said.
He further reassured members of unity within the party, stating, “There is no division in our ranks. We are one family, and once a candidate emerges, we will all stand together to ensure victory at the polls.”
As the gathering concluded, the strong turnout, coordinated endorsements, and compelling narrative around fairness and inclusion signalled that Adeogun’s entry into the race has significantly reshaped the political conversation in Ota State Constituency 1, setting the stage for an intense and closely watched contest ahead of 2027.
