By Lukman OMIKUNLE
Over 1,000 residents, traditional rulers, youth groups and market leaders gathered in Ota as the Abiodun Akinboyede Movement launched a grassroots mobilisation campaign for Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi’s 2027 Ogun governorship ambition
AAMO Town Hall Rallies Massive Support for Yayi’s 2027 Governorship Bid in Ogun West
More than 1,000 residents of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area converged on Wednesday at the council secretariat in Ota, Ogun State, as the Abiodun Akinboyede Movement (AAMO) held a town hall meeting that culminated in a coordinated grassroots mobilisation for the 2027 governorship ambition of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.
The event, themed “The Impact of Grassroots in Governance,” drew a cross-section of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, market women, artisans, youth groups, professional bodies, politicians and members of Community Development Associations (CDAs), all of whom stressed the need for greater citizen participation in governance.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the convener, Prince Abiodun Akinboyede, said the gathering achieved its primary objective of deepening grassroots engagement while consolidating support for Adeola’s governorship aspiration.
According to him, the town hall was designed to bring governance closer to the people and unite communities across Ogun West behind what he described as a historic opportunity for the senatorial district.
In his welcome address, Akinboyede described the gathering as a defining moment for Ogun West, saying governance becomes more accountable and responsive when ordinary citizens actively participate in the democratic process.
“The theme of our gathering, ‘The Impact of Grassroots in Governance,’ is both timely and significant. It reminds us that governance is not built in isolation; it is built in partnership with the people,” he said.
He added, “Today, we are not just holding a meeting; we are making history. Ogun West has waited patiently for its moment, and this Town Hall Meeting is a declaration that our voices matter, our participation matters, and our unity matters.”
Reflecting on the region’s longstanding quest to produce the state’s governor, Akinboyede said, “For fifty years—since the creation of Ogun State—our region has waited for its voice to rise to the highest levels of leadership. Now, for the first time in half a century, that possibility stands before us.”
He urged residents to remain united and committed to strengthening the link between government and the grassroots, insisting that “the future we desire for Ogun State will not be built from the top down. It will be built from the ground up.”
Leadership and human development expert, Dr. Femi Bolaji, who addressed participants on voter education, cautioned against voter apathy, describing participation in elections as the foundation of democratic governance.
He urged residents to obtain and use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), while encouraging family members, neighbours and friends to participate in future elections.
“Every vote counts,” he said, adding that active participation would enable citizens to enjoy the true dividends of democracy.
Representing the Olota of Ota, Oba Abdulkabir Adeyemi Obalanlege, Lanlege Ekun II, the All Progressives Congress House of Representatives candidate, the Seriki of Ota, Chief Lanre Bashorun, popularly known as Larrybash, commended Akinboyede for convening what he described as a people-oriented dialogue.
He also acknowledged Governor Dapo Abiodun for creating what he called a historic opportunity for Ogun West to produce a governorship candidate, noting that Adeola’s emergence would mark the first time the district would occupy the state’s highest political office since Ogun State was created.
Bashorun urged residents to support Adeola at the polls, expressing confidence that his administration would deliver improved infrastructure and human capital development across the state.
The Secretary-General of the Sango-Ota Arewa Community, Alhaji Haruna Umar Farouk, reaffirmed the community’s support for Ogun West’s governorship aspiration, recalling the longstanding political contributions of the Arewa community in Ado-Odo/Ota.
He also referenced the legacy of the father of the AAMO founder, late Barrister Abubakar Sadiq Akinboyede as a factor behind the community’s support for the movement.
Farouk pledged the votes of the Sango-Ota Arewa Community to Adeola, whom he praised for his performance as a senator and his contributions to constituency development.
Traditional ruler, Oba Olabisi Odunaro of Bajomu, also appealed to residents to turn out massively during the election, citing projects facilitated by Adeola across Ado-Odo/Ota as evidence of his commitment to public service.
Youth organisations equally declared support for the APC governorship hopeful. Speaking on behalf of the Sango-Ota Youth Council, the group’s Public Relations Officer, Babajide Dada, said the large youth population in the council area was prepared to mobilise behind Adeola’s candidacy.
The Iyaloja General of Ado-Odo/Ota, Chief Mrs Adetoro Adeogun, called for improved market infrastructure, urging political office seekers to engage directly with traders in local markets to better understand their challenges.
She nevertheless declared the support of market women for Adeola’s governorship bid, a position also endorsed by the Butchers Association of Ado-Odo/Ota.
Speaking for Community Development Associations, CDA Chairman Omooba Olatunji Onaolapo called for stronger collaboration between government and community associations, including the formal recognition of CDAs through legislation.
He argued that community leaders should be involved in supervising development projects to ensure quality delivery and transparency.
Onaolapo also called for additional polling units to accommodate growing voter populations and pledged the support of CDA members for Adeola, while urging political leaders to prioritise infrastructure and community development.
The event ended with the inauguration of the AAMO Door-to-Door Campaign Movement, an initiative aimed at mobilising grassroots support for Adeola’s 2027 governorship campaign.
Among dignitaries at the event were the Oba of Ado-Odo, Oba Moruf Alagbe; the Elegushi of Egushi-Ota, Oba Waliu Oduntan; Oba Samuel Dada; the Oloruba of Oruba-Ota, represented by Chief Lateef Deinde; Ado-Odo/Ota APC Women Leader, Mrs Walia Ogunbiyi, who represented Governor Dapo Abiodun; Ogun West APC Chairman, Prince Deji Dosunmu; Ola Sheu; the Seriki Hausawa of Sango-Ota; and representatives of Sango-Ota Ndigbo community.
