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PRESS RELEASE: Awori Unity Committee Calls for Calm, Internal Resolution and Genuine Yewa–Awori Unity
The Awori Unity Committee (AUC) wishes to clarify its position on the recent public discourse that followed the keynote address delivered by the Senate Leader of Nigeria, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, at the media chat organised by Ogun West Professionals for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) in Ilaro, Ogun State, on Sunday, February 1, 2026, and the subsequent reaction by the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Her Excellency, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele.
The AUC notes that the exchange of views has generated widespread commentary and controversy within the polity, particularly on social media, with divergent opinions expressed by individuals across the Awori and Yewa communities. While acknowledging the right to free expression, the Awori Unity Committee wishes to state clearly that the Committee is worried about the ongoing controversy and strongly believes that Awori-related concerns are best resolved internally, through dialogue and engagement, rather than through public exchanges or social media confrontations.
Acknowledging Senator Bamidele’s Position
The Committee observed that during his address, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele consistently acknowledged the strategic importance of the Awori people, particularly Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, within the Ogun West Senatorial District. He recognised Ado-Odo/Ota as the industrial hub of Ogun State and repeatedly emphasised that only collaboration among all stakeholders in Ogun West — Yewa and Awori alike — would make it possible for the district to actualise its long-standing aspiration of producing a governor.
Senator Bamidele also highlighted that historical records show that Ogun West has failed in previous attempts to produce a governor largely due to internal wrangling, lack of cohesion, and elite fragmentation, and he therefore called for unity and collective support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), whom he described as the most qualified candidate.
The AUC acknowledges that the emphasis on unity between Yewa and Awori is, in principle, essential and unavoidable if Ogun West is to succeed politically in 2027.
On the Deputy Governor’s Response and Public Reactions
The Committee is aware of the response issued by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and the subsequent condemnation of her position by some Awori individuals, who felt she ought not to have addressed the Senate Leader publicly.
While the AUC is seriously worried about this matter, it expresses concern over the barrage of reactions and counter-reactions on social media, which risk deepening divisions at a time when unity is most needed. The Committee firmly insists that such sensitive issues should be addressed within appropriate internal platforms, not through public escalation.
Call for Sincere and Balanced Unity
The Awori Unity Committee emphasises that this is a critical period in which the Awori people must be more united than ever, especially as efforts are ongoing to strengthen unity among Awori traditional rulers. The Committee cautions that political interests must not be allowed to disrupt this delicate and important process.
The unity of the Awori people is non-negotiable, as it remains the foundation for sustainable development and political relevance of Aworiland, both in Ogun State and Lagos State.
While agreeing that the call by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele for Yewa–Awori unity is valid and necessary, the AUC raises an important question that must be addressed with sincerity:
How genuine are we among ourselves in the quest to produce a governor from a senatorial district that has been politically marginalised since the creation of Ogun State fifty years ago?
Concerns That Must Be Addressed
The Committee notes, with concern, that:
- The five appointees currently handling Ogun West affairs in Abuja are reportedly entirely from Yewa, with no known representation from Awori or Ado-Odo/Ota.
- There are reports of about 500 appointments/employments made for Yewa–Awori people at the federal level, yet the number of Awori beneficiaries, if any, remains unclear.
- At the Ogun West Professionals for Yayi event in Ilaro, where five youths reportedly received federal employment letters in the health sector, none could be identified as being from Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government.
- National benefits meant for Ogun West should be shared fairly and equitably between Yewa and Awori, but current perceptions suggest an imbalance.
- Electoral records consistently show that Ado-Odo/Ota contributes about 65 percent of votes from Ogun West, underscoring its indispensable role in any governorship ambition from the district.
These issues, among others, must be handled with utmost care, honesty, and inclusiveness if the call for unity is to be meaningful and not merely rhetorical.
Appeal to Aspirants and Stakeholders
The Awori Unity Committee therefore appeals to all individuals aspiring to become the next Governor of Ogun State from Ogun West to deliberately and genuinely engage Awori leaders and stakeholders, particularly in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, in the spirit of fairness, equity, and inclusiveness.
Only through truthful engagement, balanced representation, and mutual respect can the Yewa–Awori people present a united front capable of achieving the historic goal of producing the first governor from Ogun West.
The AUC reiterates its commitment to peace, unity, and constructive dialogue. The Committee urges all parties to de-escalate tensions, avoid inflammatory narratives, and focus on building the internal coherence required to secure external political success.
Unity, when sincere, remains our strongest political asset.
Signed:
Awori Unity Committee (AUC)
February 2026
