Egba Lokan Agenda didn't adopt Yayi as 2027 Ogun guber candidate – Chairman

The Egba Lokan Agenda 2027 has denied claims that it has adopted the senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola as the governorship candidate for Ogun in the next election.

The group said it regrettably found itself in an unfortunate controversy surrounding a publication claiming it has adopted Yayi as one of the Egba hopefuls for the 2027 Ogun governorship race.

It stated that the “misleading information” emanated early last week when a report attributed to the organisation, purportedly issued by Professor Yemi Oke, one of the founding member of the Egba Lokan Agenda 2027, surfaced online. 

In a statement by the chairman of the group, Chief Mustapha Abdulhakeem, its attention was drawn to a news article on THIS DAY, referencing the Prof. Yemi Oke's report as a basis to curry cheap political advantage for the “legitimisation-seeking” ambition of Senator Yayi to rule Ogun State in 2027. 

“Therefore, the Egba Lokan Agenda 2027 is compelled to write a rejoinder to set the record straight, especially for the unsuspecting public who may be misled by these desperate politicians and actors. Save for mere propaganda and mischief-making, Hon. Kayode Oladele, the attributed source of the THIS DAY news article titled "Ogun Guber: Oladele Lauds Egba Position on YAYI," is much aware that Prof. Yemi Oke neither has the capacity to dictate the political future of Egba land nor does he carry the authority of the Egba people to so define its political template, not to talk of in the unilateral tone he has spoken.

“We must also emphasise that the Egba Lokan Agenda 2027 is clear in its definition, vision, and objective, and the district hopper, always searching for new colonies to explore and exploit, does not fit into the least condition. Therefore, we consider Prof. Yemi Oke's interest in purely personal as far as senator yayi’s ambition is concerned at best, his personal opinion, which he has a right to. Although we are not shocked that, given his boisterous status as a professor and senior advocate of Nigeria. That may be expected.

“It is even laughable that anyone will certify anybody as Egba indigenes under my authority. We are also aware that The Olu of Ilaro had stated that The senator representing Ogun west is their son but we are yet to hear the same pronouncement from the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland or any other Oba in Egbaland hence the disclaimer,” the statement read.

He stated further, “Meanwhile, it is more important to remind Hon. Oladele and his co-traveler that Egba land has never, is never, and will never be in shortage of credible individuals of known pedigree, uncontroversial descent, and unwavering patriotism to provide leadership at any level of government: state, national, or international.

“In fact, we find it an aberration in Egba land, a contradiction to our civilisation, and demeaning of our status that we would have to hire a political machinery to provide leadership at the intranational level when we have consistently produced and provided impeccable leadership for the nation and represented the nation at the global level. Even currently, the Egbas have three federal ministers: Wale Edun, Jumoke Oduwole and Dr Bosun Tijani, who have shown outstanding performance as key national players in the governance sector.

“We have had the likes of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Earnest Shonekan and chief MKO Abiola ascending to and winning a nationwide election as bonafide Egbas. So we are not short in supply of credible personalities. The above, aside from the plethora of lists of already known guber aspirants that aptly combine technocracy and politics with intimidating credentials that place them far above current gladiator that the article intends to introduce from the backdoor. Hon. Sarafa Tunji Ishola; Senator Lanre Tejuosho; Rt Hon Dimeji Bankole; Hon Kayode Amusan; Hon Bukola Olopade, and other potential yet to be mentioned.

“In conclusion, we enjoin the members of the public to ignore any misleading and misrepresenting reports and any such information that is built on its false premise, including the one published on THIS DAY. The Egba Lokan Agenda 2027 remains resolute and unequivocally committed to supporting and backing Egba indigenes contesting from Egba land to become governor of Ogun State in 2027. We are not against anyone but we are only for Egba people.”

Ogun 2027: Why Egbas should not claim ‘Awalokan’ – Segun Sowunmi

 

A political leader and former spokesperson of Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Chief Segun Sowunmi, has said the people of Egba should not be the ones claiming Awa lokan in 2027.

Sowunmi said this on Monday while addressing newsmen at his Ibara residence in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The 2023 governorship aspirant said it is irresponsible and annoying for the Egbas or any other race to give the impression that it is superior to others.

“I mean this and I want you to report it, I consider it the most irresponsible and annoying 2027 narrative for any race or any tribe or any section, especially the Egbas, to give the impression that they are a super race within this state. They are not. This state is a state that mostly came about as a result of migration,” he said.

He proceeded that the Egba people are only enjoying the administrative convenience of being made the capital. 

“As much as I am an Egba man, I do not like this idea that the Egbas are approaching 2027 in an unnecessarily entitled manner. I believe that if anybody would be entitled or even be screaming entitlement, it is the prerogative of the Yewa people who have never been governor for almost 50 years.

“We are not under obligation to dash them the governorship. No! We gave them tickets many times, but they didn't make it. Nobody stopped them from voting for their children. But you have to balance society. I am an Egba man. I want to be governor; I definitely want to be governor. I want to even subject them to the ideas of what they want to do in governance. But I don't believe that we will have to convert the Egbas into the Fulani of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because of carelessness in saying Awa lokan, Awa lokan, as if anybody has ever deprived them. 

“Osoba was governor here, the baton passed. Ibikunle Amosun was governor here. The baton is now with Dapo Abiodun. Now we should be talking in a way that accommodates all of Ogun. And if the Yewa people can negotiate, persuade, encourage and demonstrate readiness, why not?” Sowunmi disclosed.

The Peoples Democratic Party chieftain stated that it offends him to his soul some people are using their private ambition to put a target behind the back of the Egbas.

“If you do an internal census to date, anywhere you have put a state capital, they cannot comfortably be sure that the people that are living in that state capital and the voters of that state capital are uniquely their people. Therefore, we will discuss 2027 by the end of 2025, so that the governor can even have a good two years to work. No man will be governing a state and the only thing you'll be hearing is, Egba lokan, Yayi lokan, and you will not be distracting him. Because politicians, being who they are, will start creating unnecessary camps. If you greet Yayi now, you are their enemy. If you shake Dapo Abiodun, you are their enemy. How can we be doing that when the fundamental issues of development requiring attention in the state are there for us to see? So, that is my honest, genuine, absolute, well-considered answer there. 

“Anybody who wants to be governor in Ogun State should please let us give the state one more year. You can be preparing on the inside. After all, you are planning and God is planning and God is the best of planners. But after one year, we would have had two years of correct governance without distraction. Then we can start talking about it.

“A man who does not know whether he will last until next week is acting as if he has already sold the garment to be governor in 2027. Do you know what can happen in the next few minutes? So, if we get to that bridge, we will cross it. But may God let Ogun State win,” he submitted.

Egba Economic Summit Group backs Ijebu State creation

The Egba Economic Summit Group, a body of prominent Egba sons and daughters, has thrown its weight behind the creation of the proposed Ijebu State creation.

Ijebu State, comprising the nine local governments in Ogun East (Ijebu and Remo), would be carved out of the current Ogun State.

On Saturday, the 11th AGM of the summit was held at the Conference Room of Gbenga Adeoye & Co.( Chartered Accountants), in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta.

Presiding over the AGM, the Chairman of the Board, Chief Taiwo Adeoluwa, Agba Akin of Egbaland, admonished members of the EES to continue to relate as siblings.

In his remarks, he noted that once Egbas are united, the issues of the contribution of resources will flow easily and naturally.

Reacting to the creation of Ijebu State that has passed a second reading in the Senate, the Vice President, Dr Gbenga Adeoye, stated that such development underscores the determination of the Remo and Ijebus to have their state.

Adeoye said this is not in any way against the progress of Egbaland and Ogun State as it stands today, saying, however, that it will foster development in both Egba and Ijebu lands.

He stated further that the Erunwon Ajebo Free Trade Zone project should be pursued with all the energy in the Egbas while the University of Medicine and Medical Science should be supported by all means to ensure the smooth take-off in 2025 now that council and principal officers of the university are almost in place.

The President of the Summit, Mr Yinka Chris Coker, stated that the coming year will be approached differently in terms of project implementation, which will now be in accordance with the report of Captain Temi Okesanjo-led project implementation committee.

Similarly, the former Chairman of the Board, Prince Abiodun Karunwi, encouraged members to contribute their resources for the growth of the summit while he frowned at the attitude of those who have resources but fail to pay annual dues.

Former President Chief Tokunbo Odebunmi encouraged members to continue to act as a dragnet to bring new and old members back to the summit with renewed commitment.

Chief Shina Luwoye, who is the immediate past president, joined the AGM virtually and challenged members to be strategic in the development of Egbaland.

Alhaji Egbeyemi, said if anyone is running and unable to catch a snail, then his case needs re-examination and admonished members to increase their speed in terms of personal developmental projects that others could support in the year 2025.

Chief Tunji Sunmonu, who joined virtually, also reminded members that the way to succeed is to go back to the foundation of the summit and ensure that all programmes align the main goals of setting up the summit at a time when Mr Ade Coker was the President.

Engineer Ola Sobande who ,also joined virtually expressed gratitude to the Vice President; Dr.,Gbenga Adeoye for ,making his ffice space available for the summit to use as secretariat and also for the AGM and at t,he same time insi,sted that the council must ensure new members are attracted in the year 2025.

Mr Surakat Lateef who , als joined the AGM virtually aligns with the new project implementation method of 2025.

His position was supported by Chief Taiwo Adeoluwa who stated further that he submitted some names to be admitted and that more efforts should be made to get those parties admitted.

Aerofield MD hails Oladunni's appointment as Wemabod CEO

Armstrong 'Tope Akintunde, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Aerofield Homes Limited, has congratulated ESV Bashir Oladunni on his appointment as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Wemabod Limited.

In a congratulatory message, Akintunde described Oladunni's appointment as a well-deserved one.

He expressed confidence that Wemabod would continue to blossom under the watch of the MD.

"We are confident that under your stewardship, Wemabod Limited will continue to scale new heights, delivering innovative solutions and driving growth in the real estate sector," he said.

Akintunde wished Oladunni immense success, impactful leadership, and a rewarding journey ahead as he takes on his new role.

He hailed the appointment of the new Wemabod boss alongside other industry stakeholders, who have praised his wealth of experience and expertise in the real estate sector.

The congratulatory messages are a testament to Oladunni's reputation as a seasoned professional and a leader in the industry.

Wemabod Limited has assured stakeholders that Oladunni's appointment will bring about a new era of innovation and growth for the company.