The Muslim Community in Abeokuta has expressed support for the candidacy of Senator Solomon Adeola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship election, with members declaring that the governorship should return to Ogun West.
The position was made known at the 8th Day Fidau Prayer for the late Alhaji Shakiru Ayilara, popularly known as “Shako Alhaji,” an APC chieftain in Abeokuta North Local Government Area, held at Sheik Sugar Mosque, Bode Olude, Abeokuta.
Speaking at the gathering, Sheikh Iskeel Sugar described Adeola’s emergence as the APC governorship candidate from Ogun West as a “divine project” that would come to pass.
The cleric said the people of Ogun State had witnessed eight years of governance under a governor from Ogun East, popularly known as Remo, arguing that it was time for another senatorial district to produce the governor.
“We are all witnesses to the last eight years of Remo man at the saddle of power for two terms. It is absurd that another Remo man will come at this time to aspire for a position that belongs to the whole Ogun State. We are no fools or slaves in Ogun State. The time is ripe for Senator Adeola and Ogun West,” he said.
Sheikh Sugar also pointed to Adeola’s activities across the state, saying the senator had undertaken projects and initiatives which, according to him, demonstrated his capacity to provide leadership beyond his current legislative position.
He cited infrastructure projects as well as Adeola’s support for Muslim pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land and the construction of a mosque as examples of his contributions.
His position received support from several Muslim faithful at the event, including Ambassador Sarafa Ishola, Baba Adini of Muslims in Yorubaland and Edo State.
Responding, Adeola commiserated with the family of the deceased, describing the large turnout at the Fidau prayer as evidence of the late Shako Alhaji’s impact on the community.
Adeola disclosed that the deceased had been considered for a political coordination role in Abeokuta North before his death.
He said, “I was indeed saddened by the news of his demise and commiserated with the family. I will continue to support the family to make the loss less painful even as only Allah can console them.”
The senator said the late APC chieftain had been pencilled down to serve as his coordinator in Abeokuta North while he was compiling the list of Local Government Area coordinators, adding that he was awaiting the approval of Ambassador Ishola before his death.
The Fidau prayer was attended by the APC Deputy Governorship candidate, Alhaja Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Abiodun; Hon. Olumide Osoba, representing Abeokuta North, Obafemi Owode and Odeda Federal Constituency; Ogun State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon. Laolu Olabimtan; Federal Commissioner representing Ogun State at the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Kayode Oladele, among other dignitaries.
