Veteran journalist and Chief of Staff to Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, Chief Kayode Odunaro, has used the celebration of his wife, Susan Odunaro’s 60th birthday, to canvass support for his principal ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.
Odunaro, while addressing guests at the colourful ceremony held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, appealed to the people of the state to support Adeola’s governorship ambition, describing it as a project he said had been in the making since 2012.
The veteran journalist had initially taken the opportunity to appreciate his wife for her sacrifices and understanding, particularly while he described himself as an “absentee husband” due to the demands of his profession and public engagements.
He, however, shifted attention to the 2027 political contest, urging guests to consider Adeola, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, as the next governor of the state.
According to him, Adeola is pursuing a cause aimed at addressing what he described as injustices spanning about 50 years in Ogun State.
Odunaro, who openly declared his support for the APC governorship hopeful, repeatedly chanted, “Yayi ni joo, Yayi ni jare,” a slogan that was subsequently taken up as an anthem by some of the guests at the event.
He expressed confidence in Adeola’s political prospects, saying his principal would emerge victorious in the 2027 governorship election.
Odunaro also described Adeola as “God’s choice” for the next political dispensation in Ogun State and called on eligible voters to come out en masse to exercise their franchise during the election.
He further urged voters to safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), warning against surrendering them to politicians or allowing them to be used for purposes other than voting.
The Chief of Staff argued that Adeola’s experience in the Senate and his proposed ITESIWAJU nine-pillar agenda placed him in a position to seek the governorship of the state.
The political remarks formed part of activities at the celebration of Susan Odunaro’s 60th birthday, which also coincided with the 21st birthday of the couple’s second son, Timilehin Odunaro.
Earlier at the ceremony, the order of service included praise and worship, hymns, Bible reading, citation of the celebrants, testimonies, exhortation, prayers for the celebrants and the family, as well as a recessional hymn.
The celebration later moved to the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors Hall in the Magbon area of Abeokuta, where guests were treated to meals and drinks.
Music from both old and new generations added colour to the reception as family members, friends, political associates and other dignitaries joined the celebrants.
Among those present were Pastor Sam Adeniran, Assistant Pastor, Corporate Social Responsibility, Redeemed Christian Church of God; Pastor Olufunbi Kuye of RCCG Kings Court Provincial Headquarters; Professor Joyce Ogwezi, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; retired Professor Olulana of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Dr Yemisi Bamgbose, Director-General, Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON); Hon. Olufemi Ogunbanwo, representing Ijebu Ode Federal Constituency; former House of Representatives member, Hon. Bukky Braimoh; Hon. Tunde Tella, representing Abeokuta North State Constituency; Alhaji Lawal Arolat; and United States-based Prince Sola Olabode.
