…Lists Bankole, Amusan, Ishola, and Others as Potential Egba Governorship Aspirants
The Egba Coalition Group, under the banner Egba Lokan Agenda 2027, has refuted claims of endorsing Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.
In a statement issued by the group’s chairman, Chief Mustapha Abdulhakeem, the coalition clarified its stance following a publication linking it to the endorsement of Senator Adeola, who currently represents Ogun West Senatorial District.
Abdulhakeem described the reports as “misleading, mischievous, and baseless,” emphasizing that Egbaland has no shortage of credible individuals to provide leadership at any level of governance.
The controversy arose after Kayode Oladele, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, praised the group for allegedly recognizing Senator Adeola as one of the Egba hopefuls for the 2027 governorship race.
Yemi Oke, one of the group’s founding members, had reportedly named Adeola alongside other aspirants, including former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole; Hon. Jelili Kayode Amusan, a two-term member of the House of Representatives; and Sarafa Ishola, Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Reacting to Oke’s remarks, Chief Abdulhakeem discredited the claims, stating that the Egba Lokan Agenda 2027 remains neutral and has not endorsed any candidate. “The Egba Lokan Agenda 2027 regrets the unfortunate controversy surrounding a publication falsely claiming our endorsement of Senator Adeola Olamilekan Yayi,” the statement read.
Abdulhakeem further explained that the group’s mission and objectives are clearly defined, and it has no intention of supporting any individual for the governorship race at this time.
He also criticized Professor Yemi Oke’s alleged report as a personal agenda, adding that the group’s name should not be used to further political ambitions.
“It is laughable and uncalled for that anyone would certify any individual as an ‘Egba indigene’ under unclear authority,” the statement added.
The group also addressed the claim by the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, affirming Senator Adeola’s ties to Yewaland.
However, they noted that no such declaration has been made by the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, or any other Egba traditional ruler.
The group urged the public to disregard any attempts to associate it with political endorsements, reiterating its commitment to promoting credible leadership in Ogun State without bias.
