The Muslim community in Abeokuta has declared strong support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, YAYI, the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, to emerge as Governor of Ogun State in 2027.
The endorsement was made during the 8th Day Fidau Prayer for Alhaji Shakiru Ayilara, popularly known as “Shako Alhaji”, an APC chieftain in Abeokuta North Local Government Area, held at the Sheik Sugar Mosque, Bode Olude, Abeokuta.
Speaking at the prayer session, Sheikh Iskeel Sugar said the emergence of Senator Adeola, who hails from Ogun West, is divinely ordained and timely.
“We are all witnesses to the last 8 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,” Sheikh Sugar declared.
According to the cleric, Senator Adeola has already been performing functions expected of a governor even without occupying the seat, citing his massive infrastructural interventions across the state and his identification with the Muslim faithful.
He noted Adeola’s sponsorship of pilgrims to the Holy Land and his single-handed construction of mosques as evidence of his commitment to Islam and service to the people.
His position was widely corroborated by hundreds of faithful present at the Fidau prayer, including Ambassador Sarafa Ishola, the Baba Adini of Muslims in Yorubaland and Edo State.
Responding to the remarks, Senator Adeola condoled the wife and family of the late Alhaji Ayilara, noting that the massive turnout at the 8th Day prayer showed that Shako Alhaji was a good man.
“From the massive turnout of people at the 8th Day prayer, it shows that Shako Alhaji was a good man to lose at this time,” he said.
The Senator disclosed that the late chieftain had already been pencilled down to serve as his Local Government Coordinator for Abeokuta North, pending approval from Ambassador Sarafa Ishola, before his sudden demise.
“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,” Senator Adeola assured.
The Fidau prayer was attended by several dignitaries including Alhaja Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Abiodun, APC Deputy Governorship candidate; Hon. Olumide Osoba, member representing Abeokuta North/Obafemi Owode/Odeda Federal Constituency; Hon. Laolu Olabimtan, Ogun State Commissioner for Budget and Planning; Hon. Kayode Oladele, Federal Commissioner representing Ogun State in the Federal Character Commission, and other political and religious leaders.