By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday received the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and his entourage at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta.
Offering political advice, Obasanjo urged the APC candidate to reach out to every segment of the electorate, regardless of political affiliation.
“As you go to campaign, you need the votes of both the saints and the devils — supporters and the opposition,” Obasanjo said.
He added that whoever emerges as Ogun State governor in 2027 would automatically become his governor, stressing that no one could tell the history of the state better than he could.
Speaking while receiving Senator Adeola and his team, Obasanjo said he had known the lawmaker for years and commended him for his commitment to development, particularly in agribusiness.
“I said we have met informally before, and I told you what I know about you and where our paths have crossed. One thing I like about you is that you go out to reach places where there is a need for development and where agriculture can be leveraged,” he said.
During the visit, Adeola said he came to seek the elder statesman’s blessings and prayers ahead of his statewide campaign for the 2027 governorship election.
Obasanjo said Ogun enjoys a strategic advantage because of its proximity to Lagos and urged the APC candidate to harness the state’s vast agricultural potential.
“We have one advantage, and that advantage is our proximity to Lagos. With the growing population of Lagos, Ogun should be able to feed Lagos because we are the nearest state,” he said.
The former president also prayed that Adeola’s political ambition would align with God’s purpose for his life and urged him to prioritise agriculture, tourism and technology if elected governor.
“My desire and prayer is that your ambition may be in tandem with what God has for you. Our problem in life is when we do not know God’s plan for our lives,” he added.
Earlier, Adeola said he visited Obasanjo to formally inform him of the commencement of his campaign and seek his fatherly guidance and prayers.
“I have come to seek fatherly blessing and prayer. I will be going through the length and breadth of the state, speaking to the people about the future of Ogun State, our intention to turn around its fortunes and take it to the next level,” he said.
The senator described Obasanjo as a passionate advocate of agricultural development, noting that Ogun possesses enormous resources capable of transforming it into the food basket of Lagos and the entire South-West.
“I know you are very passionate about agriculture. This state is richly blessed, and with the right efforts and proper utilisation of our God-given resources, we can transform Ogun and make it a leading state. That is why I have come to pay homage, formally notify you of my campaign, and seek your prayers, guidance and support,” Adeola said.
He thanked the former president for receiving him and his delegation despite the short notice.
