The Ijebu Muslim Ummah has thrown its weight behind a proposed joint governorship ticket pairing Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola and Alhaji Olatunde Ilias Awonuga for the 2027 Ogun State gubernatorial election, describing the combination as a strategic path toward equity, political stability, and economic advancement.
In a statement and formal appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signed by its Board of Trustees Chairman, Hon. Abdul Azeez Oluwafemi, the group endorsed Adeola—popularly known as Yayi—as the consensus governorship candidate within the All Progressives Congress (APC), while strongly advocating for Alhaji Olatunde Ilias Awonuga as Deputy Governor.
The Ummah noted that its endorsement reflects both alignment with the party’s emerging consensus and a broader demand for fairness in the distribution of political offices across Ogun State’s senatorial districts.
Central to its position is the call for the Deputy Governorship slot to be zoned to Ogun Waterside Local Government Area in Ogun East Senatorial District. The group observed that, despite its vast economic potential, Ogun Waterside has never produced either a Governor or Deputy Governor since the state’s creation.
According to the group, pairing Adeola with Alhaji Olatunde Ilias Awonuga would not only address this longstanding imbalance but also strengthen the APC’s electoral chances by fostering inclusiveness and deeper grassroots support across Ogun East.
“Ogun Waterside remains politically underrepresented despite its strategic importance to the state’s economy,” the statement noted, pointing to key assets such as the Olokola Deep Sea Port, offshore resources, and emerging oil deposits.
Alhaji Olatunde Ilias Awonuga, an indigene of Ogun Waterside, was described as a seasoned maritime and logistics professional with over two decades of experience. He currently heads Herosplus International Limited, a firm with international partnerships in port operations and agro-maritime development.
The Ummah highlighted his academic background in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Lagos, alongside his professional affiliations and recognitions, as evidence of his capacity to contribute meaningfully to governance.
Reaffirming its loyalty to the APC and President Tinubu’s leadership, the group recalled its mobilisation efforts during the 2023 general elections and pledged continued support for the party.
It, however, urged the President to intervene in ensuring that the party adopts what it described as a “balanced and inclusive ticket” for Ogun State in 2027.
Political observers say the endorsement of the Adeola–Awonuga ticket signals early alignments within the APC and may shape zoning discussions ahead of the election cycle.
