Senator Yayi has opened our eyes to true representation — Chief Ojuko

Chief Waliu Olajide Ojuko, the Senior Special Adviser on Political Affairs to Governor Dapo Abiodun, has expressed optimism that Ogun State, particularly Ogun West Senatorial District, will witness massive infrastructural and economic transformation if Senator Olamilekan Adeola emerges as governor of the state.

Ojuko, who also holds the traditional title of Olootu of Ota, stated this while reflecting on his decades-long involvement in public service and politics, as well as the developmental trajectory of Ogun State. He described Senator Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as a political leader who has changed the perception of representation through impactful projects and grassroots empowerment across Ogun West and beyond.

According to him, the senator’s performance in the National Assembly has given residents of Ogun West renewed hope that the district, which he said has historically lagged behind in infrastructure, could finally experience rapid development. He noted that roads, schools, transformers and empowerment initiatives facilitated by the senator had distinguished him from previous representatives.

Ojuko said the widespread acceptance of Yayi’s governorship ambition across Ogun State was largely due to his record of performance and inclusiveness. He added that many communities in Ogun West still lack basic amenities such as electricity, good roads, hospitals and modern schools, expressing confidence that these gaps would be addressed under Yayi’s leadership.

He explained that Ogun West had long struggled to produce a governor since the creation of Ogun State, unlike Ogun Central and Ogun East, which had both occupied the governorship seat. According to him, political leaders and stakeholders from Ogun West had over the years made several attempts to secure the governorship position for the district without success.

Ojuko said the emergence of Senator Adeola as a consensus governorship figure had helped to break long-standing political barriers within the district. He noted that the senator’s growing popularity was not limited to Ogun West but extended across the state because of his developmental projects and accessibility to the people.

The veteran politician also reflected on his personal journey in public service and politics, recounting how he began his career after studying at the University of Ibadan. He served in various capacities in Lagos State, including as assistant postal controller, teacher, administrative officer and later secretary of several government agencies and commissions.

During his years in Lagos State public service, Ojuko said he worked in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lagos State Market Committee, Chieftaincy Tribunal, Office of Public Transportation and the Lagos State Lotteries and Pools Betting Commission, where he served as pioneer secretary.

He recalled working with several notable political figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mother, the late Iyaloja General of Lagos, as well as prominent business figures such as Kessington Adebutu.

Ojuko said he eventually resigned from the civil service in 1982 to focus on politics and community development in Ogun State. His political breakthrough came when he was elected State Secretary of the Social Democratic Party, where he played a role in the political activities surrounding the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and the historic June 12 presidential election.

He later served as Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives and Tourism under former Governor Olusegun Osoba and subsequently as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun. He currently serves in Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration as Senior Special Adviser on Political Affairs.

Speaking on the growth of Ogun State, Ojuko said the state had recorded remarkable economic and infrastructural progress over the years despite financial limitations compared to Lagos State. He noted that internally generated revenue had grown significantly from less than ₦500 million monthly in earlier years to several billions today.

According to him, industrialisation and urban expansion have transformed areas such as Ota and Agbara, while new industrial estates have emerged across the state. He also pointed to the rising value of land in Ogun State, attributing it to increased economic activities and the growing number of people who work in Lagos but reside in Ogun communities.

Ojuko stressed the importance of humility, integrity and accountability in public office, saying his years in public service taught him that leadership should be centred on service to the people rather than personal enrichment. He maintained that resisting corruption and preserving one’s reputation were essential qualities for any public servant.

On national politics, the Ogun politician praised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms aimed at repositioning the country. While acknowledging the hardship faced by Nigerians, Ojuko defended the removal of fuel subsidy, arguing that difficult decisions were necessary to address the nation’s long-standing economic problems.

He described Tinubu as a strategic and experienced administrator who successfully maintained political control of Lagos State during opposition years and expressed confidence that the president would overcome current economic challenges and secure victory in the 2027 general elections.