By Kolawole Adekola
The political realignment within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has begun to take clearer shape following the emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) as a consensus arrangement from Ogun West and a leading figure for the governorship ticket. As attention gradually shifts from the question of “who leads” to “who supports and strengthens the ticket,” the focus on the deputy governorship position has become both strategic and consequential.
In the context of zoning and political balance in Ogun State, consideration is increasingly being given to equity across the three senatorial districts. With the immediate past governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, having emerged from Ogun Central, and Governor Dapo Abiodun currently serving from Ogun East (Remo axis), the conversation around the next phase of leadership has naturally opened up space for thoughtful inclusion of other segments within the state. In this regard, Ogun East—particularly the Ijebu axis—has continued to feature prominently in discussions around the deputy governorship position.
Ogun East and the Weight of Expectation
Ogun East is not short of capable hands. In fact, it is arguably one of the most intellectually dense and administratively experienced regions in the state. The Ijebu axis, in particular, has consistently produced professionals who have distinguished themselves in public service, finance, academia, law, and governance.
This reality makes the current search less about availability and more about suitability—who among many qualified individuals best fits the strategic demands of a new administration expected to scale development, deepen revenue generation, and consolidate institutional reforms.
Dapo Okubadejo: Experience Meets Institutional Memory
Within this context, Dapo Okubadejo stands out as a particularly strong and credible option.
As Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, he has been deeply involved in the fiscal management architecture of the present administration. His role has gone beyond routine budgeting to include economic planning, financial discipline, investor engagement, and coordination of revenue-enhancing reforms.
What distinguishes him is not only his technical expertise, but also his institutional memory of the current government’s reform trajectory. He has been a central figure in the fiscal and economic backbone of the Abiodun administration, contributing significantly to its stability and policy continuity.
A Complementary Fit for a Yayi Administration
A prospective administration under Senator Yayi is widely expected to prioritize aggressive economic expansion, infrastructural development, and enhanced revenue mobilization. These ambitions require a deputy who is not only politically reliable but technically grounded in the mechanics of governance.
In this regard, a Yayi–Okubadejo combination presents a compelling governance balance:
Yayi brings political experience, legislative depth, and federal engagement capacity.
Okubadejo brings financial discipline, technocratic stability, and administrative continuity.
Together, they represent a blend of political energy and economic precision—an alignment that could strengthen policy execution and improve governance outcomes across sectors.
Continuity as a Development Strategy
One of the often-overlooked strengths in governance is continuity. Ogun State, under Governor Dapo Abiodun, has made notable strides in infrastructure development, investment attraction, and institutional reforms. Within this framework, Okubadejo has played a significant supporting role in ensuring fiscal coordination and economic sustainability.
Elevating him to the position of deputy governor would therefore not only recognize experience but also preserve and deepen ongoing reforms. It would allow the incoming administration to build on established systems rather than rebuild them.
Conclusion
As political consultations intensify within the APC in Ogun State, the debate is gradually shifting toward competence, balance, and continuity. While Ogun East offers a wide pool of qualified individuals, Dapo Okubadejo’s blend of technocratic expertise, fiscal experience, and institutional familiarity places him in a distinct category of consideration.
Paired with Senator Yayi’s political profile and ambition, such a partnership would offer Ogun State a governance structure capable of consolidating past gains while driving new waves of development.
In the end, the conversation is not just about regional representation—it is about capacity, compatibility, and the future trajectory of governance in Ogun State.
Kolawole Adekola is a political analyst, writes from Ewekoro in Ogun State.
