Senator Adeola Yayi Urges Religious Tolerance at 3rd Ogun West Ramadan Lecture, Rallies Support For President Tinubu, Gov. Dapo Abiodun

…Former Deputy Governors, Others Endorse Yayi for Ogun State Gov.

ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, has called on the people of Ogun State to uphold religious tolerance and continue to promote peaceful coexistence among adherents of different faiths.

Popularly known as Yayi, the senator made this appeal while speaking at the 3rd Ogun West Ramadan Lecture and Special Prayers organised in honour of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Senator Adeola Yayi.

The well-attended religious gathering took place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the multi-purpose Asade Agunloye Pavilion, drawing a large crowd of Muslim and non-Muslim faithful from across Ogun West and beyond.

In his address, Senator Adeola emphasised that Ogun State has always been a home to people of different religions and cultural backgrounds, stressing that harmony among citizens must remain a priority.

He urged residents and voters across the state not to allow religious sentiments or biases to influence their political decisions, especially when choosing leaders who will guide the future of the state.

According to him, leadership should be determined by competence, integrity, and commitment to development rather than religious affiliation.

He further urged adherents of all faiths to reject prejudice and instead support individuals who possess the vision and capacity to move Ogun State toward greater progress and unity.

Despite being a devoted Christian, Senator Adeola noted that he has consistently supported Islamic causes and religious harmony.

He revealed that he has sponsored more than 100 Muslim faithful annually for the Holy Pilgrimage to Mecca, demonstrating his commitment to interfaith cooperation.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation explained that the Ramadan lecture and prayer session was organised primarily as an expression of gratitude to God and an opportunity to seek divine guidance for the nation and the state.

He stated that the programme was also meant to pray for the continued success of President Tinubu’s administration and for peace and prosperity across Nigeria.

The Aremo of Yewaland also rallied support for President Tinubu’s second term in office, urging the people of Ogun State to not only pray but also work towards the success of the President’s re-election bid in 2027.

The senator also commended President Tinubu for the bold economic reforms introduced by his administration, particularly the policy that unified the foreign exchange market.

According to him, the harmonisation of the exchange rate between the black market and the Central Bank of Nigeria represents a strategic step toward strengthening the Nigerian currency and stabilising the nation’s economy.

Speaking on the importance of education, Senator Adeola used the platform to appeal to parents across Ogun State not to deprive their children of quality education.

He described education as the most valuable investment any family can make for the future of their children, adding that educated youths would ultimately become the pride and backbone of the state.

The senator revealed that his passion for education is rooted in his own personal experience, noting that he is a beneficiary of quality education and understands its transformative power.

He therefore disclosed that he recently sponsored the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) fees for 2,000 students across Ogun State, explaining that the gesture was purely a service to the people and not politically motivated.

Senator Adeola clarified that he had not formally declared any political ambition and cautioned critics against misinterpreting his developmental interventions.

Delivering the main sermon at the lecture, respected Islamic scholar Fadilat (Sheikh) Jamiu Ajadi Sanusi AmiOlorun described Senator Adeola as a politician endowed with deep compassion and a strong sense of humanity.

The cleric noted that from his personal interactions with the senator over the years, he had observed qualities of humility, generosity, and a leadership style guided by the fear of God in him.

While commending the senator for his numerous developmental contributions to Ogun West and beyond, the cleric also advised him to remain vigilant against political sycophants who might attempt to exploit his accessibility for selfish interests.

He urged the senator to continue relying on divine guidance in all his political decisions.

In his prayer for the senator, Sheikh Sanusi AmiOlorun asked everyone at the event to remain standing as they jointly recited Al-Fatiha, while pointing their five fingers toward Senator Adeola Yayi, who was also urged to pray to Allah for whatever he desired from Him.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, praised President Tinubu’s determination to reposition Nigeria through transformative policies and reforms.

Dr. Salako pointed out that many of the developmental initiatives implemented by President Tinubu today can be traced back to the reforms he introduced during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.

According to the minister, those visionary policies laid the foundation that has made Lagos one of the most progressive states in Nigeria today.

He expressed confidence that President Tinubu would continue to pursue policies capable of driving national growth and prosperity.

Dr. Salako also commended Senator Adeola Yayi, describing him as a compassionate and inclusive leader who demonstrated strong religious tolerance while continuing to build upon the developmental philosophy associated with President Tinubu.

In their separate remarks, former Deputy Governors of Ogun State, Alhaja (Chief) Mrs Salmot Badru and Mr. Segun Adesegun, described Senator Adeola Yayi as a rare blessing to Ogun West.

They noted that since returning to actively engage with his constituency, the senator has continued to deliver tangible dividends of democracy to the people.

According to them, the benefits of his interventions are not limited to Ogun West alone, as several initiatives have extended to other senatorial districts across the state.

Both leaders therefore urged the people of Ogun West to unite in supporting the senator’s vision, particularly in breaking the longstanding political jinx that has prevented the district from producing a governor since the creation of the state over five decades ago.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Ogun State Chairman, Alhaji Sanusi, noted that he was invited by the Ogun West Muslim community to be part of the prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, and Senator Adeola Yayi.

He however offered the prayers with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an, which was warmly received with a thunderous “Ameen” from the gathering.

At the conclusion of the event, Senator Adeola Yayi presented Ramadan gifts to the Imams, Alfas, and Muslim faithful who attended the programme.

While thanking guests for attending the event Senator Adeola Yayi expressed optimism that by the next edition of the lecture in 2027, the gathering would transform into a thanksgiving ceremony filled with praises to God for answering the prayers of the people of Ogun West.

Observers of the political landscape in Ogun State have noted that, beyond sentiments and partisan considerations, it is only fair that Ogun West produces the next governor of the state.

According to them, the other regions in the state should rally behind whoever the people of Ogun West eventually choose as their preferred candidate for the exalted position.

They also described Senator Adeola Yayi as an experienced administrator and a political strategist, adding that he is a man deeply endowed with compassion and the milk of human kindness.

The 2026 Ogun West Ramadan Lecture and Prayer session attracted participants from diverse backgrounds and professions, making it one of the most remarkable Islamic gatherings witnessed in the region in recent times.

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