Home NewsPressure Mounts On OGUN Deputy Gov. To Run

Pressure Mounts On OGUN Deputy Gov. To Run

by Jamiu Abubakar
  • For Governorship In 2027

Will the current Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Alhaja Noimot Salako-Oyedele run for office, come 2027? That is the big question many are asking, as pressure mounts on her to join the  Ogun Governorship race.

She has many things going for her. She has the support of her current boss, the Governor, to run, having been a dutiful and loyal deputy since 2019.

Secondly, she is from the Yewa axis, in Ogun West Senatorial district which has never produced a Governor since the creation of the state in 1976. And thirdly, she is eminently qualified to run.

Many tend to underrate her capacity, but we can reveal that this lady is politically strong, with strong grassroot links. If she decides to run, she will be contesting with Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly called Yayi’s and Federal lawmaker, GNI, who are both interested in the slot. The 3 of them are from Ogun West.

Some have even gone ahead to suggest that if she decides not to run again, she can still run as a Senator for Ogun West, whilst Yayi steps up his game  to the governorship.

What many don’t know is that this easy going lady has what it takes.

She’s been serving in this role since May 29, 2019, alongside Governor Dapo Abiodun, under the All Progressives Congress (APC) party. Noimot Salako-Oyedele is not just a politician, she is public health engineer, and real estate professional, with a strong background in community development, focusing on healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.

She has been a strong advocate for Education, particularly for Girls and Women.

Alhaja Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has been quite active in her role. She’s been advocating for women’s empowerment and gender inclusion in governance. Recently, she’s been pushing for legislative reforms to break systematic barriers and achieve gender parity.

And she’s considering a run for governor in 2027, with her eyes set on becoming Ogun State’s first female governor.

Her aspiration aligns with the call for Ogun West to produce the next governor, as it’s the only zone yet to produce a governor since the state’s creation in 1976.

She’s also been engaging with various stakeholders.

She’s been urging Women to form alliances and break barriers against stereotypes and advancement.

She’s been working to promote Transparency and accountability in governance.

She’s been supporting initiatives to drive economic growth and development in Ogun State.

She is a dynamic leader with a strong vision for Ogun State’s future.

If she decides to run, will she not clash with Sen Yayi who is from her area in Yewa?

They are likely to clash political analysts, argue. Alhaja Noimot Salako-Oyedele,  and Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, are both from Ogun West Senatorial District. While they share the same senatorial district, many believe there’s a possibility of a clash between them, especially considering their governorship ambitions.

Senator Yayi is believed to have been endorsed by the Presidency to be the next governor of Ogun State. And he’s been urged by the Egba Heritage Foundation to rally support from political leaders and traditional rulers in Ogun West. On the other hand, Noimot Salako-Oyedele is also considering a run for governor in 2027.

But can a woman win the Governorship in Ogun State right now many wonder.

That is a tough one, many fell. While there’s no female governor in Ogun State’s history, Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele is considered a strong contender for the position. She’s a seasoned politician. Her experience and achievements make her a viable candidate for the governorship.

In fact, we hear she has already expressed interest in running for governor in 2027.

What are the things that will enhance her chances?

To enhance Alhaja Noimot Salako-Oyedele’s chances of winning the governorship in Ogun State, there are some key factors.

(1) Building a solid support base across Ogun West Senatorial District, particularly among women and youths, will be crucial. Her experience as Deputy Governor and her advocacy for women’s empowerment and gender inclusion can help galvanize support.

(2) Highlighting her achievements and policy initiatives as Deputy Governor, such as promoting transparency, accountability, and economic development, can demonstrate her capability to lead the state.

(3) Securing endorsements from influential figures, including traditional rulers, politicians, and community leaders, can boost her credibility and visibility.

(4) Senator Yayi’s governorship ambition has sparked debates about indigeneity, with some questioning his origins. Noimot Salako-Oyedele may need to address similar concerns and establish her connection to Ogun West.

(5) Forming alliances with other aspirants, like Wale Edun, and building a strong campaign team can help her navigate the complex political landscape.

(6) Crafting a compelling narrative that highlights her vision, experience, and commitment to Ogun State’s development can resonate with voters

By focusing on these areas, Alhaja Noimot Salako-Oyedele can strengthen her candidacy and increase her chances of becoming Ogun State’s first female governor.

But is she that popular as a deputy governor?

Yes she. Noimot Salako-Oyedele is a well-known figure in Ogun State, serving as Deputy Governor since 2019. She’s gained recognition for her work. Some of her notable achievements include:

Infrastructure Development: Improving rural roads and housing projects

Education: Supporting initiatives to enhance school infrastructure and teacher training

Women’s Empowerment: Promoting gender inclusion and economic empowerment for women

She’s also been recognized for her leadership and commitment to public service.

She is also very sociable, and has a strong network of relationships with many community groups. She’s been praised for her humility, kindness, and accommodating nature, which has earned her respect and admiration from many. She’s also a devoted wife and mother. And her relationship with her husband, Alhaji Kashif Bode Oyedele, is often cited as an example of a loving and supportive partnership. He follows her to most events and parties.

She’s actively engaged with various communities, including Islamic societies, and has encouraged the use of social media to spread Islamic teachings.

She’s a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and has worked to promote Gender inclusion and economic development for women in Ogun State.

She’s a respected leader and has been recognized for her contributions to national development and her role in promoting women’s visibility and empowerment in Nigeria.

Will Governor Abiodun support her?

Many believe so. Governor Dapo Abiodun has shown appreciation for acknowledging her invaluable contributions to his administration’s success. He praised her expertise, visionary leadership, and commitment to Ogun State’s progress, describing her as a devoted ally. Given their positive working relationship, it’s most likely Governor Abiodun would support her.

How about Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, Chartered Accountant and former banker, who is currently representing Imeko-Afon/Yewa North Federal Constituency? He is also in the race.

That is why many believe that the battle for the governorship seat in Ogun State is expected to be intense, with various aspirants vying for the position. The influence of Governor Abiodun and the political godfathers will most likely play a significant role in shaping alliances and the outcome of the race.

Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, also known as GNI, is equally strong. He is a seasoned politician and member of the House of Representatives, representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency in Ogun State. He’s a chartered accountant, investment banker, and seasoned administrator with a strong background in finance and governance.

Lets tell you about Alhaja Noimot’s rich pedigree in Aworiland. Alhaja Noimot Salako-Oyedele was born on 8 January 1966  She is a politician, public health engineer and real estate professional, who emerged as deputy governor after winning the 2019 Ogun State gubernatorial election alongside Dapo Abiodun, under the platform of the All Progressive Congress.

Noimot Salako was born to the family of late Prof. Lateef Akinola Salako and Mrs Rahmat Adebisi Salako. She hails from Aworiland, Ota, in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State. Her father was a Professor emeritus of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of Ibadan.

She holds a master’s degree in Public Health Engineering from the Imperial College of Science & Technology London, UK, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Lagos.

Alhaja Salako-Oyedele started her career at the United Kingdom, where she served as a Graduate Engineer and Project Manager at Ove Arup & Partners between 1989 and 1995. Engineer Salako-Oyedele also served as managing director, NOS Nigeria Limited between 1995 and 2014. She became the managing director/chief executive officer between 2014 and 2015 at Glenwood Property Development Company Limited where she served as general manager business development. She became the acting managing director, Grenadines Homes Limited in 2015, a position she held till she ventured into partisan-politics and emerged as the Ogun State Deputy Governor.

In March 2019, she was elected by the people of Ogun State to serve as deputy governor to His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

 

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