Aspirant champions inclusiveness at debate
two-term former member of Ogun State House of Assembly and aspirant for Ijebu North 1, Bowale Solaja, has shown promise in a debate promoting his intention to represent his people.
two-term former member of Ogun State House of Assembly and aspirant for Ijebu North 1, Bowale Solaja, has shown promise in a debate promoting his intention to represent his people.
Solaja spoke with pride about his roots, identifying as a son of Ejioloko baba Dotun aka Dot Sho’s family of Atikori, with ties to the Ojowo dynasty and heritage. He noted that he is a grandson of the late Babalanre Onikoko, and that his mother, Mrs. Ibi Solaja (Dangote Obinrin) is a respected figure in the community.
He said he is an alumnus of Olabisi Onabanjo University, where he studied Banking and Finance. Beyond politics, Solaja is an entrepreneur a poultry farmer and paper merchant.
Responding to question on his motivation for seeking to represent his people, Solaja said the geopolitical structure of Ijebu Igbo, comprising six wards divided into two areas: Area 1 and Area 2, gives his area a fair chance.
He noted that Area 2 holds the chairmanship position and a seat in the House of Assembly and argued that equity and fairness demand that Area 1 be considered for House of Assembly representation at this time.
He emphasised that experience is a critical asset in legislative service, positioning himself as the most qualified candidate in the race. He said if elected, he would attain ranking officer status, a position that unlocks legislative influence and access to opportunities for his constituent, including job creation, enhanced security and impactful bills and constituency projects.
To illustrate this point, he referenced accomplishments of Sen Olamilekan Yayi, a ranking officer in Senate, who has leveraged his seniority to facilitate projects in multiple constituencies beyond his own.
A guest challenged Solaja to account for projects delivered in his two terms in office.
He welcomed the question without hesitation, presenting what he described as a verifiable track record of constituency development.
Among the projects he listed were the construction of an eight-unit classroom block at Kegbo Secondary School, and another eight-unit block at Shasusudeen in Atikori. He also cited the construction of lockup shops in Imope and Obada, a borehole at Obada Market, road clearing with a bulldozer in Bogije and a borehole installation in the Odorasoyin area around Fowosere, among several others. He disclosed that a total of sixteen boreholes were sunk across the constituency during his tenure.
On social welfare, he highlighted empowerment programmes for women, during which household and business equipment, including freezers, grinding machines, and hairdryers, were distributed. He also spoke of a monthly financial support initiative for widows in the constituency.
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Acknowledging the limitations of his previous terms, Hon. Solaja noted that his time in opposition constrained his access to certain resources and platforms.
He assured the audience that this cycle is different, that he is now aligned with the right team and party to deliver meaningful and sustainable development to his constituents.
Commitment to Inclusivity, Hon. Solaja closed his presentation on a note of social inclusion, pledging that persons living with disabilities would receive deliberate attention and support under his representation, affirming that they are valued members of society deserving of dignity and care.
He also took time to acknowledge his fellow aspirants, extending commendation to Dr. Adeeko Fiyinfoluwa, DAAF, whom he described as a capable and determined young man, and to Hon. Niyi Ogunyemi, whom he praised for his confidence and clarity of vision.
The event concluded with a group photograph of all participants.
