Olugbenga Omole, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has formally indicated his desire to seek election into the Ondo State House of Assembly as political activities begin to gather pace ahead of the 2027 general election.
The former Special Adviser on Transport to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is aiming to represent Akoko South West Constituency I. His declaration was made public during a community-focused empowerment gathering in Oka-Akoko on Sunday, April 5, where he also introduced a ₦20 million development intervention fund for local residents.
The support package is expected to benefit a wide range of groups within the constituency, including students, young people, traders, women’s associations, artisans, farmers, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, and selected religious stakeholders. The move was presented as part of his wider commitment to grassroots support and social inclusion.
Speaking at the event, Omole explained that his decision to re-enter the race was rooted in what he sees as an unfinished responsibility to the people he once served between 2019 and 2023. He suggested that his renewed ambition is tied to a duty to sustain effective representation and deepen development across the constituency.
Rather than simply returning to office, the APC aspirant framed his ambition around continuity. He stressed that his goal is to expand access to democratic dividends and strengthen the relationship between government and the people at the community level. Gossip News Now reports that his message centered heavily on service delivery, local engagement, and practical governance.
Among the priorities outlined by Omole were youth-focused programmes, improved infrastructure, and a style of leadership that accommodates different interests across the constituency. He also signaled support for the creation of additional Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), arguing that such a step would bring governance closer to the grassroots and improve local administration in Oka and surrounding communities.
He made it clear that physical development remains one of the biggest concerns in the area, noting that road networks, public amenities, and access to opportunities require stronger legislative attention. He also pledged to keep close contact with traditional rulers, opinion leaders, and community stakeholders in order to respond more effectively to pressing needs.
In his remarks, Omole commended the Ondo State Government for improvements in the release of constituency-related funds, saying the development could help lawmakers respond more meaningfully to challenges in their areas. According to him, such support strengthens the capacity of elected representatives to deliver direct benefits at the grassroots.
Looking back at his earlier tenure in the Assembly, the former lawmaker pointed to a number of initiatives he said were carried out under his watch. These included helping constituents secure opportunities in public institutions, supporting the Amotekun Corps, and providing relief materials during the COVID-19 lockdown period. He also referenced efforts in grassroots sports promotion, adult education, vocational training, and agricultural support, alongside interventions in disputes involving farmers.
As part of his consultations ahead of the race, Omole paid visits to the Olubaka of Oka, Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, and the Asin of Iwaro Oka, Omoyejola Pius Akande. During those visits, he received royal blessings and words of encouragement tied to his political ambition.
The traditional rulers reportedly urged him to keep the issue of infrastructure at the centre of his campaign promises, especially across communities in Oka-Akoko. Their position reflected a broader expectation that anyone seeking public office must address long-standing development concerns with visible action.
Support for Omole’s ambition also came from the state leadership of the party. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented at the programme by Victor Olabimtan, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, described the aspirant as a dependable political ally with a proven record. The governor’s camp portrayed him as someone whose loyalty and experience make him suitable for a return to the Assembly.
In the same vein, the Ondo State APC Chairman, Kolawole Babatunde, praised Omole for what he described as his contributions to Oka-Akoko and reaffirmed the ruling party’s readiness to stand behind its candidates in future elections. His remarks suggested a broader party strategy aimed at consolidating support from the grassroots up to the national level.
Commentary and Analysis
Omole’s declaration appears to be more than a routine political announcement. By combining his formal entry into the race with a sizeable empowerment package, he has signaled an intention to build early momentum and reconnect directly with voters through visible community-based interventions.
The emphasis on youth empowerment, infrastructure, and more LCDAs may also indicate that his campaign will focus less on rhetoric and more on local governance issues that resonate strongly with constituents. His outreach to traditional rulers, party leaders, and grassroots groups suggests a strategy designed to strengthen both political legitimacy and community acceptance before the contest fully unfolds.
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