Arolat Endorses Senator Yayi Ahead Of 2027 As YSV Mobilizes Students Across Ogun
A respected business mogul in Ogun State, Alhaji Rasak Lawal Arolat, has formally endorsed Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship race, as students across the state mobilized under the platform of the Yayi Student Vanguard (YSV).
The endorsement and student mobilization took place at a well-attended political and youth-focused programme held in Ilaro, Ogun State. The event also featured the official inauguration of the Yayi Student Vanguard and a students’ empowerment initiative, drawing participants from virtually all tertiary institutions across the state.
The programme, themed “The Power of Students in Shaping Greater Ogun: Advancing Yayi’s Vision 2027 with Renewed Hope,” attracted youth leaders, party stakeholders, community representatives, and political figures, highlighting the growing role of students and young people in shaping the state’s political future.
Speaking through his representative, Comrade Okikiola Babalola, Alhaji Arolat described Senator Yayi as a tested, people-oriented leader with a strong record in public service, youth engagement, and constituency empowerment. He urged party leaders, particularly in the Yewa axis and across Ogun State, to consolidate support behind Yayi to ensure electoral success in 2027.
“As a business leader, who understands development, investment, and human capital, Alhaji Arolat believes Senator Yayi represents the kind of leadership Ogun State needs at this critical time,” Babalola said. “This endorsement reflects a firm commitment to mobilize structures and people in support of Yayi’s ambition.”
Beyond political declarations, the event underscored a strong commitment to youth development. A students’ empowerment programme saw the distribution of educational materials, including books, alongside financial support to selected beneficiaries. Organizers described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the shared belief by Arolat and the Yayi Student Vanguard that students must be empowered materially as well as politically.
The formal inauguration of the Yayi Student Vanguard marked a significant milestone in the organization’s evolution as a statewide student and youth support structure. In his welcome address, the Convener of the Vanguard, Comrade Olanose James A. (Bigval), highlighted the group’s expanding reach and growing influence across Ogun State.
He disclosed that the Vanguard has already mobilized over 5,000 students and youths for the ongoing voters’ registration exercise and has established active coordinators across multiple campuses. He also revealed that the group previously undertook a self-sponsored humanitarian outreach during the Ramadan period, distributing food items such as rice, garri, and indomie to students in the name of Senator Yayi—an initiative funded entirely from members’ personal resources.
“This movement is driven by conviction, not inducement,” Comrade Olanose stated. “Our support for Senator Yayi is based on his consistent commitment to students, youth inclusion, and sustainable development in Ogun State.”
The event also featured an intellectual session, with Prince Femi Dokunmu delivering a lecture on youth responsibility, leadership consciousness, and the strategic role of students in governance and democratic participation.
Several dignitaries graced the occasion, including Hon. Ola Aina, Hon. Tunde Okewole (representing DG Caucus 7202), and Hon. Moctar Olaseni Koiki, alongside other party leaders and stakeholders. Speakers at the event echoed calls for unity, discipline, and strategic grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2027 elections.
Observers described the programme as a strategic convergence of politics, youth mobilization, and empowerment, signaling early but strong alignment among key stakeholders.
With the endorsement of a respected business mogul like Alhaji Arolat and the growing statewide presence of the Yayi Student Vanguard, political analysts believe Senator Yayi’s 2027 governorship ambition has received a significant boost at the grassroots level.
As Ogun State gradually moves toward the next general elections, the expanding role of students, youth organizations, and private-sector leaders is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the political landscape.
