Abba -Eku Onyekachukwu
Abuja
Princess Adeola Ayoola-Egbeji, representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, has declared her intention to seek re-election to the House of Representatives, citing strong support from her constituents and ongoing projects that she wants to complete.
The lawmaker, who was sworn in October last year, said she has spent the past seven months on a steep learning curve but has already sponsored four bills and moved three motions of national importance. She noted that her colleagues in the Southwest and Ogun State caucuses have been supportive, especially as she is currently the only female member from Ogun in the House.
Ayoola-Egbeji revealed that she inherited legislative aides from her late predecessor, who passed away mid-term, and their experience has helped her quickly settle into legislative duties. She stressed that the constituency went nearly a year without representation before her arrival, leaving many projects and privileges unattended.
The lawmaker addressed the controversy around her seat, following reports that the Ogun State governor had backed another candidate as a consensus choice. She clarified that the APC’s rules require consultation with all aspirants before a consensus can be declared, which she said has not happened in her case. “In my case, it’s still an open playing field,” she said, adding that she has picked and submitted her nomination forms for the APC primaries.
Ayoola-Egbeji said she has been receiving encouragement from traditional rulers, community groups, and labor unions urging her to contest again. She argued that returning to the 11th Assembly would allow her to become a ranking member and help her constituency regain privileges lost after the death of her predecessor, who was Deputy Chief Whip.
The representative highlighted several constituency projects initiated within her short time in office. These include the installation of solar lights in Ikenne Local Government, road construction in Aroluwo, Sagamu, and another solar light project in Sagamu. She also pointed to upcoming empowerment programs set to kick off in the next two weeks.
Due to delays in contractor funding, she said she personally sponsored the grading of eroded roads in Ward 14, Sagamu, as a palliative measure ahead of the rainy season. She also self-funded ecological studies that have led to three projects being captured under the Ecological Fund, stressing that only an incumbent can effectively follow up on such interventions.
Beyond infrastructure, Ayoola-Egbeji said she has reached out to constituents during Easter and Ramadan with food palliatives to mosques and churches. She also organized holiday coaching classes for about 1,000 students, saying the feedback shows her constituents appreciate her efforts and want continuity.
On the role of the governor and party leadership, she expressed confidence that Governor Dapo Abiodun, whom she described as a listening leader, will consider the views of the grassroots and party elders. She maintained that the party structure includes not just the governor but also elders, leaders, and the wider community.
As the only female lawmaker from Ogun State and one of just three women from the entire Southwest in the House, Ayoola-Egbeji called for more women in politics but urged that those already serving be allowed to continue. “We understand the ropes and can guide new members,” she said, appealing to stakeholders to support her return.
Closing her remarks, she said it has been “the privilege of my life” to represent her people and pledged to continue providing quality representation. “I have shown I am willing to put in the hard work and listen to your concerns… I am a proven, trusted representative,” she stated, asking for the opportunity to continue serving Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North.
