A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Titi Fagbote, popularly known as Ayoka, has empowered 50 women in Yewa North Local Government Area with cash to support their livelihoods and mobilise grassroots backing for the party’s 2027 governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

The beneficiaries, comprising hairdressers, fashion designers and elderly women, received the financial support at an empowerment programme held at Omidokun Hall, Ayetoro, Yewa North.

The event also marked the inauguration of members and supporters of the Ayoka Women for Yayi group, who were charged with mobilising voters across the grassroots ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Fagbote said the initiative was inspired by two objectives: applying lessons she had learnt as a supporter of Adeola and contributing to the empowerment of residents rather than leaving the responsibility solely to the senator.

She praised Adeola’s interventions in Yewa North, describing him as a politician whose developmental projects and community-focused activities had earned him recognition among residents.

Fagbote urged members of the women’s group to intensify grassroots mobilisation for Adeola by highlighting his record as a senator and communicating his plans for Ogun State to voters.

She also emphasised the importance of supporting women economically, describing Yewa women as hardworking and industrious and arguing that improving their financial capacity would have a direct impact on their families.

Representing Adeola’s wife, Temitope Adeola, the Convener of the West-to-State APC Women’s Wing and President of the Dynamic Diamond Sisters, Olori Adebisi Olaotan, defended the senator against claims concerning his origin.

Olaotan described the allegations as repeated attempts by political opponents to discredit Adeola ahead of the 2027 election.

She maintained that Adeola was an indigene of Ilaro in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State and dismissed claims that he originated from Ekiti State.

According to her, those making the allegation had failed to identify any specific location in Ekiti State from which Adeola supposedly hailed.

Olaotan attributed the attacks to what she described as concern among opposition figures over Adeola’s record of community interventions and infrastructure projects across Ogun West and other parts of the state.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Rafiu Fausat, thanked Fagbote for the initiative, saying the financial assistance would help strengthen her business.

Fausat said she intended to invest the money in her business to increase its capital base, improve operations and enhance her livelihood.

She also called on residents of Ogun State to unite behind Adeola ahead of the 2027 election, urging voters to support his bid to become the next governor of the state.