Former Ogun Deputy Speaker Gbeleyi Declares for Ogun West Senate Seat, Unrolls Seven-Point Agenda

Rt. Hon. Otunba Olusegun Bolanle Gbeleyi has formally joined the race for the Ogun West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections. The former Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly made the declaration during a ‘Meet the Press’ session organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun West Independent Chapel, in Ota. NaijaChoice News reports that Gbeleyi, popularly known as OBG, pitched his ambition on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

He unveiled a seven-point manifesto tagged “Sustaining the Gains, Raising the Bar Higher.” The document focuses on practical solutions to long-standing challenges in the Yewa axis. Gbeleyi told journalists that his return to active politics is driven by a desire to use his legislative background and global contacts for the benefit of the district.

The agenda covers modern agriculture through an Ogun West Agriculture Development Initiative, complete with mechanization and agro-processing hubs. It also includes quality education with scholarships, bursaries and digital skills training, building on his recent stint as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Digital Bridge Institute from 2021 to 2025. Infrastructure takes centre stage with plans to rehabilitate major roads and revive waterworks across the five local government areas to end the era of untreated borehole water.

On investment, Gbeleyi promised to tap Ogun West’s border location with Benin Republic to draw foreign direct investment and industries. He listed youth empowerment via a new Ogun West Youth Enterprise Fund for startups and job placement in tech and creative sectors. Social welfare programmes will target women, artisans and traders with microcredit and cooperative schemes, while security measures include stronger border controls and joint frameworks with security agencies.

Gbeleyi drew on his past record to buttress his readiness for the Red Chamber. As Deputy Speaker between 1999 and 2003, he represented Ado-Odo/Ota II Constituency and played a key role in Nigeria’s return to the Commonwealth. He moved the motion for debt relief at the 2000 Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in London, a move later implemented under President Olusegun Obasanjo. More recently, he served as consultant on power projects for the Ogun State Government and federal initiatives.

The politician assured constituents of an open-door policy. He pledged a 100-day direct engagement tour of all local governments in Ogun West immediately after assuming office. “Our commitment is to provide accessible and responsive leadership that listens to the people and delivers meaningful results,” he said.

Gbeleyi’s entry has already stirred the political landscape in Ogun West, where the incumbent senator is expected to face stiff competition. Supporters see him as a heavyweight with both grassroots roots and international exposure. Critics, however, will be watching to see how he translates his manifesto into action in a district long yearning for sustainable development.