Aiyedogbon Foundation expands to Obafemi Owode, backs Yayi for 2027

The Aiyedogbon Foundation has extended its grassroots humanitarian activities to Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State with the inauguration of a new chapter and a renewed pledge to improve the lives of vulnerable members of society.

The chapter was officially launched on Sunday, August 30, at Obafemi Owode Hall, Owode-Egba, Mowe, Ogun State, attracting a large gathering of members, supporters, traditional rulers, community leaders and political stakeholders.

Members of the foundation travelled from different communities, including Ibafo, Mowe, Arepo, Oke Afa, Ofada and Obafemi Owode, among other towns, to identify with the organisation and its humanitarian objectives.

Speaking at the event, the Patroness of the Obafemi Owode Chapter, Chief Mrs. Rahmat Otsomosi-Oviesa, said the inauguration represented a major step towards taking the foundation’s vision of service and community development to more people.

Oviesa said her decision to support the establishment of the chapter was influenced by her understanding of the personality and humanitarian disposition of the foundation’s founder, High Chief Durojaiye Aiyedogbon.

She recalled meeting Aiyedogbon for the first time and described him as warm, humble and accommodating, saying his relationship with people demonstrated his genuine concern for humanity.

According to her, Aiyedogbon’s experience in public service, including his tenure as a two-time commissioner in Ogun State, motivated him to establish a platform that would continue to make a difference even outside government.

She explained that the foundation was created to provide assistance to less privileged people while promoting empowerment, education and other initiatives capable of improving lives at the grassroots.

She said the Obafemi Owode chapter currently operates through zones covering Arepo, Oke Afa, Ibafo, Ofada, Mowe and Obafemi Owode, with plans to establish additional zones in other communities.

Oviesa noted that the impressive turnout at the launch was an indication of the growing acceptance of the foundation among residents across the local government.

She urged members to remain united and committed to the organisation’s slogan, “United We Stand,” saying the foundation should serve as a platform through which people could work together to empower communities and support those in need.

As part of its intervention in education, the foundation has also purchased JAMB forms for more than 200 indigent students.

The initiative, she said, was aimed at giving young people from less privileged backgrounds an opportunity to pursue higher education despite financial challenges.

Oviesa stressed that the foundation’s activities were not limited to political engagements, insisting that its primary objective remained humanitarian service and improving the welfare of ordinary people.

The organisation has already established a presence in several communities across Ogun State, including Arepo, Oke Afa, Ofada and Ibafo, while it continues to work towards expanding its grassroots network.

The launch also provided an opportunity for the foundation to make a political statement ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.

The organisation declared its support for Senator Olamilekan Adeola Solomon Yayi as its preferred candidate for the governorship of Ogun State in 2027.

The foundation said its endorsement was influenced by Yayi’s record of interventions in areas such as education, roads and empowerment, describing him as a politician capable of contributing to the further development of the state.

Oviesa, while announcing the endorsement, said the decision reflected the foundation’s desire to support leadership that would prioritise development and the welfare of the people.

She also expressed support for other APC leaders and candidates, including Senator Afolabi Shuaibu Salisu, Hon. Segun Osoba and Damilola Soneye.

The founder, High Chief Durojaiye Aiyedogbon, also reaffirmed his confidence in Yayi and the other political figures endorsed by the organisation.

Aiyedogbon commended Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for his leadership and for supporting Yayi’s emergence as the APC governorship candidate.

He, however, maintained that the foundation’s humanitarian objectives would remain its major focus, regardless of its political support.

The founder further disclosed plans to restructure the organisation after the emergence of the next government in Ogun State.

According to him, the foundation will subsequently operate under the name Duro Aiyedogbon Foundation as part of efforts to create a larger and more effective platform for humanitarian interventions.

He said the restructuring would enable the organisation to expand its programmes and reach more vulnerable people, particularly at the grassroots.

Aiyedogbon said the foundation would continue to invest in initiatives covering education, empowerment, social welfare and other areas capable of producing tangible improvements in people’s lives.

Also speaking, Prince Moshood Alani, who described Aiyedogbon as a childhood friend of several decades, said the founder had consistently demonstrated humility and genuine concern for the masses.

Alani expressed confidence in the foundation’s ability to grow beyond its present structure and make a greater impact through its proposed transformation.

He prayed for the success of the organisation and its founder, while urging members to remain committed to the values of service and unity.

The ceremony was attended by traditional rulers and community leaders, including HRM Sulaiman Atanda Oyebi, the Olu Oba of Arepo, Baale Hakeem Sulaiman Ajepeaiye and the Baale of Oloweofela, among others.

The inauguration marks another phase in the expansion of the Aiyedogbon Foundation’s grassroots network in Ogun State, with the organisation seeking to combine humanitarian intervention, education, empowerment and community development.

With initiatives such as the sponsorship of JAMB forms for more than 200 indigent students and the establishment of chapters across several communities, the foundation said it was determined to build a lasting legacy of service and ensure that its activities produce meaningful benefits for the people.