A wave of prayers, celebration, and political solidarity swept through Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State as Prince Mathew Adeyinka Taiwo-Ajegbemi, popularly known as MATA YAYI, led a large interfaith gathering in honour of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI) on his birthday, while also galvanising support for his 2027 governorship bid.

Held at the Arcade Hall in Oluwo, Ifo, the special event drew Christian and Muslim clerics, traditional rulers, All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders, community leaders, and members of the MATA YAYI Support Group. Many described it as a spiritually charged and politically significant moment ahead of Ogun’s next gubernatorial election.

Prince Taiwo, a grassroots mobiliser and close ally of Senator Adeola, described the day as “a dual celebration of life and vision.”

He said, “Today, we thank God not just for the life of our leader and principal, but for the extraordinary path of service he has walked. Senator YAYI is not just a public servant; he is a visionary whose heart beats for the progress of Ogun State. As 2027 approaches, we believe it is divine timing for him to take the mantle of leadership as governor.”

The event’s highlight was the joint interfaith prayer session, where Muslim and Christian leaders offered prayers for wisdom, protection, and divine favour for Senator Adeola. Clerics at the gathering declared his ambition as more than political, describing it as a mission to transform the state through purposeful leadership.

Several attendees pledged their full support for the senator’s governorship aspiration. One Christian cleric said, “This is not just about politics; it is about destiny. We see in Senator YAYI a vessel for development, peace, and prosperity in Ogun State.”

Observers noted that the rally was the first interfaith prayer gathering of such scale in Ifo for any political figure, signalling the rise of a grassroots movement behind Adeola’s candidacy. Prince MATA emphasised that the rally was not a campaign, but a spiritual commitment.

“We are committing the journey ahead into God’s hands. We believe leadership comes from God, and we are confident that today’s prayers will chart a path for Senator YAYI’s emergence as governor come 2027,” he said.

The event, which drew hundreds of residents and supporters, ended with chants of solidarity and goodwill messages for the celebrant, who is regarded as one of the most politically experienced and resourceful figures in Ogun State.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the prayer rally adds momentum to Adeola’s growing popularity. With grassroots influencers like MATA YAYI spearheading early mobilisation, his governorship ambition is gaining spiritual, emotional, and political traction.

Senator Adeola, who currently represents Ogun West Senatorial District at the National Assembly, is widely associated with infrastructural development, legislative excellence, and empowerment initiatives—qualities his supporters believe would serve Ogun State well if he becomes governor.