Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
Princess Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji, representing Ikenna/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, says she is determined to continue her legislative work despite reports of an anointed successor ahead of the 2027 primaries.
Sworn in last October, the lawmaker said her seven months in office have been a steep learning curve, but she has already sponsored four bills and moved three motions of national importance aimed at benefiting her constituents.
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She noted that she has been well received within the Southwest and Ogun State caucuses and is currently the only female member from Ogun State. Princess Ayoola-Elegbeji also retained the legislative aides of her late predecessor, crediting them with helping her settle quickly into House proceedings.
On the issue of succession, she said the APC’s consensus process has not been fully followed, as all aspirants must be consulted before any candidate is adopted. While acknowledging Governor Dapo Abiodun as party leader, she stressed that the field remains open and she has already picked up and submitted her form for the APC primaries.
The lawmaker said traditional rulers, community groups, and labour organisations have urged her to run again, and she is consulting widely with party elders at both state and national levels for their support.
Ayoola-Elegbeji argued that her return would allow the constituency to regain ranking privileges lost since her predecessor’s death, when the seat of Deputy Chief Whip became vacant. She said a new representative would have to start afresh, which would disadvantage Remo North.
Despite challenges with project execution, she highlighted ongoing interventions, including the installation of solar lights in Ikenne, road construction in Awolowo, Sagamu, and empowerment programmes scheduled to begin in two weeks.
She added that she has personally funded the grading of roads in Ward 14, Sagamu, to address erosion while awaiting contractor mobilisation, and also self-financed ecological studies that have led to three projects being captured under the Ecological Fund.
The lawmaker said she has also reached out to constituents through food palliatives during Easter and Ramadan and organised holiday coaching classes for about 1,000 students, actions she believes have earned her the confidence of the people.
Calling herself a “proven and trusted” representative, Princess Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji appealed to party leaders and stakeholders to allow her to continue, saying she has demonstrated the capacity to fill the shoes of her late predecessor and deliver quality representation.
