Hundreds of students and youths across Ijebu East Local Government on Thursday staged a peaceful but highly symbolic solidarity walk in support of Prince Temitope Kasali, popularly known as Kastopee, urging leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Dapo Abiodun to consider him for the Ijebu East State Constituency seat.
The rally, which drew over 200 participants, was described by observers as a major demonstration of grassroots political consciousness and youth mobilization within the constituency. Participants, made up largely of students and young professionals from different communities across Ijebu East, marched through major roads carrying placards and chanting slogans in support of Kastopee’s leadership aspirations.
The solidarity walk was led by Comrade Araba Muhammed Okanlawon, Chairman of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), Ogun State Chapter, alongside Aare Oluwafemi Ajayi, National President of the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS).
Addressing participants during the event, Comrade Araba described Kastopee as a committed grassroots mobilizer whose humanitarian efforts and community interventions have earned him widespread acceptance among young people and residents of the constituency.
According to him, the gathering was not politically induced but a reflection of genuine appreciation for years of visible contributions to education, youth empowerment, healthcare delivery, agriculture and community development.
“We did not come out because we are idle,” he said. “We came out because we have seen capacity, consistency and genuine commitment to the people. For years, Prince Temitope Kasali has invested heavily in education, youth development, agriculture, healthcare and community growth. If given a bigger platform, he will do far more for Ijebu East.”
One of the major highlights of the event was the presentation of a symbolic award of appreciation to Kastopee by the students and youth groups. Organisers said the award was in recognition of his sustained support for students and his commitment to youth-focused initiatives across the local government area.
The presentation attracted cheers from supporters, many of whom described the moment as evidence of the growing connection between the aspiring lawmaker and the younger generation within the constituency.
Speaking further during the walk, Aare Oluwafemi Ajayi appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun and leaders of the APC in Ogun State to pay close attention to the aspirations and demands of youths in Ijebu East.
He noted that Kastopee represents a new generation of energetic and people-oriented leadership capable of advancing the developmental interests of the constituency.
“The same way Ogun State was blessed with the emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, we believe Ijebu East deserves another people’s servant in Prince Temitope Kasali Kastopee,” he said.
“The streets are speaking, the youths are united, and the people are demanding a leader whose impact is already visible before getting into office.”
Residents and political observers who monitored the exercise commended the organisers for conducting the walk peacefully and orderly, noting that the event further highlighted the increasing role of youths and students in shaping political conversations ahead of future electoral activities in Ogun State.
The procession ended with renewed calls on APC stakeholders to recognize what participants described as the “organic and growing support base” of Kastopee across communities in Ijebu East.
Observers say the development may signal a significant shift in grassroots political alignment within the constituency, especially as youth participation continues to gain momentum in local political engagements.
