Ogun governorship: PDP’s Adebutu camp raises questions on APC’s Yayi’s origin

By Adejoke Adeleye Ogun

The Campaign Organisation of Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidate for Ogun 2027 governorship election has queried the state origin of the All Progressives Congress candidate for the election, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

The Director of Media of the Ladi Adebutu Campaign Organisation, Afolabi Orekoya querried the state of origin of Yayi during a chat on a current affairs programme on a radio programme in Ilese Ijebu, Ogun State on Wednesday,

Orekoya stated that the 2027 election should not be handed to someone he described as “a stranger” unfamiliar with the state’s political and social history.

Orekoya also criticized the incumbent APC government in the state led by Governor Dapo Abiodun of failing Ogun residents in infrastructure, education, security, housing, and welfare.

The PDP spokesman defended the candidature of his principal, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, describing him as the most qualified and competent candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Orekoya argued that Ogun State needs leadership rooted in familiarity with the people and long-standing commitment to the state.

He said Adebutu’s family history, philanthropy, and political involvement place him ahead of other contenders.

He queried Senator Adeola’s political background in Lagos State and said it raised questions over his claim to Ogun State identity.

According to Orekoya, matters before the court would eventually reveal more details about the senator’s political and personal records.

He said Ogun people should not allow outsiders to take control of the state’s political leadership.

Orekoya compared Adebutu’s private sector background and contributions to the state with Adeola’s career spent largely in government positions in Lagos.

He stated that Adeola served as a two-time House of Assembly member in Lagos State, a two-time House of Representatives member, and a senator representing a West district in Lagos before moving to Ogun West to become senator.

Orekoya alleged that the APC candidate’s identity and origin remain subjects of legal scrutiny.

He said there are ongoing legal proceedings seeking clarification on documents allegedly submitted to INEC by the senator during previous elections. He stated that the court process should be allowed to run its course.

He maintained that the matter is already public knowledge and would eventually clarify issues surrounding Adeola’s origin and political identity.

Orekoya cited a case challenging INEC to provide details of Senator Solomon Adeola presented to the commission in the last three electoral cycles

He also challenged Guardian newspaper to present details of Adeola when he was a staff member of the company.

Orekoya argued that Ogun people must protect the state’s political leadership from external influence.

He claimed Senator Adeola was not widely known in Ogun State until recently despite his long political career.

He said leadership of the state should not be entrusted to someone lacking long-term social and political ties with the people.

“Solomon Olamilekan Adeola built much of his political career in Lagos State before emerging as the senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District in the 2023 general elections. His movement from Lagos politics to Ogun State has been described in political circles as the “West-to-West” shift.

Adeola began his legislative career in 2003 when he was elected to the Lagos State House of Assembly to represent Alimosho Constituency II, serving until 2011.

He chaired the House Committee on Finance and served as Joint Chairman of the Appropriation Committee during a period of reforms in Lagos State’s revenue administration system.

In 2011, he was elected to represent Alimosho Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. He served as Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts under Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, focusing on oversight of public spending and accountability.

Adeola was elected to the Senate in 2015 to represent Lagos West Senatorial District and served two terms until 2023.

He chaired the Senate Committee on Local Content in the 8th Senate and later headed the Senate Committee on Finance during the 9th National Assembly.

Ahead of the 2023 elections, Adeola shifted his political base to Ogun State and won the Ogun West Senatorial seat.”

Orekoya directed criticism at Governor Abiodun with allegations that many roads executed by the administration lacked quality and durability despite substantial public spending.

He also claimed several state housing projects were poorly constructed and left beneficiaries disappointed.

He said Ogun residents deserve better governance considering the resources available to the state.

Orekoya argued that the APC government has failed to improve the welfare of residents despite being in power for nearly 16 years.

He said insecurity, hunger, and unemployment have worsened under APC leadership and accused the administration of neglecting education and healthcare.

Orekoya criticized flagship projects of the current administration, including roads, housing schemes, and the Ogun airport project.

He claimed the airport initiative was inherited from a previous PDP administration and that certifications and licenses were obtained during that government. He referenced roads allegedly constructed under the current government and questioned their durability and value for money, stating that roads built by PDP administrations years ago have remained stronger.

Orekoya downplayed the existence of factional divisions within the PDP, stating that the Ogun State chapter of the party remains united despite ongoing national leadership tensions involving the Wike and Turaki-led blocs.

He said the Ogun PDP operates as a single structure under its state leadership and should not be viewed through the lens of national factional politics.

He stated that the state structure recognizes only one leadership and one-party identity, with Dr. Abayomi Tela serving as the state chairman.

Orekoya said decisions at the state level are not dictated by national factional divisions and that the party’s focus is on grassroots strength and electoral success.

Orekoya defended Adebutu’s eligibility to contest the governorship election from Ogun East, stating there is no constitutional provision mandating rotational governorship in Ogun State.

He said competence and capacity should override zoning sentiments.

He maintained that Adebutu is qualified to contest because his maternal roots trace back to Odogbolu Local Government Area. Orekoya said Ogun West has repeatedly produced governorship aspirants in the past and that leadership should focus on vision and capability.

On policy priorities, Orekoya said an Adebutu administration would focus on local government autonomy, agriculture, power generation, and grassroots development. He said local governments have become ineffective due to a lack of autonomy and financial control, and that Adebutu intends to restore their independence if elected.

He added that power supply and agriculture would form major pillars of the PDP campaign agenda.

Orekoya described Adebutu as an advocate of state-based power generation and agricultural expansion, arguing that stable electricity and food security would improve living conditions and economic opportunities across Ogun State.

Orekoya concluded by stating that the PDP remains united in Ogun State despite internal issues at the national level. He said the party had settled issues that affected it before the 2023 election and is now fully prepared for 2027.

He expressed confidence that Adebutu would remain on the ballot and emerge victorious in the governorship contest, citing the party’s internal cohesion and grassroots support as decisive factors.