Politics
The Yayi Effect and Political Leadership in Ogun State (Part 2)
Hon. (Chief) Olalekan A. Shoyinka
Today’s Reality: Popularity or Principle?
Let me be clear from the outset: I am not opposed to the ambition of Distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi. Ambition is the fuel of leadership. What concerns me — and should concern every well-meaning stakeholder in Ogun State — is the basis upon which our political leaders choose whom to follow, endorse, or anoint.
Yes, Senator Yayi deserves commendation for facilitating impactful Federal projects across Ogun West and for extending some of these interventions into Ogun Central and even parts of the East. His empowerment programmes, job facilitation efforts, and visible presence in local politics have been impressive — especially for someone who only formally re-entered the Ogun political scene recently. But as the Yoruba say, “Àjà ò t’órí olówó e s’ọ̀dẹ.” (The dog doesn’t go hunting for the sake of its owner, but for its own hunger.)
A Late Return Home?
Senator Yayi has had a long and successful legislative career, having represented Alimosho II in the Lagos State House of Assembly from 2003, later moving to the House of Representatives in 2011, and then the Senate from 2015 to 2023 — all for Lagos. It is only after over a decade of legislative prominence in Lagos that he began shifting his political base to Ogun State in a bid to pursue his lifelong governorship ambition. Understandably, Lagos — despite his loyalty and service—did not offer him the ticket. Why?
This is not to diminish his capacity or performance, but it’s a valid question: What did Lagos APC leaders know — or decide — that Ogun APC leaders are ignoring?
The reality is this: had Senator Yayi been widely considered governorship material in Lagos, perhaps he would have been endorsed to succeed a governor in Nigeria’s most strategic state. But politics, like nature, abhors a vacuum. So now that he’s returned “home,” he’s found in Ogun a willing ground for ambition — a land where money, infrastructure, and influence seem to be more powerful than legacy, party ideology, or generational vision.
Blessing or Transaction?
Yayi’s influence has undoubtedly benefited many individuals and party stakeholders in Ogun. From Federal jobs to contract opportunities, from mobilization funds to empowerment grants, he has strategically watered the ground. But the question we must now ask as a people is simple:
Are we building a future or feeding today’s appetite?
There is a dangerous trend in Ogun APC politics — a trend that reduces the value of leadership to what a candidate can “share” rather than what they stand for. Many of those currently chanting Yayi’s name may not be doing so out of genuine belief in his vision for Ogun, but because of what they can personally gain. It’s the “a ṣàájẹun” syndrome — the same spirit that has left party members blind in loyalty but hungry in substance.
We must not forget that the measure of true leadership is not the number of contracts shared, roads commissioned, or jobs distributed in an election season. Leadership is about long-term impact, sustainable development, and institutional legacy—not political generosity dressed in philanthropic disguise.
Not an Opponent, but a Concerned Advocate
Let me emphasize again: I am not against Senator Yayi. In fact, if the field remains as it is and no better candidate emerges, I will not hesitate to support him publicly, because it’s a must I play my constitutional role as a responsible citizen. But as a stakeholder in Ogun’s political future and as a grassroots believer in ideology-based politics, I have a duty to ask hard questions and challenge our leaders to act in the interest of tomorrow.
Our elders say, “Ka fi orí omokùnrin ṣe wàrà, ki a má ba orí omobìnrin jẹ” — use the head of the young man for the test, so we don’t destroy the one for the future. It is irresponsible for our leaders to mortgage the future of Ogun State just to feed their present appetites. Let us not mistake momentary generosity for visionary governance.
If we continue this way, we may win the election — but lose the people. We may have a candidate — but not a statesman. We may have loyalty — but not legacy.
Ogun deserves more.
To Be Continued in Part
“The Future We Must Secure — A Blueprint for Ideology-Driven Politics in Ogun State”
Hon. (Chief) Olalekan A. Shoyinka
Convener, United Premier Movement
Four aspirants for the Ogun Central Senatorial seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Thursday, rejected the endorsement of the current Senator representing the district, Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, as the consensus candidate ahead of the next election in Ogun State.
Governor Dapo Abiodun on Thursday had announced Senator Salisu as the consensus candidate at a stakeholders’ meeting of the Ogun Central APC in Abeokuta.
The Ogun Central Stakeholders’ Meeting, held at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, the state capital, had in attendance the party chairman, Mr Yemi Sanusi; Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi; Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide; Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi; party leaders, loyalists, stakeholders, among others.
Before announcing the endorsement, the governor appealed to stakeholders on behalf of Senator Salisu, stating that “nobody is perfect,” stressing that every individual has strengths and weaknesses.
In their loud rejection, several stakeholders and party members at the meeting expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as an attempt to impose Senator Salisu as the consensus candidate in Ogun Central.
Abiodun also begged party members and stakeholders to forgive perceived shortcomings and rally behind the senator in the interest of party unity.
The governor thereafter announced Senator Salisu as the consensus candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District.
Despite Governor Abiodun’s appeal, the crowd openly resisted the move, insisting that the people of the district should be allowed to decide who emerges as their preferred candidate.
The aggrieved stakeholders, before leaving the gathering in anger, insisted that Ogun Central deserves an open and transparent process capable of accommodating all qualified aspirants within the party.
Speaking shortly after the meeting, four aspirants; Senator Lanre Tejuoso, Senator Olugbenga Obadara, the immediate past Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Emmanuel Sofela, and business mogul, Otunba Muriana Banjoko, jointly rejected the endorsement of Senator Salisu.
Tejuoso, who represented Ogun Central between 2015 and 2019, described the endorsement as unacceptable.
He insisted that Ogun APC members should be allowed to decide their candidate in the next election.
On his part, Obadara, who represented Ogun Central between 2011 and 2015, described the endorsement as immoral.
He said, “It’s not in any way supported by us. It’s against morality and against our discussion at the last meeting.
“We are totally rejecting the decision to endorse Senator Salisu. That’s the decision of the four of us.”
Also speaking, Sofela said: “We are practising democracy. As aspirants, we are expressing our desire to serve our people. If the people who are currently being served in the constituency, the preponderance of them, are saying no, what more evidence do you want?
“If four people who are aspirants and the preponderance of the people of Ogun Central are saying we don’t want somebody who’s representing us to go back and represent us, what more evidence is needed?”
Also responding, Otunba Muraina Banjoko said: “I align with the position of the three other aspirants. I was in a meeting yesterday night around 1:30 to 2 o’clock, and the meeting was inconclusive.
“Our people wondered why they went ahead to endorse someone today and raise his hand up.”
As the ruling All Progressives Congress looks to commence its twice-postponed primaries on Saturday, all eyes are on how the party will resolve the multiple impasse surrounding its consensus arrangement
Members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogun Central Senatorial District have endorsed the incumbent senator representing the district, Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement took place during a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Kuto, Abeokuta.
In his address to party members, Governor Dapo Abiodun highlighted Senator Salisu’s impressive track record as the foundation for his second-term bid.
The Governor described Salisu as a loyal party member who has avoided anti-party activities and established himself as a distinguished member of the Senate.
He added that the second term would allow the senator to build on his current achievements and address outstanding developmental needs within the district.
Supporting the nomination, the party’s consensus gubernatorial candidate, Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), urged members to extend the same enthusiasm and support they have shown his own candidacy to Senator Salisu.
In his acceptance speech, Senator Salisu, a Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society (FNCS), expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support.
He vowed to justify the party’s confidence by continuing to deliver impactful representation for the people of Ogun Central.
A significant realignment is shaking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.
A coalition of 22 influential party leaders and stakeholders has officially endorsed Engr. Jamiu Ogundele (popularly known as Jamsalod) as their consensus candidate for the State House of Assembly in the 2027 elections.
This move serves as a direct challenge to the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Jemili Akingbade, whose supporters recently held a rally advocating for his return for a fourth term.
Led by former Commissioner for Information, Dr Dele Ogunsiji, the group rejected the idea of a fourth term for Jemili, citing the need for political renewal and youth inclusion.
The leaders argued that perpetual incumbency undermines democratic fairness. According to the communiqué released after a meeting on May 6, 2026:
“Democracy thrives when power is renewed, when leaders are accountable, and when no one is made to appear indispensable.”
The stakeholders emphasized that their support for Ogundele is a strategic effort to balance the party’s internal dynamics and satisfy the growing demand for younger leadership.
The group highlighted several key reasons for choosing Ogundele, including his grassroots support and his private contributions to healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
The communiqué described him as “a capable young leader whose emergence reflects our collective resolve to give youths a sense of belonging in politics and governance.”
The stakeholders used the platform to appeal to Governor Dapo Abiodun and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) for their support.
They specifically praised the Governor’s leadership in streamlining the party’s direction for the 2027 gubernatorial race.
“Your Excellency brought together party leaders, key stakeholders, and various aspirants… ensuring fairness, consultation, and inclusivity.”
The leaders reaffirmed their total commitment to Senator Adeola’s 2027 governorship ambition, promising a unified front in Imeko-Afon.
Notable attendees included Hon. Tajudeen Ayilara, Hon. Olusola Oke, Chief Mrs. Mary Ogunjobi, Chief Sunday Alawode, and Hon. Femi Fatunmbi.
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