A support group backing the governorship ambition of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has alleged that opposition parties in Ogun State are intensifying attacks on the senator because of his growing popularity ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The group, The Intellectuals, made the allegation during a press conference held at the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre, Abeokuta, on Monday.
Addressing journalists, the Convener of the group, Hon. Wale Bello, said Senator Adeola had demonstrated the leadership capacity and developmental vision required to move Ogun State forward, expressing confidence that he would deliver greater dividends of democracy if elected governor.
Bello maintained that the recurring debate over the senator’s ancestry was politically motivated and driven by fear of his increasing acceptance among the electorate.
According to him, similar allegations had been levelled against past political leaders in the state, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Governor Gbenga Daniel, before their Ogun State roots were widely acknowledged.
“We have come to the conclusion that those saying Senator Olamilekan Adeola is not from Ogun State are simply afraid. They are afraid of the overwhelming support he enjoys and the defeat that awaits them at the polls,” Bello said.
He also referenced comments by traditional rulers, including the Olubule of Ilaro and the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, who, according to him, had affirmed Senator Adeola’s ancestral ties to Yewaland and Egbaland.
The group urged political parties to shift attention from debates over the senator’s origin and instead engage voters on policies, programmes and development plans.
“We are calling on the opposition to focus on issue-based campaigns. Rather than questioning where Senator Adeola comes from, they should assess his performance and compare it with what others have delivered,” Bello stated.
He cited road construction, streetlight installations, empowerment programmes and other constituency projects executed by the senator, particularly in Yewaland, as evidence of his commitment to development.
According to Bello, the transformation witnessed in several communities across the senatorial district has earned Senator Adeola widespread public support, despite not yet occupying the office of governor.
He expressed confidence that Ogun voters would ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 governorship election based on performance rather than political propaganda.
Bello further argued that issues relating to personal identity should be left to families and communities, urging political actors to avoid divisive narratives capable of distracting from substantive campaign issues.
He reiterated the group’s support for Senator Adeola’s governorship aspiration and called on opposition parties to allow the electorate to decide the state’s next governor through the ballot.
