“Yewa-Awori Know Their Own”: Supporters Defend Senator Yayi Against ‘Stranger’ Claims
The political debate ahead of the 2027 Ogun governorship race has intensified following strong reactions to claims by the Ogun State PDP that Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, is a “stranger” who should not be trusted with the leadership of Ogun State.
Reacting to the allegation, stakeholders and supporters of the senator described the claim as misleading, divisive, and disrespectful to the people of Ogun West, insisting that only the Yewa-Awori people have the right to define their ancestry and identity.
According to them, attempts by politicians from other regions of the state to question Senator Adeola’s roots amount to political desperation aimed at distracting voters from critical issues affecting Ogun State.
They argued that the people of Yewa-Awori are fully aware of their history, lineage, and cultural heritage, stressing that Senator Adeola’s ancestral ties to Ogun West have long been known and accepted by the people of the region.
Supporters further maintained that Senator Adeola’s political acceptance in Ogun West was neither imposed nor artificial, noting that he had enjoyed the trust and backing of the people long before representing the district in the Senate.
Drawing historical parallels, they pointed out that political leadership in Nigeria has never been determined strictly by place of birth. They cited the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who built political influence across the old Western Region beyond his Ikenne roots, as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose ancestry traces to Osun State but who became Governor of Lagos State through popular acceptance by Lagosians.
According to the group, several politicians across Nigeria have successfully contested elections outside their ancestral homelands based on competence, service delivery, and public trust.
They argued that Senator Adeola’s growing popularity across Ogun State stems from his track record in public service, constituency projects, educational support programmes, healthcare interventions, empowerment initiatives, and grassroots engagement.
Rather than confront his achievements, they alleged, opponents had chosen to focus on identity politics in a bid to weaken his rising influence ahead of the 2027 election.
The supporters also stressed that Ogun West has waited decades to produce a governor since the creation of Ogun State in 1976, noting that power has largely rotated between Ogun East and Ogun Central.
They described Senator Adeola’s emergence as a leading governorship aspirant from Ogun West as part of a broader aspiration by the people of the region to occupy the state’s top political office.
According to them, reducing political discourse to questions of ancestry undermines democracy and distracts from more pressing conversations surrounding economic growth, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, industrialisation, youth empowerment, and security.
“The people of Yewa-Awori know their own. No amount of political propaganda can change history or erase identity,” the statement concluded.
The piece was written by Omooba Segun Adewale, a brand strategist, communications expert, and Group Managing Director of 24-7 Communications Ltd., Lagos.