Senator Yayi’s Growing Popularity Can’t Be Diminished, Odeda SLG Replies Iyabo Obasanjo
ABEOKUTA – The Secretary to Odeda Local Government of Ogun State and President of the Redemption Mission Group (RMG), Hon. Oyekunle Adebayo, has criticised former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo over her recent outburst against the APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), describing her comments as unfortunate and reflective of what he termed “politics of bitterness.”
Adebayo, in a statement on Wednesday, said it was contradictory for the former lawmaker to publicly admit seeking reimbursement for campaign expenses and stipends allegedly incurred during the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship consultation process.
According to him, politics should be driven by sacrifice, conviction and service to the people rather than financial expectations.
The Odeda SLG argued that Obasanjo’s public comments had shifted attention from governance and development to personal grievances, adding that political support should not be measured by financial compensation.
Drawing a comparison between both politicians, Adebayo recalled that Iyabo Obasanjo left the APC after failing to secure the party’s governorship ticket and later contested for the Ogun Central Senatorial District under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He contrasted this with the political journey of Senator Adeola, whom he said remained in the APC despite experiencing political setbacks, continuing to support and work for the party’s growth.
According to him, the difference between both politicians lies in what he described as “unwavering loyalty” and “political convenience.”
Adebayo further accused the former senator of resorting to personal attacks instead of engaging in issue-based political discourse, insisting that Adeola’s growing popularity was anchored on his accessibility, grassroots appeal and developmental interventions across Ogun State.
He maintained that no amount of criticism or political attacks would diminish the senator’s acceptance among the people.
“Politics is built on sacrifice, conviction and service to the people, not on treating political participation as a business investment that must yield financial returns. Genuine progressives make sacrifices for the growth of the party and the advancement of democracy without presenting invoices afterward.
“Leadership is earned through performance, consistency and the confidence of the peoplenot through emotional rhetoric,” he added.
The RMG leader urged Iyabo Obasanjo to focus on presenting her programmes, policies and vision to the electorate rather than dwelling on disagreements arising from political negotiations.
He said the people of Ogun Central deserved meaningful conversations on development, security, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and economic growth instead of political recriminations.
Adebayo reaffirmed the commitment of the Redemption Mission Group to progressive ideals, internal democracy and the advancement of the APC, expressing confidence that Senator Adeola would remain focused on serving the people despite what he described as political distractions.
He also called on political actors to embrace civility and allow voters to make their decisions based on performance, credibility and vision rather than personal attacks.
