Senator Yayi’s Popularity Built On Performance, Not Propaganda, Ifekayode Replies Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello
ABEOKUTA – The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oke-Ogun Community, Prince Ifekayode Akinbode, has dismissed the recent criticism of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) by former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, insisting that only the people of Ogun State have the constitutional right to determine the senator’s political future.
Akinbode, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said he would ordinarily not have responded to Obasanjo-Bello’s comments but deemed it necessary to correct what he described as attempts to mislead the public.
According to him, political relevance is earned through consistent service to the people and not through media attacks.
He maintained that Senator Adeola’s political ambition, whenever it is formally declared, would be decided by the electorate through the ballot box and not by the opinion of any individual.
“The people of Ogun State, not Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello or any individual, will determine Senator Adeola’s political ambition whenever the time comes. Democracy confers that responsibility solely on the electorate through the ballot box,” he said.
The APC chieftain also took a swipe at the former senator, recalling that she failed in her bid to return to the Senate in the 2011 Ogun Central senatorial election against Senator Gbenga Obadara before, according to him, fading from the state’s political scene.
Akinbode contrasted Obasanjo-Bello’s political career with that of Adeola, describing the lawmaker representing Ogun West Senatorial District as “a tested, trusted and accomplished legislator” with over two decades of political experience.
He noted that Adeola has remained an active party man and grassroots politician, adding that the senator has not lost any election since his first electoral victory in 2003.
The APC chairman further attributed Adeola’s growing popularity across Ogun State to what he described as the senator’s legislative achievements, constituency projects and commitment to human capital development.
According to him, the lawmaker’s widespread acceptance is built on performance and service rather than propaganda.
He criticised Obasanjo-Bello for what he termed personal attacks against Adeola, urging her to allow democratic processes to take their course instead of attempting to influence public opinion.
Akinbode said the era when a few individuals could dictate the political direction of Ogun State was over, expressing confidence that the electorate would choose their leaders based on competence, credibility, capacity and proven service.
He also urged the former senator to respect the democratic rights of Ogun people, avoid inflammatory remarks capable of heating up the political atmosphere and allow voters to exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation or undue influence.
