Only Removal of Isaga-Orile From Ogun Map Can Stop Yayi From Becoming Governor – Isaga Descendants

ABEOKUTA – Chief Anthony Asiwaju, a Professor of International Boundaries, has expressed strong confidence in the 2027 governorship ambition of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, declaring that only the removal of Isaga from the map of Ogun State could prevent the senator from becoming governor.

The Isaga Descendants Union has reaffirmed the ancestral connection of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, to Isaga Orile in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, declaring that the community is determined to reclaim its place in the political and socio-economic development of the state.

The declaration was made at the Isaga Descendants Union gathering held on Saturday at Isaga Orile, where community leaders, traditional titleholders and family representatives called for unity among descendants scattered across Nigeria and the diaspora.

Speaking at the gathering, Chief Anthony Asiwaju, a Professor of International Boundaries, lamented what he described as the marginalisation of Yewa land, including Isaga, since the creation of Ogun State 50 years ago.

He expressed optimism that the area would eventually occupy a central position in the state’s political leadership, declaring that a son of Yewa extraction from Isaga, through Pahayi in Ilaro, would become governor of Ogun State in his lifetime.

According to him, the historical invasion of Isaga by Dahomey warriors contributed to the displacement of its people, while subsequent political developments had further pushed the area to the margins of the state.

“As long as Isaga remains part of Ogun State, Yayi can become governor of Ogun State. Except they remove Isaga from Ogun State, Yayi cannot be Ogun State Governor,” he said.

Also speaking, the Bada of Isaga Orile, Prince Mukaila Oniyide, urged descendants of Isaga living in different parts of Nigeria and abroad to reconnect with their ancestral roots and strengthen their relationship with their homeland.

He explained that Isaga was founded in 1750 but suffered an invasion in 1863, forcing many indigenous inhabitants to flee and establish settlements in different locations.

According to him, the historical displacement accounted for the presence of Isaga descendants in communities such as Iju-Ishaga, Ishaga Agbado, Mushin-Ishaga and Isaga Isolo in Lagos, as well as settlements in the Republic of Benin and Brazil.

He also identified Isaga Ipaja, Agoshaga Ilaro and Agoshaga Ota as communities whose inhabitants traced their ancestry to Isaga Orile.

Oniyide, who disclosed that his own family relocated to Ipaja following the invasion, said the gathering was organised to correct misconceptions about the town’s history and ancestry, particularly amid public discussions surrounding Senator Adeola’s ancestral origins.

“We want all our people to be together. That is why we called this meeting. The message we are trying to pass to all Isaga indigenes is that Isaga Orile is here, and it is our homestead,” he said.

He called on the descendants to preserve their shared heritage, promote unity and ensure that future generations remained connected to their ancestral homeland.

In his submission, Pastor Ajibola Emmanuel, a member of the Onibata family in Isaga, dismissed claims that Senator Adeola hailed from Ekiti State, insisting that the senator’s ancestry was traceable to Isaga Orile through the family’s Ilaro and Pahayi branches.

Pastor Ajibola, who described himself as a member of the senator’s extended family, explained that the Dahomey invasion forced different branches of the Onibata family to migrate to various communities.

He said while some members of the family settled in Lagos and other locations, his great-great-grandfather, Onilude, returned to Isaga Orile, while another branch relocated to Ilaro.

According to him, Senator Adeola’s lineage passed through Olege, who settled in Ilaro before his descendants moved to Pahayi.

He explained that Olege’s descendants included Shogolade Ogundimu and Motawe, with the lineage continuing through Ogundimu to Ogboleye and subsequently Abegafari Ayinde Adeola, the senator’s father.

Pastor Ajibola further disclosed that Abegafari Ayinde Adeola died in 2000 and was buried at his residence at No. 3 Ogunsola Street, around Alagutan Bus Stop, Somolu.

He also narrated how Senator Adeola transitioned from his birth name, Suleiman, to Solomon, following his naming at Living Faith Church, Winners’ Chapel, Egbeda.

“My own brother is not from Ekiti. This is our homestead in Isaga Orile. It was the issue of the war that sent them to Ilaro and later Pahayi,” he said.

He maintained that the family’s historical accounts established the senator’s ancestral roots in Isaga Orile, adding that the gathering was important in preserving the history of families displaced by the invasion.

Meanwhile, the Osi of Egbaland, Chief Bode Mustapha, declared his total support for Senator Adeola’s 2027 governorship ambition, describing him as a politician with the experience, determination and capacity to provide effective leadership for Ogun State.

Mustapha, while addressing the gathering, acknowledged Adeola’s ancestral connection to Isaga and commended his contributions to public service and national development.

He noted that while ancestral connections provided a sense of belonging, the contributions individuals made to the development of their communities remained the true measure of their relevance.

Describing Ogun State as a state blessed with enormous human and economic resources, historical heritage and geographical advantages, he stressed the need for purposeful and consistent leadership to harness its potential.

The Egbaland chief, who described himself as a proud son of Yewa in Egbaland, urged the people to continue supporting individuals with the experience and commitment required to move the state forward.

Mustapha said: “May I at this junction make my personal position very, very clear, that I support fully Senator Adeola’s aspiration to serve Ogun State as governor in 2027.

“I make this statement in my personal capacity, informed by my relationship with him, my assessment of his record of public service and my confidence in his capacity to provide the needed effective leadership for Ogun State. But please note, I stand by him 100 per cent. Come rain, come shine.”

He also expressed appreciation for Adeola’s regard for him, while wishing the senator wisdom, strength and divine guidance in his political journey.

Addressing sons and daughters of Isaga at home and in the diaspora, Mustapha urged them to remain united by their common ancestry and work collectively towards the development of their homeland.

He emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage, nurturing young people, supporting enterprise and encouraging individuals with the capacity to contribute to societal progress.

He congratulated the Isaga Descendants Union on the gathering, expressing optimism that the collective efforts of the people would bring honour to their ancestral community and secure a better future for generations yet unborn.