Adeola @57: Senator Yayi Stands Out in Grassroots Leadership — Segun Showunmi
ABEOKUTA – The Odofin of Kemta Ilado, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has described Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as a dependable leader whose ability to keep his word, engage the grassroots and deliver impactful interventions has distinguished him in public service.
Showunmi stated this in a birthday message to the senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, praising his character, political dexterity, accessibility and commitment to the people.
According to him, his relationship with Yayi dates back about a decade, when he first encountered the senator following a meeting involving Hon. Tunji Egbetokun and Hon. Tunji Akinosi in Ogbomosho.
He recalled that after the meeting in Ogbomosho, the trio subsequently met Yayi at the Radisson Hotel in Ikeja, an encounter he said marked the beginning of a cordial friendship and brotherhood that had endured over the years.
Reflecting on his assessment of Yayi’s character, Showunmi said one quality had consistently stood out, his ability to keep his word.
“In a society where public trust is often strained and expectations are frequently unmet, the ability to give one’s word and honor it remains one of the highest virtues of leadership,” he said.
He added that keeping one’s word was a quality capable of building confidence, inspiring loyalty and strengthening institutions, noting that it was a virtue he had consistently observed in Yayi.
Showunmi, who said he had closely followed the senator’s political and public service journey, described him as a valuable asset to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and an important pillar of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the broader objectives of his administration.
He particularly commended Yayi’s grassroots engagement, accessibility and responsiveness, saying those qualities had helped to make it easier for citizens to navigate difficult periods associated with necessary government reforms.
“Leadership is not merely about making policy; it is about carrying people along through the consequences of those policies. In that regard, you have distinguished yourself,” Showunmi said.
The traditional title holder also highlighted Yayi’s empowerment programmes and deliberate efforts to maintain close contact with ordinary citizens, describing them as worthy of recognition.
According to him, he had also received commendable reports from Yayi’s colleagues in the National Assembly concerning the senator’s diligence, work ethic and capacity for collaboration.
Speaking on his recent visit to Ogun West, he said his findings were impressive, with evidence of strategic planning, development-oriented interventions and programmes designed to create genuine impact rather than serve merely as political optics.
“Ogun West is fortunate to have your representation at this moment in its history,” he declared.
Showunmi further praised Yayi for what he described as an uncommon ability to carry people along, noting that the senator had built bridges across communities, maintained relationships across political divides and earned goodwill from different sections of society.
He said the senator’s ability to manage relationships and bring people together was particularly significant given the challenges associated with leadership and public life.
As Yayi marked another birthday, Showunmi said it was important to acknowledge the senator’s contributions and reassure him that his efforts were being seen, noticed and appreciated.
He also congratulated Yayi’s wife, children and entire family for the support they provide, while praying for continued wisdom, good health, courage and divine grace for the senator to achieve greater things in service to the people.
“On behalf of the good people of Kemta Ilado, of which I am privileged to serve as the Odofin, I salute you, my worthy brother,” Showunmi said.
He concluded by wishing the senator a happy birthday and expressing optimism that his “best years of service” were still ahead.
