Crossfire! Ogun APC, Ladi Adebutu Tango Over Senator Yayi’s Indigeneship Root

ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Senator representing Ogun West, Senator Tolu Odebiyi, have separately defended the indigeneship of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola amid growing political controversy ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.

The APC, in a statement issued on Thursday by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Nuberu Olufemi, dismissed as “baseless and ridiculous” claims by the Ladi Adebutu Democratic Organisation (LADO) challenging Senator Adeola’s roots in Ogun State.

It would be recalled that the Director of Media of the Ladi Adebutu Campaign Organisation, Afolabi Orekoya, on Wednesday questioned the Ogun State origin of the APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi insisting that the 2027 election should not be handed to “a stranger” allegedly unfamiliar with the state’s political and social history.

The party described comments made by LADO spokesperson, Afolabi Orekoya, during a radio programme as reckless political propaganda designed to distract the public from the internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to the APC, Senator Adeola, who currently represents Ogun West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, possesses both maternal and paternal roots in Abeokuta and Yewaland respectively, making any attempt to portray him as a non-indigene contrary to facts and constitutional provisions.

“The allegation clearly contradicts the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution on citizenship and eligibility to contest elections,” the statement said.

The party further accused the PDP of attempting to divert attention from its internal disintegration, noting that several prominent members had recently defected to the APC, including former PDP State Chairman, Hon. Dr. Sikirulai Ogundele, and members of the PDP caucus in the Ogun State House of Assembly.

The APC also referenced the alleged legal troubles of PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, over accusations of vote-buying and money laundering linked to the 2023 governorship election.

It maintained that Ogun residents would reject what it termed “politics of deception” and instead support continuity and development under the APC.

The statement added that Senator Adeola remained “the governorship candidate to beat” ahead of the 2027 election, citing his grassroots engagements, constituency projects, and economic blueprint for the state.

Meanwhile, Senator Tolu Odebiyi, a former senator from Ogun West, also weighed in on the controversy, describing the attacks on Adeola’s indigeneship as needless distractions at a time when Ogun State requires serious leadership focused on economic and security challenges.

In a separate statement, Odebiyi said the issue of Senator Adeola’s roots had long been settled, stressing that the lawmaker is “a bona fide indigene of Ogun State, particularly Yewaland.”

He referenced a recently published booklet titled The Progressive Yayi, which, according to him, details Adeola’s roots, parental lineage, and ancestry.

Odebiyi, however, acknowledged that Hon. Ladi Adebutu also possesses “deep, respected and undeniable roots” in Ogun State, particularly in Ijebuland, calling for civility in political discourse.

The former senator, therefore, urged political actors across party lines to focus on issue-based campaigns and practical solutions capable of improving the lives of Ogun residents.

“With the numerous challenges confronting our people, especially in the areas of the economy and security, any serious incoming governor already has enormous responsibilities ahead and should remain focused on practical, solution-driven initiatives,” he said.

He further advised stakeholders to elevate political engagement through constructive debates, innovative ideas, and creative policy initiatives that could transform Ogun State into “a true State of Excellence.”

“The people of Ogun State deserve issue-based politics centered on development, progress and prosperity, not unnecessary distractions,” Odebiyi stated.

He concluded by reaffirming his support for Senator Adeola, declaring: “Yayi is our own and so shall it be.”