Abeokuta, Ogun State – September 7, 2026
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has once again become the centre of political debate in Ogun State as residents and political stakeholders question his entitlement to contest the governorship election in the state.
Senator Yayi was born, raised and schooled in Lagos State. He also built most of his political career in Lagos, where he served as a member of the House of Representatives and later as Senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District before moving to represent Ogun West in the current National Assembly.
Follow DDNewsOnline on Facebook For More Breaking News
Critics argue that because his political base, education and early career were in Lagos, and because his ancestral line cannot be clearly traced to Ogun State, he lacks the “homegrown” credentials to govern Ogun. Some also point out that his parents are buried outside Ogun State, which they say further weakens his claim to indigene status.
The debate has dominated town hall meetings, radio call-in programmes and social media discussions across Ogun West, Ogun Central and Ogun East in recent weeks.
Supporters of the Senator have pushed back strongly. They maintain that Senator Yayi has deep roots in Ogun State through both paternal and maternal lines.
Follow And Like Us On Tiktok
According to his aides and political associates, his father hails from the Onibata Isaga family of Pahayi in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State. His mother is said to be from the Kemta Odutolu family in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
They argue that Yayi’s decision to represent Ogun West in the Senate was not accidental, but a return to his roots to contribute directly to the development of the zone. They also cite his constituency projects, empowerment programmes and legislative interventions in Ogun West as proof of commitment.
A review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) shows that ancestral burial or tracing lineage is not a constitutional requirement to contest for governor.
Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com
For Breaking News And More Follow Us On Instagram
Section 177 outlines the qualifications for election as Governor of a State. A candidate must:
Be a citizen of Nigeria by birth
Have attained the age of thirty-five years
Be a member of a political party and be sponsored by that party
Have been educated up to at least the School Certificate level or its equivalent
The constitution does not mandate that a candidate’s parents must be buried in the state, nor that their ancestral compound must be located there. Residency and party sponsorship, not ancestry alone, are the legal thresholds.
Check out – Discover How to work and Earn with Dailyhustle
Legal experts note that several governors across Nigeria have emerged without being “born and bred” in the states they govern, as long as they meet constitutional and party requirements.
Ogun State politics has always been sensitive to the issue of “indigene vs settler” narratives, especially between the three senatorial zones. With the 2027 governorship race already generating early permutations, Senator Yayi’s ambition is being weighed against zoning arrangements, party primaries and public perception.
Analysts say the debate reflects a broader conversation about what qualifies leadership: constitutional eligibility, ancestral ties, or track record of service.
Manage Your Business Digitally With D-Degree Digital Hub Today Visit D-Degree Digital Hub
For now, Senator Yayi has not officially declared for the governorship, but his activities and support base in Ogun West suggest he remains a major contender.
As the conversation continues, many Ogun residents say they will be watching closely to see whether politics of origin will outweigh politics of performance in the next election cycle.
By Komolafe Barakah
Ogun State correspondence
Send tips to: adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
09164987165 / 08168555497
©️ 2026 DD NewsOnline