Who Are You?’ — Abiodun’s Aide Sparks Fresh Political Row Over Yayi’s State Of Origin

The Governor’s Liaison Officer for Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Wale Bello, has strongly criticised opposition parties over claims questioning the Ogun State origin of All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship hopeful, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

The opposition had recently urged Ogun residents to reject what it described as the imposition of governorship aspirants from outside the state ahead of the 2027 election, insisting that Yayi is not a bona fide indigene of Ogun.

Addressing journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Abeokuta on Monday, Bello dismissed the allegations, maintaining that Yayi is an indigene of Ogun State and should not be subjected to what he described as divisive politics.

He urged political actors to focus on presenting ideas and programmes that would promote the state’s development rather than engaging in debates over the APC aspirant’s ancestry.

According to Bello, the renewed attacks on Yayi reflect growing anxiety within the opposition over his rising popularity ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.

He alleged that the opposition was becoming increasingly unsettled by the level of public support the senator continues to attract across the state.

“Enough is enough. Those saying Yayi is not from Ogun State should stop. Who are they to determine who is or isn’t an indigene of Ogun? They should keep quiet,” Bello said.

He recalled that similar questions were raised about the origins of former Ogun State governors Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel before both men eventually gained widespread acceptance as sons of the state.

Bello noted that Osoba was once accused of not being an Egba indigene before it was established that he hailed from Ago-Iwoye, while Daniel also faced allegations that he originated from Delta State—claims he said were eventually dismissed.

He further argued that traditional rulers in Yewaland had publicly affirmed Yayi’s roots, insisting there was no basis for continuing the controversy.

“All the monarchs in Yewaland have unanimously declared that Senator Yayi is one of them. Who are we to dispute their position?” he said.

Bello challenged opposition parties to concentrate on their campaigns and present their achievements to voters rather than questioning Yayi’s ancestry.

“They should tell the people what they have done. Let them point to even one-tenth of the projects Senator Yayi has executed instead of arguing about where he comes from. Ultimately, the people of Ogun State will decide who becomes the next governor at the polls,” he added.