Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as YAYI, has emerged as one of the most closely watched figures in Ogun State politics ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted him as its consensus candidate, positioning the senator to potentially become the first governor from Ogun West in nearly five decades.
Adeola’s nickname, YAYI, stems from the Yoruba phrase “omo to yayi” — a respectful child who shows honour, love and care to elders. It was given to him by political elders during his long career in Lagos State.
His political journey is extensive. He served two terms in the Lagos State House of Assembly, two terms in the House of Representatives representing Alimosho, and later as senator for Lagos West. In a strategic move, he returned to his state of origin and won the Ogun West senatorial seat. He has never lost an election.
A chartered accountant who once worked at The Guardian newspapers, Adeola is widely credited by supporters with delivering consistent representation and constituency projects. Many in Ogun State point to his humble style and record of empowerment programmes as key reasons for his rising popularity.
For almost 50 years, residents of Ogun West (the Yewa area, formerly Egbado) have complained of political marginalisation. Ogun East and Ogun Central have largely rotated the governorship between themselves. Previous attempts to produce a candidate from the West often collapsed over internal rivalries.
Adeola’s emergence as a consensus figure has been welcomed by many in Ogun East as a form of political reciprocity. Historical parallels are frequently drawn with 1978, when Egbado leaders in the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) electoral college swung their votes behind Chief Olabisi Onabanjo of Ijebu, helping him become Ogun’s first civilian governor in 1979.
Senator Sefiu Adegbenga Kaka, a former deputy governor and senator, has recalled that pivotal moment. In the first ballot, Onabanjo and Soji Odunjo tied on 20 votes each. After intense negotiations, the ten Egbado delegates unanimously backed Onabanjo, securing his victory with 30 votes to Odunjo’s 20.
Today, Kaka and other elders argue that supporting Adeola completes that historical cycle of mutual political support.
Adeola has chosen Mrs Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun, daughter of business tycoon Alhaji Adebola Adegunwa and from Odogbolu Local Government, as his running mate. The choice is seen as an attempt to broaden appeal in Ijebu and Remo areas.
Supporters highlight constituency projects he has facilitated beyond his senatorial district, including health centres, classroom blocks and roads in parts of Ogun East such as Okun-Owa and Ogbo. These projects, they say, demonstrate a statewide approach rather than a narrow zonal focus.
Youths have adopted his slogan — “Yayi jowo, Yayi jare, Yayi ti mo mo, o sa prapra” — while his image circulates widely on social media platforms.
He has already visited all 236 wards in the state, met party leaders and members, and engaged groups beyond the APC. A recent non-party empowerment rally organised by Caucus 7202 in Ijebu-Ode drew a large crowd that filled Dipo Dina Stadium and caused traffic congestion. Governor Dapo Abiodun (now the APC’s Ogun East senatorial candidate) joined him, and the event featured performances by Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde Marshall amid colourful displays of adire and ankara.
Traders, artisans, transporters and ethnic associations from across Nigeria attended in significant numbers.
Adeola will face a strong challenge from the People’s Democratic Party’s Oladipupo Adebutu (popularly called Lado).
The APC is expected to inaugurate its campaign council on 17 September in Abeokuta. Party leaders and supporters across Ogun East, Central and West maintain that the long-standing demand for equity can now be realised if Adeola’s momentum continues.
Whether that support translates into victory in 2027 remains to be tested at the polls.