By: Oladapo Sofowora
Like the popular axiom; ‘People only throw stones at a tree that bears fruit’; this quote aptly captures the current situation of Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola Yayi, Senate Chairman on Finance as some section of people have kicked against his chieftaincy as the Aremo of Yewaland. For the most distinguished senator who has over the years worked assiduously to give quality representation to the people of Lagos state and his state of origin Ogun state, He stands unflinching and true to his purpose of impacting and service to humanity through public service. His ancestral lineage in Ilaro, Ogun state has generated mixed reactions amidst may political opposition who are quite envious of the Grace of his creator on his life.
The Yewa Born Lagos raised Political starlet is unperturbed of the lingering crisis surrounding his nomination by the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Paramount ruler of Yewa Land. Many claimed Senator Yayi should not be conferred the Aremo of Yewaland title saying it’s a title reserved for the king’s first son only. They are quick to forget that; as a son of the soil, a king can decide to adopt anybody as his son. A king is automatically the father of anyone from the kingdom and reserves the right to confer on anyone the traditional title that he so wishes. “For someone of Yayi’s caliber, anybody will be happy to call him his son and confer on him the privileges of a son. Kabiyesi has found a son in him. For someone who you call and answers, a million-time such person is a son. He is a good ambassador of Yewa. Those who have issues with the authenticity of his root should do a background check. what do they want again?, His family had on several occasions disclosed that he is their son and they have given the public the name of his father they still don’t believe. He should not prove anything to anybody again. Do they think Olu of Ilaro would not have carried out his findings on Yayi before conferring on him such a huge title? ” A source added.
What is Yayi’s sin?? A close source disclosed that; ever since Yayi made his intention known to go back to his root and serve his people after meritoriously serving the people of Lagos for years as a member of the Lagos Assembly to the Lower National Assembly and now a two-term senator representing Lagos West, that is the genesis of his sin. With this and many more, the most distinguished senator has stirred the hornet nest. Those who clamored of his return back home are aware of the enormous bills and developmental project he has attracted to Lagos West. His political coordination and Omoluwabi status is an endearing feature that keeps him in the mind of many. Even those who oppose anything he does know for a fact that Yayi is an asset that not only Lagos should enjoy. They are aware that if he returns back home, he will do what he has done to Lagos to Ogun State seamlessly.
“When he decided to come back home in 2015, erstwhile Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun kicked vehemently against his return home known fully well of his political Magic wand and the amount of momentum and followers he would gather. With his filial relationship with President Buhari and his commando-style of intimidation, he tried everything humanly possible to ensure Yayi stayed back in Lagos. For the cool-headed politician whom many often ask why such a gentle refined and highly cerebral man would be doing in politics a game perceived to be dirty, instead of fighting his oppressor, he opted to tow the path of peace and stayed back in Lagos to avoid break down of law and order. He was intimidated that his house was demolished by the government, several campaigns of calumny sponsored against him. Despite all the smear campaigns, the small body big-engine politician weather the storm gained more followers and recognition for his act of peace.” A close source disclosed.
Fast forward to 2020 when the Politician saw that it was the right time to serve his people and give them quality representation his supporters have launched a ‘West 2 West agenda’. As a Lagos West senator, he sponsored a bill for the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro to be converted to a degree-awarding institution. Which has been approved by the senate. This and many more he has done. The senator representing the senatorial district we gather is not happy with Yayi’s move. Those in the know averred that it’s a win for all as the glory should go to all sundry from the district. Instead of the senator representing the district to work closely with Yayi to achieve his said goals, he opted to take him as an enemy and arch-rival. Unshakable Yayi remained focused. In 2023, he will officially return back to his ancestral state to contest under Ogun West senatorial district. From all indications and permutation from political pundits, instead of the senator representing the district to stay focused and work for the masses who elected him, he is busy fighting shadows to truncate Yayi’s 2023 plan. Source averred that; “Yayi’s political structure is a very scary one. The incumbent Ogun West senator is aware that leaving them both on the field of play, Yayi will floor him hands down. Yayi is a born politician loved by many for his endearing and loveable personality. He is accessible and approachable and gives a listening ear. We cant have such material and opt for a mediocre. It’s time we elect someone who will leave bad politics alone and focus on developmental projects. Yewa people are tired of stunted representation. Yayi is the best man for the job and we are ready to make his plan actualize.” A party loyalist who claimed anonymity disclosed.
As the controversy continues, Olu of Ilaro has spoken and his authority cannot be rescinded. It’s a taboo for anybody to say the authority of the King does not stand. If it were to be in the days of yore, such an individual will be beheaded, banished or thrown inside the prison for challenging the authority of the King. As it stands, Yayi is the Aremo of Yewaland. If because he has shown interest to uplift and serve his state the same way he has done to Lagos and some people are not happy, it means they are not progressive-minded people. They are only blindfolded by mere hearsay and politricks rather than trying to decipher good from evil. The West 2 West Agenda has come to stay the earlier the opposition sees this and accepts the better. “Yayi is a moving train that cannot be stopped by mere disparaging talks or casting aspersions at his persona. That’s why his sobriquet is Omo toh Yayi… He will always stand out in any of his dealings. He remains one of the most distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and he commands respect even from the leadership of the senate.” A source disclosed.
