The Pragmatic YAYI at 57: Leading Political Movement Of History By Olaniyi Ajibola

The former Speaker, Vice-president and 14th President of Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, popularly known as Iron Lady in the political parlance of the country, once conceptualised leadership in the most ideological manner ever, saying,” A good leader must be at the forefront leading, at the middle inspiring and at the back defending the people at all times”.

Looking inwardly, the political journey of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, widely known as Yayi, clearly reflects a personality with clear and fair understanding of leading the people with vision and clear-cut goals, inspiring them with satisfactory knowledge of political mobilization and conscientization and defending from all fronts with courage.

I think the greatest capacity of the APC’s gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State for the 2027 gubernatorial election is the deep rooted understanding of dynamic feelings, thinking and needs of the people at every point in time, demonstrating uncommon sensitivity and empathy for the people irrespective of social status and background.

His systematic advancement in the political arena of Lagos, where he had convincingly carved a niche for himself is inspiring and exemplary for coming generations of politicians in Nigeria. Despite the fact that politicians quickly lose relevance and followership in Nigeria due to greed and selfishness of leaders and insatiable want of followership, Senator Solomon Adeola have been able to live above board and sustain the tempo of popularity and followership in the political climate.

As it was in Lagos political landscape, the ovation geometrically became louder in his home state of Ogun, even in the face of resistance and victimisation of those years of early appearance, Yayi, exhibited resilience and doggedness expected of a courageous leader and deliberately nurtured an intimidating political movement that renders every opposition element redundant perpetually.

Yes, the sophistication and fraternity of Yayi’s political family indeed make it a movement of sort, cutting across party affiliation, region and religion. It is an assemblage of clear-headed individuals with utmost conviction about the dexterity, capacity, capability and charisma of their leader.

Yayi’s achievements as a Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District in the last three years substantially surpassed all what senators from that Senatorial District had achieved since the beginning of the fourth republic in 1999, exposing sheer ineptitude in leadership for over two decades .

It is astonishing and incredible that the Senator has been very consistent in his style of excellent delivery in all the positions he had held in the past, amidst the murky politics of our nation and notwithstanding the attitudes of many of his colleagues in power.

There is no doubt that the people of Ogun State are earnestly awaiting the coming of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi, to come and continue the legacy projects of Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON. The man who has laid a very solid foundation in infrastructural growth and human capital development through his revolutionary ISEYA mantra, making the work easier for the incoming Governor.

To this end and as the good people of Ogun State eagerly looking forward to February 2027 to enthusiastically elect Senator Olamilekan Adeola Yayi as the 6th democratically elected Governor of Ogun State, I wish him happy 57th birthday. May he celebrate more of this special moment ahead in sound health and mind.

Happy Birthday, Distinguished!

Ajibola writes from Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta.