A former Nigerian Ambassador to Zambia and Malawi, Amb Folake Marcus-Bello, has publicly questioned the Ogun State indigeneship of Solomon Adeola, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Ogun State. Marcus-Bello made these claims during a television programme, stating that Adeola had previously claimed to be from Ekiti and Lagos states. She challenged Adeola to provide documentary proof of his Ogun State roots, emphasizing that the Constitution of Nigeria does not restrict individuals from moving around but frowns upon false claims.
According to Marcus-Bello, Adeola's records at The Guardian Newspapers, where he previously worked, listed Ekiti as his state of origin. She alleged that Adeola left The Guardian under serious circumstances and that a panel was set up to investigate the matter. Marcus-Bello expressed her willingness to be sued by Adeola, stating that she is still waiting for a court notice. She emphasized that allowing someone who has lied under oath to govern Ogun State would damage the state's reputation.
Marcus-Bello alleged a pattern of identity change by Adeola, claiming he moved from Ekiti to Lagos, where he represented Alimosho in the Lagos State House of Assembly and later the Senate, before moving to Ogun State. She questioned Adeola's motives, asking, "What does he take Ogun State for?" Marcus-Bello argued that while a senatorial contest may be overlooked, the governorship of Ogun State is a different matter, emphasizing that many capable sons and daughters of Ogun State should be considered for the position.
The former ambassador also addressed a claim made by a woman who alleged that she was Adeola's stepmother, dismissing it as potentially fabricated. Marcus-Bello vowed to investigate the claim and even suggested exhuming a grave in Shomolu, where Adeola claimed his father was buried, to verify the authenticity of the claim. She expressed her willingness to use technology to uncover the truth, citing the possibility of hiring individuals to pose as relations.
Marcus-Bello accused Adeola of perjury, citing inconsistencies in his declarations of origin. She claimed that Adeola initially listed Ekiti as his state of origin, then Lagos, and now Ogun State. The South-West Woman Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party emphasized that the Constitution sets clear conditions for individuals to change their state of origin, including a prescribed number of years of residency. She argued that Adeola has not fulfilled these conditions.
In addition to questioning Adeola's indigeneship, Marcus-Bello alleged financial impropriety against the Senator, claiming that funds meant for other purposes and senatorial districts ended up in Ogun State while Adeola was Chairman of Appropriation. She also questioned Adeola's source of wealth, wondering how he amassed so much money without any legitimate business or investment. Marcus-Bello emphasized that she is motivated by justice and the future of Ogun State to confront Adeola.
Marcus-Bello challenged Adeola to a public debate or in court, emphasizing that the matter must be determined to set a precedent. She also accused the Ogun State Government of stifling opposition campaigns, citing the removal of posters of PDP candidate, Ladi Adebutu, and blocking of campaign trains. The former ambassador concluded that she has spoken up to ensure that justice is served and that the truth about Adeola's indigeneship and character is revealed.
Key points
- - Ex-Ambassador Marcus-Bello challenges Yayi's Ogun State indigeneship. - She alleges perjury and financial impropriety against Yayi. - Marcus-Bello challenges Yayi to a public debate or in court to determine the authenticity of his Ogun State indigeneship claim.
