The opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, has embarked on a campaign centered on ancestral origin, sparking controversy and debate. Rather than presenting a coherent manifesto or offering credible alternatives on the economy, infrastructure, insecurity, and youth unemployment, PDP leaders have chosen to focus on the nativity of candidates. This strategy has been criticized as a desperate ploy to distract voters from the real questions of governance, competence, and track record.
At the forefront of this campaign are figures like Ambassador Folake Marcus-Bello and her political allies, who have launched a crusade against Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, also known as Yayi. They have been questioning his ancestral origin, citing archival employment records, old civil service documents, and disputed genealogical lineages. Critics argue that this approach is a tired script, empty on substance and heavy on sentiment, and that it misjudges the intellect and political maturity of the Ogun State electorate.
Ogun State, known for its rich history and intellectual heritage, boasts one of the most discerning, educated, and independent-minded voting blocs in the country. The state has historically thrived on inclusion, capacity, innovation, and enterprise, rather than on narrow provincialism or parochial birth certificates. Therefore, framing ancestral origin as the sole defining issue in a state facing complex socio-economic challenges has been seen as an insult to the intelligence of the electorate.
The PDP's governorship candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, has been accused of lacking fresh, progressive ideas, and instead relying on the rhetoric of exclusion and personal attacks. His campaign has been criticized for offering no alternative economic model, no modern strategy for boosting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and no innovative ideas for public sector efficiency.
In contrast, Senator Solomon Adeola has been presented as a visioner who understands governance as service, not birthright. His political trajectory has been built on a broad, inclusive philosophy of development without borders. Adeola has initiated several projects, including the renovation of over 280 classroom blocks, the equipping of over 50 primary healthcare centers, and the empowerment of over 10,000 market women with micro-business grants.
Adeola's vision is measurable, and his interventions have cut across different regions of Ogun State, including Yewa, Egba, Ijebu, and Remo. He has also been advocating for border economy development, agro-processing zones, and special economic status for Ogun's manufacturing corridor. This approach has been seen as a hallmark of a visioner who expands the definition of citizenship, rather than shrinking it.
The PDP's focus on ancestral origin has raised concerns about the potential dangers of exclusionary logic in a state whose economic survival depends on openness. Ota and Agbara have thrived because non-indigenes invest there, and Sagamu's industries thrive because it welcomes talent. An Ogun governed by exclusionary logic may shrink, rather than grow, according to critics.
Key points
- The PDP's campaign strategy has sparked controversy and debate in Ogun State.
- Senator Solomon Adeola has been presented as a visioner with a broad, inclusive philosophy of development.
- The focus on ancestral origin has raised concerns about the potential dangers of exclusionary logic in Ogun State.
