The Media Adviser to the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola, has explained that he changed his name from Sulaimon Ogunleye to Solomon Adeola after converting from Islam to Christianity. This clarification was made by Adeola's media aide, Kayode Odunaro, in response to questions surrounding his identity and name ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Odunaro emphasized that there was nothing unusual about Adeola changing his name, as many people change their names for various reasons.
According to Odunaro, Adeola was born into a Muslim family and adopted the name Solomon after becoming a Christian. He noted that the name change occurred years before Adeola ventured into politics. Odunaro also cited examples of other public figures who had changed their names, including the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar. This, he argued, demonstrated that changing one's name was not an uncommon practice.
Odunaro further explained that the name Solomon is the biblical equivalent of Sulaimon. He clarified that Adeola's father's name is Ogunleye and Adeola, and that he chose Adeola as his surname. This, he said, was a personal choice and not evidence of any wrongdoing. Odunaro maintained that people could change their names for personal, religious, or other reasons.
The controversy surrounding Adeola's name change began when a former Ijebu East Local Government chairman, Wale Adedayo, alleged that Adeola was originally known as Sulaimon Ogunleye and was from Ekiti State. In response, Adeola demanded that Adedayo and others who made similar claims provide evidence or face legal action. Odunaro's explanation aimed to put the matter to rest.
Odunaro's comments were made in an exclusive interview with a correspondent on Saturday. He emphasized that the name change was a personal matter and not relevant to Adeola's qualifications or suitability for the governorship position. The 2027 governorship election in Ogun State is expected to be highly competitive, with several candidates vying for the position.
Adeola's decision to change his name has been defended by his aides and supporters, who argue that it is a personal matter that does not affect his ability to lead the state. They also point out that several prominent Nigerians have changed their names over the years, and that it is not uncommon in Nigerian politics.
The clarification on Adeola's name change is likely to put an end to speculation about his identity and eligibility for the governorship position. As the 2027 election approaches, Adeola and other candidates will be under scrutiny for their policies, track records, and qualifications. The focus is expected to shift from personal matters to the candidates' visions for the state's future.
Key points
- Senator Solomon Adeola changed his name from Sulaimon Ogunleye after converting from Islam to Christianity.
