The Yayi effect and political leadership in ogun state (part 2)

By Hon. (Chief) Olalekan Shoyinka

TODAY’S REALITY: POPULARITY OR PRINCIPLE?

Let me be clear from the outset: I am not opposed to the ambition of Distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi. Ambition is the fuel of leadership. What concerns me — and should concern every well-meaning stakeholder in Ogun State — is the basis upon which our political leaders choose whom to follow, endorse, or anoint.

Yes, Senator Yayi deserves commendation for facilitating impactful Federal projects across Ogun West and for extending some of these interventions into Ogun Central and even parts of the East. His empowerment programmes, job facilitation efforts, and visible presence in local politics have been impressive — especially for someone who only formally re-entered the Ogun political scene recently. But as the Yoruba say, “Àjà ò t’órí olówó e s’ọ̀dẹ.” (The dog doesn’t go hunting for the sake of its owner, but for its own hunger.)

A LATE RETURN HOME?

Senator Yayi has had a long and successful legislative career, having represented Alimosho II in the Lagos State House of Assembly from 2003, later moving to the House of Representatives in 2011, and then the Senate from 2015 to 2023 — all for Lagos. It is only after over a decade of legislative prominence in Lagos that he began shifting his political base to Ogun State in a bid to pursue his lifelong governorship ambition. Understandably, Lagos — despite his loyalty and service—did not offer him the ticket. Why?

This is not to diminish his capacity or performance, but it’s a valid question: What did Lagos APC leaders know — or decide — that Ogun APC leaders are ignoring?

The reality is this: had Senator Yayi been widely considered governorship material in Lagos, perhaps he would have been endorsed to succeed a governor in Nigeria’s most strategic state. But politics, like nature, abhors a vacuum. So now that he’s returned “home,” he’s found in Ogun a willing ground for ambition — a land where money, infrastructure, and influence seem to be more powerful than legacy, party ideology, or generational vision.

BLESSING OR TRANSACTION?

Yayi’s influence has undoubtedly benefited many individuals and party stakeholders in Ogun. From Federal jobs to contract opportunities, from mobilization funds to empowerment grants, he has strategically watered the ground. But the question we must now ask as a people is simple:

Are we building a future or feeding today’s appetite?

There is a dangerous trend in Ogun APC politics — a trend that reduces the value of leadership to what a candidate can “share” rather than what they stand for. Many of those currently chanting Yayi’s name may not be doing so out of genuine belief in his vision for Ogun, but because of what they can personally gain. It’s the “a ṣàájẹun” syndrome — the same spirit that has left party members blind in loyalty but hungry in substance.

We must not forget that the measure of true leadership is not the number of contracts shared, roads commissioned, or jobs distributed in an election season. Leadership is about long-term impact, sustainable development, and institutional legacy—not political generosity dressed in philanthropic disguise.

NOT AN OPPONENT, BUT A CONCERNED ADVOCATE

Let me emphasize again: I am not against Senator Yayi. In fact, if the field remains as it is and no better candidate emerges, I will not hesitate to support him publicly, because it’s a must I play my constitutional role as a responsible citizen. But as a stakeholder in Ogun’s political future and as a grassroots believer in ideology-based politics, I have a duty to ask hard questions and challenge our leaders to act in the interest of tomorrow.

Our elders say, “Ka fi orí omokùnrin ṣe wàrà, ki a má ba orí omobìnrin jẹ” — use the head of the young man for the test, so we don’t destroy the one for the future. It is irresponsible for our leaders to mortgage the future of Ogun State just to feed their present appetites. Let us not mistake momentary generosity for visionary governance.

If we continue this way, we may win the election — but lose the people. We may have a candidate — but not a statesman. We may have loyalty — but not legacy.

Ogun deserves more.

To Be Continued in Part 3 on MONDAY:

“The Future We Must Secure — A Blueprint for Ideology-Driven Politics in Ogun State”

Hon. (Chief) Olalekan Shoyinka popularly called Ayinla Egba) is Convener, United Premier Movement (UPM), Abeokuta

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