Ogun 2027: Waiting for Yayi Adeola

The atmosphere was filled with music, dance, goodwill and solidarity. It was in honour of a super senator, who has lived to expectation at home and abroad, in private life and corridor of power.

Although Solomon Olamilekan Adeola was not in Nigeria for his 56th birthday, family, associates, acquintances and National Assembly workers gathered in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to celebrate the unique politician fondly called Yayi by admireres. It was a powerful show of love, gratitude and recognition for a life of dignity, diligent service and impact.

It was a moment of joy, reflection and appreciation for the activities and influence of the star legislator who has served his state and the country with his whole heart.

As the guests cut his birthday cake, shouts of ‘Yayi’ filled the air. The ovation was loud and clear, underscoring an endorsement for a higher service for a man, who they believe, has touched lives, transformed communities and led by example.

Adeola is not a typical Abuja politician without base or root. Since he rose to stardom as a member of the House of Assembly in Lagos State in 2003, he has been waxing stronger and soaring higher. He has patiently learned at the feet of his leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria.

When he was in the House of Representatives, he truly represented the aspiration of his constituents. He also did not betray the progressive cause and creed.

As chairman of the Senate Appropriation Committee, Adeola has not been a bench warmer, but an effective participant in robust legislative governance.

Never carried away by national fame and bountiful opportunities, the senator has always looked backs and ploughed back, to the society, particularly the districts, constituencies and communities in Lagos and Ogun states that politically weaned him and catapulted him to prominence.

Endowed with a tender heart, Adeola has not detached from the grassroots, where he has remained a mobiliser. Thus, tributes poured for his consistent kindness, accessibility and deep commitment to public welfare.

Simultaneously, the modest birthday was celebrated in his Yewa, Ogun West District, Ijebu-Igbo and Abeokuta, Ogun Central and state capital.

To mark the birthday, 120 transformers were distributed to communities across the three senatorial districts.

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Many people hailed him as a rallying point for progress and renewed hope, either at the National Assembly or his vast constituency. Others peeped into the coming days, describing him as a man of the future that is nearer than imagined in the Gateway State.

Kind words oozed out from the hearts of admirers. “I don’t know him directly. I got to know his activities through a client. Since that time, he made very serious impression on me,” said Bolarinwa Aidi, a lawyer, who attended the ceremony.

To Pauline Akinade, Adeola has been a pillar of support to women and youths through his empowerment programmes. She urged him to sustain the tempo of creative service.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Isiaq Salako, who spoke on the importance of transformers being distributed at Ilaro, said the senator was trying to resolve the challenge of tapping from the national grid. He said the facilities would ensure regular electricity and enhance socio-economic activities.

Muraina Ajibola described Adeola as a man of great stature in the polity,saying that he has accumulated experience which has to be maximally used for his community, state and country.

In the opinion of Adejoke Odumosu, Yayi has been up and doing in the areas of empowerment, adding that he should be encouraged to do more.

Echoing her, Abosede Adelabi described him as a wonderful person with a heart of gold; a heart geared towards the poor, needy and downtroden.

His media adviser, Kayode Odunaro, a chief, said Adeola is a bridge across many divides.  He said the decision to celebrate him, even when he was not around, underscored his the love people have for him.

“This was organised to appreciate him for what he is doing for the community, his constituency, state and the country, he said.”