31/07/2026
YAYI: The Man, The Moment and Ogun’s Next Political Chapter
✍🏼 Emmanuel Oluwatomisin Afolabi
Before a single ballot is cast, before party primaries reach their climax, and long before the Independent National Electoral Commission blows the whistle for the governorship election, one name has already conquered the most valuable political real estate in Ogun State.
From Abeokuta to Ota, Sagamu to Ijebu-Ode, Ilaro to Ifo, the face of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, fondly called Yayi, greets commuters at major intersections, roundabouts, highways and city entrances. His towering billboards have become so widespread that they have sparked conversations in commercial buses, marketplaces, motor parks, offices and social gatherings. Increasingly, the discussion is no longer about whether Yayi is running, but whether anyone else is truly in the race.
Politics has always been a game of perception. Long before campaign rallies gather momentum, perception shapes expectations, and expectations often influence political conversations. In Ogun today, Yayi's overwhelming visibility has created an unmistakable impression of strength, organisation and preparedness. Whether carefully orchestrated or driven by enthusiastic supporters, the result is the same: his presence dominates the public space in a way rarely witnessed in the state's recent political history.
The obvious question therefore follows: Where are the others?
Every election is expected to offer voters competing visions, competing personalities and competing campaigns. In a contest where visibility often translates into relevance, the imbalance has become impossible to ignore.
This is not to suggest that billboards win elections. They do not, but in Yayi case, He will definitely emerge.
As we speak, the deaf can hear the name of Yayi, the name has become a slogan that a child of one year can easily pronounce.
If politics were a football match, many spectators would say Yayi has already scored the opening goal before the referee's first whistle. If it were a marathon, he appears to have left the starting line while others are still tightening their shoelaces. If it were a betting market, political bookmakers would have put their lifesavings on Yayi to win.
As Ogun State marches steadily towards another historic governorship election, one political reality appears impossible to ignore.
Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, (Yayi), has not only dominated the political landscape but has also captured the imagination of many across the state. His unprecedented visibility, expansive grassroots network and growing momentum have combined to create an image of a candidate whose time, many believe, has truly arrived.
As things stand today it is obvious that Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) has established himself as the leading contender in the race to Oke Mosan.
Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, FCA
