For some time now, a lot of my supporters in Ijebu East Local Government have been on my neck asking that I openly support Ogun West’s Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi). Former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, once said the same when Yayi made his first appearance on the Ogun State political scene.
My answer, during his first show of interest in the Gateway State, was: What are those things he’ll do for the state. Yes, son of man is a church rat. But being an Afenifere ahead of any other consideration, the first question our Babas would ask in those days is not how much a politician is doling out. It is a visible and practical programme of action.
That is what I told my people. Of course, I added that, Hon. Deko Onamusi being my leader, it is where he pitches his tent I will go. But having read statements after statements about the Ake Palace renovation in which Yayi is involved, I sincerely feel those against his alleged involvement are not asking the right questions. It is the same for those celebrating Yayi’s intervention in some projects in Ogun East Senatorial District.
Yayi currently represents Ogun West Senatorial District. Above all, he chairs the Almighty Senate Appropriation Committee, thus giving him an above the average leverage to get projects for himself. But, politically speaking, why should a Senator from another District be involved in facilitating projects for an area different from his own? The two other senators, Ogun Central and East, are both from the same political party as Yayi. Is it not an indirect indictment that they could not facilitate such projects for their respective areas?
Of course, one can also cite the appropriateness or otherwise of a legislator being given responsibilities outside his immediate Constituency. But that is not for now. Politics get as e be. 2 + 2 can become 44 with proof from politicians who’ll explain with ‘facts’ how mathematics could go that way.
Personally, I feel it is wrong for Yayi to be directly involved in such Federal Government interventions. Yes, he could donate money or build projects in his personal capacity. But facilitating Federal projects in a Constituency different from his own is certainly wrong for him to do. It shows he does not care about the two other senators. It shows he is using his exalted position as Chairman, Appropriation Committee of the Senate to ‘oppress’ his colleagues from the same state. And I wonder the kind of dictator such a person will be IF he becomes Ogun State Governor.
Yayi should stay in his lane. Or he could ask to assist his colleagues to facilitate such if necessary. I am sure that the Ogun Central Senator, who is biologically and physically an Egba man (check his face) will not be against the renovation of Alake’s Palace. It is also certain that OGD, who represents Ogun East, will not be opposed to solar street lights and other projects that Yayi has facilitated for the senatorial district.
Yayi got his politics wrong. It is possible that key political actors in the state are angry, but quiet because of his high profile. But o maa lehin, certainly! Personally funded projects are okay to be done across the state. But it is politically wrong to be facilitating Federal projects, when you have colleagues from the same political party in that area.
Make data boys no come Lynch this man of God o! We still dey fast for my area. Our Itunu Awe is 14 April – Wale Adedayo
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