The Lagos West Senator, Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), says his return to Ogun State politics, after about 20 years in Lagos State, started on a rough note due to stiff resistance from his kinsmen and some political leaders.
Adeola said this on Saturday in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area, shortly after he was conferred with a top chieftaincy title, Aremo of Yewaland.
The conferement was part of the 10th year coronation anniversary of the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, on Saturday.
The Senator who spoke with newsmen at the event said it was a rough battle switching his political base from Lagos West to Ogun West, where he is an aspirant for the senatorial seat in next election.
Adeola, however, said what started on a rough note “is now as smooth as ever” because his people have embraced and showed him love.
Last week, a group presented him with the N20million APC senatorial nomination form to him, where he broke down in tears.
Speaking against the backdrop, he said “It was least expected. When I made my initial approach to return back home, I was faced with a lot of challenges from my people.
“Now, if my people now turn around and appreciate me to the extent of putting money together to buy my form for me, I believe it is a big deal and I sincerely appreciate them. We started rough but now it’s as smooth as ever.”
He said the Aremo of Yewaland title bestowed on him was not politically motivated, but rather an appreciation of his contribution to the development of the region.
“I strongly believe that this chieftaincy title is not politically motivated. I just believe it is in appreciation and the belief in me by my people that I can do everything that’s humanly possible to contribute my own quota to the development of the land.
“So, when it comes to politics, I strongly believe that that is a different ball game and different terrain entirely.”
On the challenges of development in Yewaland, Adeola said he knows where the shoe pinches and he would leverage on his legislative experiences to bring meaningful development to the region, if elected as Ogun West Senator.
In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun told Adeola and other honourees that the chieftaincy title bestowed on them was a call to duty and they could not afford to fail.
He also applauded the Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle on his tenth anniversary on the throne of his forefathers which, according to him, has brought growth and development to Yewaland.
The event attracted Ogun Deputy Governor, Engr Noimot Salako – Oyedele, her Lagos counterpart, Babafemi Hamzat, former Ogun Governors, Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, the Agura of Gbagura, Oba Saburee Bakre, members of the National Assembly, and stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Senators present at the event are, Tokunbo Abiru(Lagos East), Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), Ibrahim Oloriegbe(Kwara Central), Ayo Akinyelure( Ondo Central), Aderele Oriolowo(Osun West) and Ibrahim Hadejia(Jigawa North East).
A business tycoon, Bola Shagaya, was also in attendance.
