ABEOKUTA – The Secretary to Odeda Local Government and President of the Redemption Mission Group (RMG), Hon. Oyekunle Adebayo JP Oba, has launched a strong defence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), describing recent criticisms of the lawmaker by former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo as "unfortunate, disappointing and a reflection of the politics of bitterness."
In a statement issued on Thursday, Hon. Oyekunle accused the former Ogun Central senator of shifting political discourse away from governance and development to what he described as personal grievances arising from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship consultation process.
He expressed surprise over Sen. Obasanjo's public remarks concerning campaign-related expenses allegedly incurred during the APC consultations, arguing that political participation should be driven by service and commitment rather than expectations of financial reimbursement.
According to him, politics is founded on sacrifice, conviction and service to the people, stressing that genuine progressives contribute to the growth of their party and democracy without expecting personal financial returns.
The Odeda Local Government scribe further argued that Sen. Obasanjo's comments had created the impression that political support should be measured by financial compensation instead of dedication to the collective interest of the party and its members.
Drawing a contrast between the two political figures, Hon. Oyekunle recalled that after failing to secure the APC governorship ticket, Sen. Obasanjo later contested for the Ogun Central Senatorial seat under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He contrasted this with the political trajectory of Senator Adeola, whom he said had experienced political disappointments but remained within the APC, continued to support the party and worked towards its growth.
According to him, the distinction reflects what he described as the difference between political loyalty and political convenience.
"True progressives do not abandon their political family because of temporary setbacks. They remain committed to strengthening the party and advancing its ideals," he said.
Hon. Oyekunle also maintained that Senator Adeola's growing political influence was a product of what he described as the senator's accessibility, grassroots engagement and developmental interventions across Ogun State.
He argued that leadership is earned through performance, consistency and public confidence rather than through public outbursts or political threats.
The RMG president urged political stakeholders to embrace issue-based campaigns and avoid personal attacks, noting that democracy thrives on healthy competition, mutual respect and constructive engagement.
He advised Sen. Obasanjo to focus on presenting her programmes, policies and vision to the electorate rather than dwelling on disagreements arising from political negotiations.
According to him, voters in Ogun Central deserve meaningful conversations centred on development, security, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and economic growth instead of prolonged political recriminations.
Hon. Oyekunle expressed confidence that the electorate would assess political aspirants based on their competence, credibility, character and verifiable records of public service.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Redemption Mission Group (RMG) to promoting progressive leadership, internal democracy and the ideals of the APC.
The statement concluded with an expression of confidence that the criticisms directed at Senator Adeola would not distract him from what Hon. Oyekunle described as his continued commitment to the people of Ogun Central and Ogun State.
He also called on political actors to elevate the tone of public discourse and allow voters to make their choices based on facts, performance and vision rather than personal grievances and political rhetoric.
The exchange is the latest in the growing political debate ahead of future electoral contests in Ogun State, as key stakeholders continue to position themselves within the state's evolving political landscape.
