The younger brother of former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, Olola Daniel, has backed the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in the state, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.
He also dismissed the controversy surrounding the senator’s ancestry as a distraction ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Daniel, who is the convener of Ogun Progressive People and the Progressive People Diaspora Coalition for YAYI, said political discussions should focus on candidates’ records, experience, policy proposals and capacity to address the needs of the electorate rather than controversies over their ancestry.
He stated this in a statement issued on Sunday, alleging that the controversy was being amplified by opposition elements to divert public attention from Adeola’s governorship ambition.
According to him, the people of Ogun State deserved issue-based political engagement that prioritised governance, development and public accountability.
He recalled that his family faced similar allegations when his elder brother declared his intention to contest the 2003 governorship election in the state.
He said, “Our political history in Ogun State shows that controversies of this nature are not new. When my elder brother declared his intention to contest the governorship election in 2003, our family faced similar allegations.
“However, such controversies should not be allowed to overshadow the critical issues of governance, development and accountability. The people deserve a meaningful discussion about the future of Ogun State.”
The OPP convener maintained that Adeola had met the constitutional requirements to contest the governorship election, describing the allegations against the senator as political propaganda.
He added that “The voters must be ready to assess aspirants based on verifiable records, qualifications, experience and clearly defined plans for the state.
“My decision to support Sen Adeola is informed by the senator’s public service record, legislative experience and development priorities.
“My optimism is that an Adeola-led administration would implement policies aimed at improving residents’ welfare and accelerating development at the grassroots.”
Daniel also disclosed that Ogun Progressive People had operated as a political support group since 2022, with established grassroots structures across the state.
He said the Progressive People Diaspora Coalition for YAYI was formed following consultations among Ogun indigenes living abroad who believed Adeola should be considered for the state’s highest political office.
According to him, the two groups were working together to mobilise support for Adeola and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Our activities are focused on political engagement, public awareness, strategic collaboration and grassroots mobilisation. We believe that constructive engagement and effective mobilisation are essential to achieving our political objectives,” he said.
Daniel further expressed the expectation that an administration led by Adeola would build on the development initiatives of the incumbent governor, Dapo Abiodun, while introducing policies that address the aspirations and everyday needs of residents across the state.
He said his involvement in the YAYI political project was also driven by his commitment to community development and humanitarian service.
Citing the activities of his Faith-in-Kindness Foundation, Daniel said the organisation had assisted indigent students with school fees and supported people experiencing various forms of hardship.
He added that such interventions reflected his belief that leadership should be assessed not only by political promises but also by tangible efforts to improve people’s lives.
“Leadership and public service should go beyond promises. They should be measured by practical interventions that improve the living conditions of the people, particularly the less privileged,” he said.
Daniel reiterated his commitment to mobilising support for the APC in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 elections, urging political stakeholders to prioritise constructive engagement and development-focused debates.
He said the political conversation in the state should focus on the future, the welfare of residents and the policy choices available to voters as they prepare to elect their next governor.