Yayi and Odebiyi: Set to Exchange Thoughts in the Ring

HighLife

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, much is being revealed. Different individuals at the various levels of government are popping up to claim that this place is theirs by right and that place is theirs by quota. In Ogun State, Ogun West senatorial district, to be precise, Senator Solomon Olamilekan (alias Yayi), Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI), and Senator Tolu Odebiyi are the main figures of focus. Even so, it is Yayi and Odebiyi who have gotten into the ring to fight it out and represent the people and interest of Ogun West.

Since time immemorial, leadership positions may be obtained by lineage, but human relations and influence are the main infrastructures that help one keep such positions. This is a fact that is well recognized by Senators Yayi and Odebiyi. Nevertheless, the contest for the Ogun West seat would be easily resolved if recognition of facts is the only determinant, wouldn’t it? And yet, Yayi and Odebiyi are supposedly at each other’s throats as they contend for the position.

Senator Odebiyi may be argued to have stronger pillars of support. At the moment, he is the incumbent representative of Ogun West. As the 2019 senatorial champion for the All Progressives Congress (APC), his influence cannot be belittled. Moreover, per pedigree, his father is a former senator who reigned in his days. With this profile, Odebiyi can take on anyone.

But, Yayi is no slouch himself.

According to those who are informed of such inner-conclave politics, Yayi has the support of the incumbent governor, Dapo Abiodun. Knowing Abiodun’s progressive approach to things, there is no questioning his influence over electioneering matters. However, Yayi is currently serving as the senator for Lagos West Senatorial District. Even more, he is already a two-term senator. But he has Governor Abiodun in his corner.

So, without considering GNI’s senatorial ambitions, Yayi and Odebiyi are the main contenders for the Ogun West seat. They have already begun clandestine campaign moves, so the match is on.