The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to two individuals demanding evidence for claims that he is an indigene of Ekiti State.
Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, warned that Abayomi Hunye, a suspended APC member from Tube in Ipokia Local Government Area, and Ambassador Folake Marcus-Bello of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would face legal action if they failed to substantiate their claims.
The senator, who represents Ogun West in the National Assembly, described the allegations as false and libellous.
His threat was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by his media adviser, Kayode Odunaro, who said Hunye and Marcus-Bello made the disputed claims during separate interviews on Channels Television programmes.
According to Odunaro, neither of the two individuals provided evidence to establish that Adeola originated from Ekiti State.
Adeola expressed anger over what he described as repeated attempts to question his ancestry without proof, saying those making the claims should be prepared to defend them in court.
“I watched in utter disbelief as these characters that I hardly know utter assertive and outrageous lies about my origin without any proof,” Adeola said.
He alleged that one of the individuals claimed on television that he was from Ekiti State but could not identify where in the state when pressed for details.
Adeola also accused the other individual of making claims concerning the locations of his parents’ graves in an attempt to support what he called an “unsustainable falsehood”.
“Enough is enough. They should produce their evidence in 24 hours or be ready for my lawsuits,” he said.
The dispute comes as controversy over Adeola’s ancestral background resurfaces ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.
Questions about his origin have previously featured in political arguments surrounding his bid to represent Ogun West in the Senate.
His media adviser said the same allegation had now resurfaced as Adeola advances his bid for the governorship.
The renewed controversy has also prompted a public intervention from traditional authorities in Kemta, Ogun State.
It was recently reported in the media that traditional councils in the community affirmed Adeola’s ancestral connection to Kemta.
The Oluwo of Kemta and Baaye of Egbaland, Chief Abayomi Rotimi, made the declaration during a press conference at the Ile Ogboni of Kemta.
Rotimi said Adeola remained a son of the community irrespective of political differences among its residents.
“Yayi is one of us. He is our son. We have different political parties here. We have PDP, APC, Accord and others. Whoever is our son is our son, and whoever comes here for us to help, we accept him,” he said.
He stressed that political affiliation should not determine recognition of an individual by the traditional institution.
“Whoever wants to vote should vote for whomever he wants. But you cannot bring politics into this house,” Rotimi added.
The traditional leader also rejected social media reports alleging that the Ile Ogboni of Kemta had been shut down because of Adeola’s relationship with the community.
Rotimi described the reports as false and politically motivated, challenging those responsible to visit the premises and establish the facts for themselves.
Adeola’s latest ultimatum therefore adds a legal dimension to an increasingly political dispute over his eligibility and ancestral ties as preparations for the 2027 Ogun governorship contest gather momentum.
For now, the senator is demanding that Hunye and Marcus-Bello provide documentary or other credible evidence within 24 hours to support their claims, failing which he says he will pursue legal remedies.
