The recent public altercation between Senator Iyabo Obasanjo and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (popularly known as Yayi) is more than a personal clash; it reflects a broader transformation in Nigeria's political landscape, according to public policy advisor Adeola Akinremi. In an analysis, Akinremi argues that the episode underscores the friction between legacy establishment dynamics and a modern, strategy-driven ground game as the electoral cycle approaches.
Clash Reflects Deeper Political Dynamics
While the incident might appear as another moment of viral outrage, Akinremi contends it serves as a clarifying lens for changing power dynamics. He draws on nearly a decade of observation, recalling a 2017 article in ThisDay titled “Senator Adeola in an Age of Disruptive Politics,” where he cited former British Prime Minister Tony Blair: “Outrage is easy; strategy is hard. Outrage provides necessary motivation. But only strategy can deliver victory.” Akinremi notes that Adeola has been systematically redefining voter engagement in Ogun State, moving away from traditional patronage to a data-driven approach.
Akinremi, a stakeholder with roots across Ogun’s three geopolitical zones, emphasizes that Adeola’s political model prioritizes listening tours, town hall meetings, and coalition-building over rhetoric. “Yayi is moving away from the traditional ways of connecting and interacting with voters. An early bird in political campaign with unusual money in his wallet, town hall meetings, field organizers approach, conclaves with influencers, and mixed media have been used by Yayi to get to where he is,” Akinremi wrote in 2017.
Adeola’s Ground Game vs. Establishment Politics
The tension in Ogun State politics is healthy for democracy, according to Akinremi, as it reveals the limitations of old ideas of regions and endorsements. Adeola’s campaign infrastructure—built on hundreds of listening tours, workforce retraining programs tied to local needs, and transparent town hall meetings streamed live—has cultivated a coalition transcending traditional divides. Supporters include former and current councillors, lawmakers, and governors drawn to his emphasis on efficient governance rather than expansive spending.
Adeola’s background as an accountant shapes his practical problem-solving approach. Unlike rivals who chase national headlines with culture-war theatrics, he ran on data-driven pilots: incentives for small businesses, vocational education reforms, and infrastructure projects funded through commissions like the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education. Critics point to a road project funded by that commission as a potential issue, but Akinremi argues such scrutiny is part of democratic accountability.
A Model of Steady Leadership
Adeola’s ascent began not as a career politician but as an accountant who understands budget line items. His gubernatorial bid emphasizes leveraging Ogun’s abundant resources for economic prosperity. Akinremi praises his “intellectual honesty” and willingness to return to his roots in Ilaro, showing rare political humility after representing Lagos West. “Voters adore the version of leadership he genuinely represents: thoughtful, substantive, and rooted in lived experience, rather than ideology,” Akinremi writes.
The public mood currently supports Adeola’s response to what Akinremi calls “blackmail politics.” However, the challenge remains to focus on building coalitions and prioritizing what matters to Ogun citizens. Akinremi notes that Adeola has earned goodwill by treating governance as stewardship rather than conquest, focusing on measurable outcomes over performative victories.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While Adeola’s model is gaining traction, Akinremi cautions that selective focus on coalition-building will be essential for success at the polls and in governance. In a polarized nation hungry for competence, Adeola stands as proof that wisdom still resonates. “Nigerians are ready for leaders who prioritize substance, listen deeply, and deliver results,” Akinremi concludes.
Adeola Akinremi is a public policy advisor, strategic communications expert, and founder of Hintells, an AI-powered intelligence platform. He has advised on economic and policy reforms across global markets.
