2027: PVM Challenges Senator Yayi to Clarify Yewa Ancestry
The Progressives Vision Movement (PVM) has called on Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, to publicly address lingering questions surrounding his claimed ancestral connection to Yewaland, arguing that transparency could permanently put the controversy to rest ahead of the 2027 political season in Ogun State.
President of the movement, OmoOba Gbadegeshin Ademola, said the organisation’s position should not be interpreted as an attack on Adeola’s personality, achievements or constitutional rights, but as a demand for clarity on an issue that has continued to generate political debate.
Adeola currently represents Ogun West Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
According to PVM, several individuals and groups have publicly defended the senator’s Yewa ancestry, while some of his supporters have strongly criticised those raising questions about his roots.
The movement, however, maintained that threats of litigation or political intimidation should not replace factual clarification in a democratic society.
“Democracy gives citizens the right to ask legitimate questions about those seeking to lead them. Nobody should be threatened simply for requesting clarification on a matter that has become part of public political discourse,” Ademola said.
PVM stressed that allegations and counter-allegations circulating about Adeola’s parentage should not automatically be treated as facts, noting that the senator himself remains best positioned to provide authoritative information about his family history.
The group specifically called for greater clarity regarding Adeola’s paternal and maternal family lines, ancestral community and relatives in Yewaland, saying verifiable information could finally end speculation.
Ademola said unverified claims circulating about individuals alleged to be connected to Adeola’s parentage should either be substantiated by those making them or rejected through credible evidence.
“We are not declaring anybody’s allegation to be true. We are saying that questions have been raised repeatedly, people have responded and arguments have continued. Why allow this controversy to follow a potentially historic political project when it can be addressed transparently?” he asked.
PVM said the matter assumes greater political significance because Ogun West, comprising much of Yewaland and Awori communities, has long sought an opportunity to produce an elected governor of Ogun State.
The organisation argued that if 2027 eventually presents Ogun West with its strongest opportunity to occupy the state’s highest political office, avoidable controversies surrounding the identity of any leading aspirant should be resolved well before the election.
“This is bigger than Senator Adeola alone. Ogun West has waited for decades for an opportunity to govern Ogun State. If this is finally the district’s moment, the people deserve a candidate whose identity, background and connection to the district are beyond unnecessary controversy,” Ademola stated.
The PVM president nevertheless acknowledged Adeola’s political experience and credentials, saying the senator possesses considerable political influence, legislative experience and networks that could make him a formidable contender for the Ogun governorship.
He argued that those qualities make transparency even more important.
“Senator Adeola has achieved significantly in politics. He has represented constituencies in Lagos and today represents Ogun West in the Senate. He has the political structure and experience to aspire to higher responsibility. That is precisely why questions capable of becoming major political distractions tomorrow should be addressed today,” he said.
PVM urged the senator to consider presenting documented genealogical information, recognised family representatives, community testimony or any other independently verifiable evidence he considers appropriate to establish his ancestral claims.
The organisation said DNA evidence could also be voluntarily considered if Adeola believed it would help settle the controversy, but acknowledged that genetic testing is a personal matter and should not be treated as the only method of establishing ancestry.
Ademola referenced widely reported cases in which people of African descent abroad have used genealogical research and DNA testing alongside historical and family evidence to reconnect with ancestral communities, arguing that modern technology has made some ancestry questions easier to investigate.
He said PVM would welcome a transparent clarification rather than prolonging speculation.
“We are not asking these questions because we want Senator Adeola to fail. We are asking because Ogun State must avoid a situation where an unresolved identity controversy becomes a source of political tension in the future,” Ademola said.
“Anyone seeking public trust must be prepared for public scrutiny. Leadership requires transparency, and questions should be answered with facts rather than intimidation.”
PVM further appealed to Adeola’s supporters to avoid interpreting every inquiry into the senator’s background as political hostility.
According to the movement, supporters who possess credible documentary or genealogical information establishing Adeola’s Yewa ancestry should make such evidence available to the public instead of attacking those seeking clarification.
Ademola maintained that the objective should be to settle the controversy conclusively and allow political discussion to return to competence, programmes, development and the future of Ogun State.
“If Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola is unquestionably a son of Yewaland as he has maintained, establishing that fact clearly and convincingly can only strengthen him politically,” Ademola said.
“Ogun West deserves its opportunity. Yewaland deserves its opportunity. But that historic aspiration must be built on transparency, unity and public confidence. Let the facts speak so that everybody can move forward.”
PVM consequently called for civility from all sides, warning that inflammatory allegations, threats and unverified claims could deepen divisions ahead of 2027.
The movement said the ultimate question for Ogun voters should eventually be which aspirant possesses the character, competence, experience and development agenda required to move the Gateway State forward.
