The 2027 Ogun State governorship race is locked in controversy as Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly called Yayi and Hon. Abayomi Hunye trade words over the senator’s ancestry.
Senator Adeola, who represents Ogun West and is the APC governorship candidate, has threatened legal action against Hunye and Ambassador Folake Marcus-Bello for allegedly claiming he is of Ekiti origin, which he described as false and defamatory.
In a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Chief Kayode Odunaro, Adeola issued the duo a 24-hour ultimatum to retract their claims or face legal action, insisting that the allegations were baseless and intended to damage his reputation and political standing ahead of the 2027 election.
Welcoming the threatened lawsuit, Hunye said he is prepared to meet Adeola in court and defend his allegations with what he described as documentary evidence.
His Media Adviser, Femi Oyewale, quoted Hunye as saying that it was ironic for Adeola to threaten legal action when, according to him, the matter was already before a court of competent jurisdiction.
“We want to state categorically that we welcome the threat of a lawsuit with open arms. We are more than ready to meet Senator Adeola in a court of competent jurisdiction,” Hunye said.
He described Adeola’s 24-hour ultimatum and threat of legal action as a “political jamboree” and “media gimmick,” alleging that the senator was attempting to intimidate critics and divert public attention from questions surrounding his origin and eligibility to govern Ogun State.
He argued that the question of a political candidate’s origin and eligibility was not merely a personal matter but one of constitutional and public interest, particularly when such a person was seeking to govern the state.
He further maintained that he would rely on facts and documentary evidence in court, rather than engage in a prolonged media battle with Adeola.
“Truth is an absolute defence against libel. Rather than engaging in empty threats and grandstanding on national television, Senator Adeola should save his energy and approach the court immediately,” he said.
He added that he would present what he described as “robust, verifiable facts and documentary evidence” to substantiate his claims concerning Adeola’s alleged Ekiti ancestry.
“The courtroom is where evidence is tested, not the pages of newspapers or sponsored broadcast interviews,” he said.
Adeola has threatened to pursue legal remedies over the allegations, but Hunye said he would not be intimidated by the threat, urging residents of the state, particularly those in Ogun West, to remain calm.
