Politics

West Agenda: Ogun Deputy Governor Slams Senate Leader For Interfering In State Affairs

ByOlamilekan Adigun

PublishedFebruary 3, 2026

Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele has lashed out at Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele for interfering in the state’s internal political affairs.

Salako-Oyedele, in a letter addressed to Senator Bamidele, expressed that the Senate Leader’s support for his long-standing ally, Senator Solomon Adeola, in the quest for Ogun West to produce the next governor should not be pursued.

It would be recalled that Senator Bamidele, who was the keynote speaker at a media engagement organised by the socio-political pressure group, Ogun West Professionals (For Yayi), held on Sunday in Ilaro, advised political actors and stakeholders on the importance of embracing internal cohesion so that the senatorial district can produce a consensus candidate for the governorship election in 2027.

Salako-Oyedele emphasised that the Senate President’s promotion of a consensus candidate, while simultaneously highlighting a preferred aspirant, had proven to be ineffective.

The letter, “Thank you for forwarding your paper on the Ogun West governorship aspiration. I have read it carefully.

“There is no dispute about the ongoing clamour within Ogun West and across the state for fairness and inclusion in the emergence of the next Governor of Ogun State. This sentiment is real, longstanding, and legitimate.

“While I acknowledge that some of your observations on past internal challenges within Ogun West reflect realities that have been discussed over the years, I must state clearly that you have gone beyond commentary into direct interference in the internal political affairs of Ogun State. That is a line that should not be crossed.

“Ogun State has a clear political leadership structure. Our leader is the Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Prince Dr Dapo Abiodun – MFR, CON. As loyal party members, we will await his guidance and direction on matters relating to 2027. No external authority supersedes that structure.

“Your historical association with schools in Ogun State, including your secondary education, does not confer on you, or any other non-indigene, the standing to intervene in, prescribe outcomes for, or attempt to shape our internal political process.

“When the time is right, the duly recognised leaders of Ogun State will do what is necessary and proper in the best interest of the party and the state.

“Finally, it is not appropriate to preach consensus to Ogun West stakeholders while simultaneously singling out or projecting a preferred aspirant. That approach defeats the very principle it claims to promote.”

Olamilekan Adigun

Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.