The Isaga ethnic group in Ogun State and in the Diaspora have said Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola is their illustrious son.
They said the senator is neither a Tekobo (Lagos returnee) nor an Atohunriwa (immigrant) his “detractors and adversaries” have called him.
The Isaga indigenes, including Prof. Oyekunle Akinosi, a consultant Maxilla facial surgeon and Balogun of Isaga-Orile as well as a former Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture(FUNAAB) in Abeokuta, Chief Lawrence Osayemi, spoke on Sunday at the Empire Ground in Ilaro.
They said Adeola (aka Yayi) is an indigene of Ago Isaga Pahayi in Ilaro, the headquarters of Yewa South Local Government Area.
The Isaga indigenes also passed a vote of confidence on the senator representing Lagos West, saying he is qualified to pursue his governorship ambition in Ogun State in 2019.
Osayemi, who chaired the event, said the Yewa have suffered neglect and unfairness in Ogun State.
The spokesman said the time had come for them to have a taste of the governorship seat.
He said Adeola is a true son of Isaga, who had been so recognised since he was a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Osayemi said: “We had recognised him as one of our sons in Isaga since the time he served in the Lagos State House of Assembly. Now, we are witnessing the convocation of Isaga sons and daughters at home and in the Diaspora to lend our support to Senator Solomon Adeola.
“The senator has been sufficiently equipped for the office, having served in all facets of governance relevant to the position.
“Adeola’s origin in Yewa is never in doubt, even though his detractors and adversaries call him various names, ranging from Tekobo, Atohunrinwa to foreigner. But we know he is a bona fide Isaga son whose great greatgrandfather, Olege, migrated from Isaga-Orile, a Yewa town in the present Abeokuta North Local Government Area, to Ago Isaga, Pahayi, after the Dahomey invasion of Isaga-Orile on March 15, 1862.
“The invasion left the town devastated and there were family displacements. These led to the founding of so many Isaga settlements across Yewa, Abeokuta, Lagos and the Republic of Benin.
“Thus, the settlements of Isaga origin include Ago Isaga Pahayi, Ago Isaga Ilaro, Isaga Owode, Yewa, Ago Isaga Ado-Odo, Ago Ilaro Oke Odan, Ago Isaga Ota, Isaga Abata, Isaga Ilobi, Isaga Agbado, Iju Isaga, Isaga Iseri, Isaga Adie, Owe, Isaga Ajuwon, Isaga Onlado, Isaga Igborosun, Isale Isaga Abeokuta and Agbonjedo in the Republic of Benin, to mention but few.
“However, by gathering, we have unanimously shown our unflinching support for our son, who is aspiring for the position of the governor of Ogun State in 2019.
“We are also using this medium to tell everyone to go home and mobilise our people towards the ongoing Indepedndent National Electoral Commission (INEC) registration.”
Also, Adeola refuted the claim by those he called detractors that he was once confused to give details of his origin.
The senator said, on the contrary, he never claimed another community besides his ancestral home at Isaga Pahayi.
He added that he had a great respect for Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who he pledged never to disrespect.
Adeola said: “I heard that some people said I was once confused and searching for my root. That is not true. I was never in search and I have never claimed another root.
“Meanwhile, I hold Governor Amosun in great esteem and I will never disrespect him as the governor of my state.”
