Senator Solomon Yayi is no stranger to political triumphs. With decades of political mastery under his belt, particularly in Lagos politics, the Ogun West Senator has built an empire that many would envy. Yet, in the Gateway State, he seems to be struggling with an ailment every politician dread, an acute political migraine. Yayi’s dream is big, his sights set firmly on the number one political seat in Ogun State. But his journey from Lagos’ political powerhouse to the heart of Ogun politics has not been smooth.
Despite years of success in Lagos, where he has earned a reputation as a formidable legislator and political operator, establishing his political base in Ogun has proven to be a far more difficult challenge.
Many insiders in the state’s political circles have described Yayi’s current situation as a delicate balancing act, as he tries to position himself as a major contender in Ogun politics. But here lies the problem: the arithmetic doesn’t seem to be in his favor.
Political calculations in Ogun, it seems, are more complex than what Yayi is accustomed to in Lagos. The state’s intricate web of local loyalties, rival factions, and the dominance of certain political figures have left the senator with an increasingly complicated path to follow. Yayi’s political structure, which has served him well in Lagos, doesn’t seem to have the same resonance in Ogun.
Sources close to the senator have painted a picture of a man who is grappling with growing discontent within his own political camp. Many argue that Yayi’s inordinate ambition to reach the top office has ruffled feathers among some of the more entrenched political players in Ogun.
While some party members are willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, others accuse him of being too focused on his own personal aspirations rather than the collective interests of the party. This has left him vulnerable to a series of political attacks from various quarters, with some critics alleging that Yayi’s rise in Ogun politics feels more like an imposition rather than a natural evolution.
His efforts to smooth over tensions within the state party machinery have been met with limited success, leading to whispers about his inability to connect with those that matters in Ogun politics. In a state where political patronage and personal relationships weigh heavily, Yayi has found himself on the back foot, unable to gain the kind of unwavering support needed to secure his vision for the future. But time may not be on his side. As the race for the Ogun State governorship heats up, there are many questions surrounding Yayi’s political future, as he may end up as elder stateman in gateway politics and not Lagos party statesman.
