Aminatu Abiola, the stepmother of All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Solomon Adeola, has dismissed claims that her stepson has any connection to Ekiti State.
The controversy follows claims made in separate interviews with Channels Television in August and September by suspended APC member Abayomi Hunye and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member Folake Marcus-Bello, who alleged that Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, is an indigene of Ekiti State.
However, in a video that has gone viral, Abiola rejected the allegation and challenged those making the claim to produce evidence within 24 hours or face possible legal action.
Adeola Is Not From Ekiti, Stepmother Says
Abiola, who identified herself as the senior wife of Adeola’s late father, Oteko Ayinde, said neither Adeola’s father nor his mother is from Ekiti State.
She said she hails from Iworoko in Ekiti but insisted that this does not make Adeola an indigene of the state.
“Yayi is not related to Ekiti. Neither his father nor his mother hails from Ekiti,” Abiola said.
According to her, Ayinde first married her and they had two children before he later married another woman from Ijebu.
Abiola further alleged that Adeola’s mother is from Ogun State, while his grandmother, Alhaja Lamlatu, was from Owo in Ondo State.
Abiola Challenges Opponents to Provide Evidence
The woman challenged anyone claiming that Adeola’s family has roots in Ekiti to come forward with evidence.
She specifically called on those who have claimed knowledge of Adeola’s father’s family in Ekiti to identify the location and provide proof of the alleged connection.
“Anyone that claims to know Yayi’s father’s house in Ekiti should come out and prove it to me,” she said.
Abiola also stated that Adeola’s father was buried in Lagos, rather than Ekiti, and that he died more than 30 years ago.
Details About Adeola’s Early Life
Abiola said Adeola’s father died while the politician was still young and had yet to complete his university education.
She also claimed that Adeola was born Sule and was raised as a Muslim before later adopting the name Olamilekan after becoming a Christian.
According to Abiola, Adeola had not entered politics at the time of his father’s death.
Stepmother Says She Will Testify in Court
Abiola said she was prepared to defend her account if the controversy eventually reaches court.
She maintained that she was old enough to know the family’s history and insisted that Adeola has no ancestral connection to Ekiti State.
“I can’t be as old as this and still be lying. He (Yayi) is not related to Ekiti,” she said.
She added that she would appear in court to testify if necessary and challenged those making the allegations to substantiate their claims.
Appeal to Yewa Residents
Abiola also appealed to residents of Yewa to support Adeola, describing him as a “true son of the soil.”
The controversy over Adeola’s alleged ancestral ties to Ekiti comes as political actors in Ogun State continue to make competing claims about the governorship candidate’s background.
At the time of reporting, the claims and counterclaims remain disputed, with Abiola calling for evidence to establish any alleged connection between Adeola and Ekiti State.