By: Julius Oyedokun
Politics is dynamic, and things always evolve with time. Changing realities have the capacity to reshape narratives, influence people’s decisions, shift alliances, and ultimately affect the verdict of the people.
Every political bloc that has enjoyed dominance did so because it earned the confidence of the people at a particular point in history. History, however, also reminds us that no political empire remains permanently unchallenged because the moment a credible alternative emerges and begins to command genuine acceptance, the old political calculations are inevitably subjected to fresh scrutiny.
In situations like this, men and gladiators favoured by the old order often struggle, both mentally and emotionally, to accept the new reality.
Consequently, they go all out trying to stand in front of a moving train, which eventually becomes their undoing.
Following the 2019 and 2023 electoral cycles, Remoland has largely been perceived as the political stronghold of Hon. Ladi Adebutu. That perception was built over years of consistent political engagement and has remained one of the recurring narratives in Ogun politics.
As such, many political observers have approached every political engagement with the assumption that Remoland is politically settled.
Yet, elections are not won by history alone. Every election presents the electorate with another opportunity to reassess its priorities, evaluate performance, and make fresh choices based on prevailing realities.
The Saturday, 18th July 2026 endorsement of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, FCA (YAYI) by the Iyalajes and Babalajes of Remoland may appear ordinary to the casual observer, but politically, it deserves deeper reflection.
These are not career politicians seeking elective offices or negotiating political appointments. They made it abundantly clear that their decision was informed by the visible developmental strides Senator Yayi has facilitated in Remoland, including the construction of roads, modern classrooms in schools, and the installation of solar streetlights, even while serving as the Senator representing Ogun West.
More significant is the fact that they openly pledged to stand by him all the way. This declaration suggests that performance is gradually becoming a more compelling political language than the sharing of ₦10,000 recharge cards on election day or reliance on long-held, unchallenged political assumptions.
This is not an argument that Hon. Ladi Adebutu no longer enjoys support in Remoland. What this development suggests, however, is that the long-held perception of an unquestionable political monopoly over Remoland is beginning to face a credible test – one that only visible performance and purity of purpose, not vote-buying with recharge cards, can pass.
When respected voices within the commercial and economic community openly identify with a candidate from outside their immediate political tradition on the strength of demonstrated performance, it signals that the political conversation is changing. And once conversations begin to change, voting patterns often follow.
As the journey towards the 2027 governorship election gathers momentum, one reality is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Or, to borrow the words from the purported voice recording: “Now it will be tougher.” 😄
Ogun people are looking beyond familiar political labels and asking a more fundamental question: Who has demonstrated the capacity to deliver?
If that question continues to dominate public discourse, then the politics of entitlement and “Popsy mi” may gradually give way to the politics of performance and purpose.
That endorsement may not determine the outcome of the election, but it will be remembered as one of the defining moments that signposted a new political direction in Remoland.
