A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Akeem Akilo, has criticised former Ogun Central senator, Iyabo Obasanjo, over her description of the senator representing Ogun West, Olamilekan Adeola, as an opportunist.

Akilo, in a statement issued on Sunday, described Obasanjo’s remarks during a radio interview as “misplaced and unfortunate,” saying they lacked substance.

Obasanjo had reportedly described Adeola, who chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriation, as an opportunist.

Responding, Akilo said it was ironic that Obasanjo, who has been largely absent from frontline partisan politics since her unsuccessful re-election bid for the Ogun Central Senatorial District in 2011, would comment on political consistency and democratic development.

“For over a decade, Ogun Central has moved on. The political structure has evolved. New leaders have emerged. The grassroots she claims to understand have continued their journey without her visible participation or institutional footprint,” Akilo said.

He said the political landscape in Ogun Central had evolved over the years, with new leaders emerging, adding that the grassroots had continued to move forward without her visible participation.

Akilo argued that Adeola’s political career demonstrated steady growth and electoral acceptance, rather than opportunism.

According to him, Adeola’s progression from the Lagos State House of Assembly to the House of Representatives, and subsequently two terms in the Senate representing Lagos West before his current representation of Ogun West, reflected continuity and voter confidence.

He added that political migration was not unusual in democratic systems, noting that politicians in established democracies often build influence beyond their initial geographical bases.

Akilo further maintained that Adeola’s move from Lagos to Ogun should not be viewed as political opportunism, stating that Ogun remained his ancestral home.

“From the Lagos State House of Assembly to the House of Representatives, two terms in the Senate representing Lagos West, and now representing Ogun West in the Senate, Senator Adeola’s career reflects continuity, voter confidence, and strategic political expansion —not opportunism,” he said.

He said Adeola’s connection to Yewaland predated the 2023 elections and that his victory in Ogun West was secured through a competitive electoral process.

The APC chieftain also stated that political credibility should be measured by sustained engagement and impact rather than public commentary.

He alleged that Obasanjo’s criticism of Adeola could be an attempt to regain political relevance, given her absence from the state’s current political structure.

Akilo added that Adeola’s electoral victories across different constituencies and his legislative record reflected political adaptability and durability.