• Salako-Oyedele cautions Bamidele over interference in state’s political affairs
• Bamidele at liberty to express views on Ogun APC affairs, says Salako

Political tension is brewing in Ogun State as the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, are locked in a war of words over who succeeds Governor Dapo Abiodun in 2027.

Bamidele had, at a political forum organised by Ogun State Professionals for Senator Solomon Olamilekan in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Council, called for unity among Ogun West leaders to support a single gubernatorial candidate, declaring Olamilekan the politician best suited for the position.

He described Olamilekan, fondly called Yayi, as a very marketable and well-respected chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), moving a motion for his adoption as preferred candidate from the axis.

However, the deputy governor, in a swift reaction, warned Bamidele to desist from interfering in Ogun politics regarding who succeeds the governor from the region come 2027, insisting that the successor would be determined by Abiodun and party leaders in the state.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Adekunle Salako, has defended the right of Bamidele to express his views on the political affairs of the APC, including developments in Ogun State.

Salako described the Senate Leader as eminently qualified to speak on such matters, citing his credentials as a legal professional, human rights activist, and experienced politician with national influence.

He argued that as a key national stakeholder in the APC, Bamidele is at liberty to express opinions on party affairs beyond his home state, stressing that political development in one state could have broader national implications for the ruling party.