Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola’s Rise in Politics
Some individuals are born with talent, while others achieve success through hard work. For Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, often referred to as Yai, his ascent in both his professional and political career is a testament to relentless effort rather than mere chance. While many of his peers indulged in leisure, Adeola was dedicated to his studies and professional development, ultimately becoming a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
Despite his ties to Ogun State, Adeola’s roots are firmly planted in the Alimosho area of Lagos. Born on August 10, 1969, to Ayinde Abdul Gaffar Adeola Ogunleye and Abeni Olasunbo Ogunleye (née Akinola), he began his education at the State Primary School in Alimosho and later attended a community grammar school in Akowonjo. Pursuing further education, he obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting from Ondo State Polytechnic, currently known as Rufus Giwa Polytechnic. Following his studies, he qualified as a Chartered Accountant, ultimately becoming a Fellow of ICAN.
His experience as an accounting and tax consultant, gained through roles at Guardian Newspapers and his own firm, SOOTEM Nigeria Limited, has laid a strong foundation for his political career, particularly in managing public accounts and budgets. Although Adeola was raised in Lagos, his ancestry traces back to the Ishaga people of Pahai in Ilaro, Yewa South LGA of Ogun State. This connection facilitated his political shift from representing Lagos West to Ogun West, a transition noted in political discussions as his journey from West to West.
Senator Adeola’s political career spans over 20 years, marked by significant roles in state and federal governance. He served as the representative of Alimosho State 2nd Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly from 2003 to 2011. During this period, he played a pivotal role in legislative reforms that bolstered the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) and significantly enhanced the state’s internal revenue. In the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015, he chaired the House Public Accounts Committee, concentrating on fiscal discipline and institutional accountability.
After his election to the Senate, Adeola represented the Lagos West Senatorial District from 2015 to 2023 and served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance. In 2023, he transitioned to represent Ogun West Senatorial District and assumed the role of Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, where he plays a crucial role in shaping the federal budget process. This influential position enables Adeola to influence the federal government’s fiscal policy, budgeting, and allocation of national resources, leveraging his extensive background as a certified public accountant.
Adeola’s tenure is characterized by fiscal discipline and proactive legislative oversight, informed by his prior experience in the Lagos State House of Assembly. He ensures that federal spending aligns with national economic priorities while monitoring capital expenditures closely. His committee collaborates with the Senate Finance Committee and the Local Debt and External Debt Committees to ensure that the government’s borrowing plans are sustainable and revenue targets are attainable.
Beyond the budgetary process, Senator Adeola emphasizes state building and infrastructure enhancements in Ogun West and the wider South-West region. Known for his problem-solving skills in complex fiscal matters, he utilizes his technical expertise to maintain a balanced national budget. His initiatives have expanded the scope of traditional parliamentary representation, focusing on impactful local development, such as constructing electric boreholes, installing solar-powered street lighting in rural areas, and improving road networks to facilitate agricultural trade.
His commitment to community empowerment includes substantial cash grants for market women and smallholder farmers, as well as providing essential tools such as grinders, sewing machines, generators, and motorcycles to stimulate grassroots economic activity. Understanding the importance of sustainable growth, Adeola also organizes vocational training and skill acquisition programs, equipping youths in the Yewa Awori region with technical skills in digital marketing and agricultural processes.
Senator Adeola’s philanthropic endeavors encompass scholarships for students and medical support initiatives, making substantial contributions to addressing healthcare inequalities in his community. His tangible achievements have fostered strong community support while facilitating access to federal resources, positioning him as an influential advocate for regional development.
Adeola’s acceptance as the consensus gubernatorial candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State solidifies his status as a key player leading into the 2027 elections. This decision, made during the party’s strategic caucus meeting on April 13, 2026, capitalizes on his grassroots support and impressive track record. His political journey mirrors that of his mentor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, exemplifying a successful model for incentivizing local participation and ensuring continued electoral success.
The trajectory of Senator Adeola’s career reveals a comprehensive strategy of grassroots mobilization and effective party coordination, affirming the longstanding principles of revenue optimization and strategic planning that resonate with voters. His governing approach seamlessly connects his personal narrative to Nigeria’s broader progressive political movement.
Fatunbi writes from Oke-Agbede, Imeko Afon LGA, Ogun State.
