It is often said that when lies are told repeatedly without being challenged, they begin to sound like truth. Thankfully, some of us were there — we saw, we heard, and we remember. That is why the falsehood peddled by Ademola Solalu must not go uncorrected. His account of events between Chief Adebayo Adelabu and Umar Farouk Arisekola-Alao is not only one-sided, but riddled with fabrications carefully designed to smear the integrity of a man whose only “crime” was prioritizing structure, discipline, and due process in political engagements.
Let me be unequivocal: Chief Adebayo Adelabu did not collect a single kobo from any Accord aspirant in exchange for nomination forms. This includes Umar Farouk Arisekola-Alao. The entire process of obtaining nomination forms, screening, and eventual emergence of candidates was independently coordinated by the Accord Party’s leadership. Adelabu neither sold forms nor managed the internal nomination process of Accord — the party did.
In fact, Adelabu personally financed the majority of the logistics and campaign structure that gave Accord visibility across Oyo State in the 2023 general elections. I was there. I saw the sleepless nights, the countless meetings, and the enormous financial outlay — all self-funded — that many of us benefitted from. Ask Hon. Ajanaku, the Accord candidate for House of Representatives in Ibadan North West/South West, Hon. Adebayo Adams, State house of Assembly Candidate and Hon. Taofeek Gbolahan , House of Assembly Aspirant— were there with us throughout. Not once did Adelabu demand money for forms or support from any candidate. If anyone claims to have sent money to him for nomination, let them present the evidence. Bank transfers don’t disappear.
Let’s also be clear about another thing: politics is a game of process, not emotion. Umar Farouk, for reasons best known to him, jumped into Accord with the expectation that a ticket would automatically be handed to him. Unfortunately, that is not how credible political institutions operate. When the ticket was not available, he lashed out and chose to play the victim. That may work in the court of public opinion, but it holds no water among those who know the real story.
What is most disturbing about Solalu’s post, however, is the deliberate twisting of events to portray Adelabu as unforgiving, selfish, and morally compromised. That is not just unfair — it is malicious. The same Adelabu who provided platforms for countless young politicians, who carried the weight of Accord on his shoulders when others were nowhere to be found, is now being dragged for simply not responding to blackmail? Where was Solalu when Umar made the reckless public statement that has now become viral ammunition for opponents of the APC? Did he condemn it? Did he mediate? Or was he silently watching with glee?
Let us not be hypocrites. The truth is: Chief Adebayo Adelabu has been a pillar of support, a unifier, and a true son of the soil whose commitment to the betterment of Oyo State is unwavering. Whether in Accord or APC, he has always put the interest of the people first — even when it cost him personally.
So, if Solalu and his likes believe that churning out sentimental essays laced with half-truths will derail the political momentum of a man whose eyes are fixed on the future of Oyo, they are mistaken. The people know the truth. They know who stood with them. They know who funded campaigns without asking for anything in return. They know who’s ready to serve with sincerity, capacity, and courage.
History will vindicate the just. And as we march forward into a new chapter in Oyo’s political history, let it be known that Chief Adebayo Adelabu remains unshaken, untainted, and undeterred.
Insha Allah, he will emerge victorious.
— A witness to the truth and a loyal son of Oyo State.
Mogaji (Hon.) Bankole Olayinka Abdul-Semiu
