By Zainab Abioye
The Baale of Kemta Odutolu, Chief Aregbesola Anipupo, has dismissed reports of a crisis over the maternal origin of Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, describing the claims as politically motivated and unfounded.
Anipupo, who is also the Oluwo-Ifa of Ogun State, said there was no crisis in Kemta Odutolu, stressing that the community recognises the senator as one of its sons.
“There is no truth to those rumours at all. Especially in Kemta Odutolu where I am the Baale, nothing of such happened here,” he said.
The traditional ruler cautioned against dragging Adeola into local disagreements or personal political disputes, saying such claims could unnecessarily create tension within the community.
“People shouldn’t take any local dispute or personal political grievances and attach it to Yayi’s name. It has nothing to do with Yayi whatsoever,” Anipupo said.
He also rejected claims that traditional stakeholders in the community supported the senator because of financial inducements.
According to him, the support for Adeola was based on his longstanding relationship with Kemta Odutolu and his identification with the community.
“We support him simply because we know he is our son in Kemta Odutolu. That is why we have stood by him from the very beginning,” he said.
Anipupo said his relationship with the senator dated back more than a decade, recalling that the community sought Adeola’s assistance during the process that led to the establishment of the Baaleship in Kemta Odutolu before the administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
The Baale also recalled the first Kemta Day celebration, saying Adeola attended the event despite objections from some individuals who questioned his connection to the community.
According to him, the senator visited his family house, paid homage to the Oluwo and the Alake, and spent considerable time interacting with residents.
Anipupo said the controversy surrounding Adeola’s connection to Kemta had largely been fuelled by political interests.
He challenged anyone disputing the senator’s connection to Kemta Odutolu to come forward publicly rather than relying on rumours.
“If there is anybody in Kemta—not just Odutolu—who claims he is not a son of Odutolu, let that person step forward publicly so we can face each other eye-to-eye and settle it once and for all,” he said.
The Baale’s comments followed recent reports of disagreement among traditional stakeholders in Kemta over Adeola’s maternal origin.
The Oluwo of Kemta, Chief Abayomi Rotimi, had also dismissed reports that he was suspended and that the Kemta Ogboni House was shut over the controversy.
The latest denial by the traditional leaders is expected to further douse speculation of a brewing traditional or community crisis over the senator’s connection to Kemta Odutolu.
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