“Three Years, No Presidential Assent: Ondo Senator’s ‘Presidential Clout’ Exposed”

A political storm has erupted in Ondo State following a public exchange questioning the legislative influence and performance of Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, SAN of Ondo Central Senatorial District.

Supporters of the senior lawyer and senator have often described him as politically influential, frequently portraying him as close to President Bola Tinubu — sometimes referring to him as “Mr President’s man.”

However, critics, especially some APC members supporting the senatorial ambition of the Lawmaker representing Ondo East and Ondo West Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Abiola Makinde, now say such claims are not backed by legislative results.

In a strongly worded post circulating on social media, critics pointed out that nearly three years into the life of the 10th National Assembly, no bill sponsored by Senator Adegbonmire has received presidential assent.

They argued that while his supporters often celebrate first and second readings of bills as achievements, none of his legislative proposals has passed through the full process required to become law.

In contrast, Makinde, the member representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, was cited as an example of effective lawmaking.

According to them, Makinde, who belongs to the same party, APC secured presidential assent for a bill just two years into his first term in the National Assembly, a feat many say underscores legislative competence and influence.

The controversy deepened when Alli Moshood, the media aide to Makinde, recently shared a Facebook post questioning the narrative of presidential closeness being promoted by Senator Adegbonmire’s camp.

Moshood argued that real political influence should be measured by tangible legislative output, particularly bills that pass both chambers of the National Assembly and receive presidential approval.

The exchange has since sparked intense debate across Ondo State’s political space, with many citizens and political analysts now openly comparing the performance of the two lawmakers.

Observers say the development highlights growing public demand for measurable legislative impact rather than political branding or perceived proximity to power.

As the 2027 election cycle approaches, political watchers believe such debates may significantly shape how voters assess their representatives in the National Assembly.