Politics
2019: AJIMOBI’S AIDES EYE OYO GUBER SEAT.
THE game is continuity, as the political class in the pacesetter state scheme and manoeuvre amidst suspicion and skin deep intrigues.
Politics of preservation manifests in Oyo state, as political gladiators further protect hiding interests.
The political atmosphere in the state, no doubt is becoming more lively on a daily basis owing to the different dimensions it has taken by the day while the political gladiators from different political parties, even in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are warming up to take over from the incumbent governor, Abiola Ajimobi.
However, opposition parties in the state are scheming to present the candidate that will occupy the Agodi Government House in 2019.
With the present situation of things in the state, politicians from different political backgrounds, dossiers and antecedents are scheming to contest. What, however shocked political watchers recently in the state is the same camp, which the gladiators have pitched their tent.
Interestingly, four members from Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State cabinet have signified interests to succeed him as the next occupant of the Agodi Government House, Mega Icon Magazine fresh facts revealed.
This struggle for the coveted governorship seat is being nursed surreptitiously, a faultless source disclosed.
The aspirants include, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Olalekan Alli; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan; Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Physical Development, Mr Ajiboye Omodewu, and Commissioner for Finance, Planning and Budget; Mr. Abimbola Adekanmbi.
As cabinet members, they met once in a week at the State Executive Council meeting, mostly Mondays and other government functions aside personal interactions.
Although, they belong to the same political party- APC, but the quest to succeed Ajimobi as the sixth civilian governor of the pacesetter State might put a crush among the four cabinet members anytime from now.
Olalekan Ali : Who was Governor Ajimobi’s junior in secondary school at Lagelu Grammar School hails from Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State. He had served the state as SSG at the twilight of Ajimobi’s first term, before his appointment was renewed and maintains a worthwhile relationship with his boss.
Abimbola Adekanmbi: the young Commissioner in charge of the Ministry of Finance is from Ona Ara Local Government and has a cordial relationship with the entire first family of his boss for decades, thus he could push a lot through. He was appointed as Deputy Chief of Staff during the governor’s first term. Apart from being a fat cat, the tall dark dude has started underground consultation.
Isaac Ajiboye Omodewu: The Otu born politician, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area is intensifying his intention to become the next governor of the state. The former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters is a kitchen cabinet member and an age long associate of the governor.
The commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Omodewu is one of the prominent gladiators, alongside Professor Adeolu Akande, former Chief of Staff to Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, Minister for Communications from the Oke Ogun zone.
Dr Azeez Adeduntan : Another prominent and illustrious son of Ibadan SouthWest Local Government is a budding politician who has been in the race since 2011. He specializes in General Surgery and Vascular Surgery.
The Commissioner for Health got his slot on a recommendation from Senator Mamora, a close pal to Governor Ajimobi on account of his exploits in the field of medicine.
However, apart from breaking the second term jinx, the biggest political hurdle before Governor Abiola Ajimobi is to install a successor, and many factors must be considered to achieve the desired goal. Presently, the governor is still keeping his preferred candidate very close to his chest and striving hard to raise the bar of good governance as the major selling point of the Apc led government in the state.
By Idowu AYODELE.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
-
News1 week agoEid: Oseni Calls for Vigilance, Lauds Security Operatives
-
Politics6 days agoAlli, Folarin, Adedeji, Oseni, Dare Named to APC Ekiti Re-election Campaign Team
-
News1 week agoOyo Abduction: SWEGOP Demands Swift Rescue of Pupils, Teachers
-
Politics1 week ago
2027: Sowore Declares War on Corruption, Clinches AAC Presidential Ticket
