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2019: Who gets Oyo ADC governorship ticket?

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African Democratic Congress (ADC) is among the recently registered political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party was believed to be conceptualized, organised and formed by former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and some of his political associates.

Since the formation of the party in the country, ADC has continued to woo some political big wigs in order to make the party relevant ahead of the 2019 elections.

In Oyo state, ADC is now considered by people as a formidable opposition even ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) .

Although, the party is currently battling with challenges following its recently concluded congresses which prompted the Unity Forum, a breakaway faction of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state that formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC)
to call for nullification of the whole exercise. The Unity Forum had earlier alleged former governor Rashidi Ladoja and Chief Michael Koleoso of imposing their loyalists as key executive members of the party .

Meanwhile, this report will critically examine the chances of the ADC governorship aspirants ahead of its governorship primary.

SOLAN for Governor

Senator Solagbade Olufemi Lanlehin is a complete gentle man and grassroot politician who understands the politics of the state.

He was elected Senator for Oyo South Senatorial District in 2011 running on the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) platform but later defected to the Accord Party (AP) in the build up to the 2015 general elections under the tutelage of his political father and former governor of the state, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja.

The University of Nigeria trained lawyer also contested under the platform of the Accord Party (AP) in 2015 for his second attempt and lost the most populated Senatorial district in the state – Oyo South Senatorial District to the present occupant, Senator Adesoji Akanbi of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawyer turned politician was Special Assistant to Governor Bola Tinubu early in his first term in office.

Senator Lanlehin is among the major governorship aspirants that have the political experience to govern the state if given the mandate. In fact, he looks good to clinch the ticket of his party aims at occupying the plum seat.

Strengths & Weaknesses

The cordial relationship between Senator Lanlehin and High Chief Ladoja is a plus for him, while he may also enjoy ‘solidarity support’ from members of the Unity Forum based on past political relationship as an ex- ‘Lamist’, a political faith named after late governor Lam Adesina. But some leaders in the party may disagree over his choice.

Also, Lanlehin lacks the financial muscle to pursue his guber ambition to a logical conclusion.

Dr Yunus Akintunde

Alhaji Yunus Akintunde, was a former commissioner for works in Oyo state during the first term of Governor Abiola Ajimobi and later appointed as Executive Assistant to the Governor.

During his reign as the state commissioner for Works and Transport, some projects were executed such as roads either by direct or indirect labour.

Akintunde recently bagged his PhD at the premier University of Ibadan (UI) thus adding another feather to his political aspiration and educational attainment.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Dr Yunus Akintunde is from Oyo town comprising four local governments. The former council boss of Oyo West Local Government is the only aspirant from Oyo zone who has expressed interest in the Agodi Government House job. He’s representing the ‘Oyo Agenda’.

As an experienced politician, and former council gaffer, he may enjoy a wide grassroots appeal. Though, well connected, but his political aspiration is expected to be more challenging due to the ‘Ibadan factor’ that must be critically observed and filled; while lack of political awareness, a key component in empathy, which in turn is part of Emotional Intelligence (EI) is another factor that must not be neglected.

His inability to reach out to the wards, local government areas may also affect his aspiration.

Sarafa Alli for Governor

Barrister Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli is an Ibadan Senior Chief who is very familiar with the political terrain of the state.

The political veteran, Alli has wide political experience having served as Council Chairman,Chairman, Odua Group of Company, Secretary to the State Government .

No doubt, he’s qualified to clinch the ADC governorship ticket.

Strengths & Weaknesses

The former President, Ajorosun Club is a socialite that commands the grassroots especially in his local government which is an added advantage for him. Few weeks ago, the political strategist also engaged in an aggressive campaign which has positively boosted his chances.

Aside, last minute alliance which may not favour his aspiration, the former SSG lacks the financial muscle to prosecute his guber ambition.

 

To be continued…

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APC knocks Makinde over UN probe call on Oriire abductions

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State yesterday faulted Governor Seyi Makinde’s call on the United Nations (UN) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent killings, abductions and rescue of 46 victims in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the move as “shameful, shocking and unbecoming of a leader.”

The opposition party accused the governor of politicising insecurity and attempting to internationalise what it called a domestic security challenge.

Makinde, while receiving the rescued victims at the Government House, Ibadan, on Monday, urged the United Nations and international human rights organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the incident, saying the circumstances surrounding the attacks and rescue operation were “grave and unusual.”

The governor’s position came days after he alleged during a visit to Bauchi State that the attacks on Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities were orchestrated by individuals opposed to his alleged 2027 presidential ambition.

But in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC said the governor’s position was a demonstration of “ineptitude, cluelessness and grandstanding.”

The party urged Makinde to be “circumspect, decorous and statesman-like” as he prepares to complete his tenure.

It alleged that insecurity had worsened in Oyo State under the present administration, claiming the state had become the worst affected by banditry in Southern Nigeria.

The APC also criticised the governor’s appeal to the United Nations, arguing that Article 2(7) of the UN Charter discourages external interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign nations.
According to the party, rather than calling for an international investigation, the governor should focus on addressing the security challenges confronting residents of the state.

The opposition party further challenged Makinde to submit himself to investigations over allegations relating to local government funds, the Bodija explosion relief fund, surveillance aircraft procurement, airport and stadium upgrade projects, among other transactions.

The APC, however, did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.
As of press time, the Oyo State Government had not responded to the APC’s latest claims

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2027: Bunvic Has Edge in Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Reps Race – Agbomojo

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A political observer and public affairs commentator in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Oladejo Ezekiel Agbomojo, has said former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Olusegun Dokun Odebunmi, popularly known as Bunvic, is currently better positioned than other aspirants to reclaim the Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general election.

Agbomojo, who is from Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State, stressed that he is not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying his position was based on his independent assessment of the political atmosphere in the constituency and feedback gathered from residents, community leaders and other stakeholders.

Speaking on political developments ahead of the 2027 general election, Agbomojo said Bunvic’s experience, grassroots acceptance and long-standing relationship with the people had given him an advantage over other aspirants seeking to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives.

According to him, the former lawmaker’s previous tenure in the Green Chamber provided him with the legislative experience and understanding required to address the developmental needs of the constituency.

He also identified Bunvic’s relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as one of his major political strengths, expressing optimism that such ties could facilitate the attraction of more federal projects, appointments and developmental opportunities to Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency if elected.

Agbomojo further commended Yeyeluwa Toyin Odebunmi, wife of the APC candidate, describing her as a compassionate woman whose humanitarian interventions have continued to earn admiration across the constituency and beyond.

He said her empowerment and outreach programmes have impacted women, youths, students and other vulnerable groups in different communities, adding that her activities have complemented her husband’s political efforts and further strengthened his acceptance among the electorate.

He also attributed Bunvic’s growing political advantage to what he described as renewed unity within the APC.

According to him, the cordial relationship between Bunvic and respected party leaders, including Senator Ayo Adeseun, as well as the emergence of the APC deputy governorship candidate from Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency, had further boosted the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections.

Describing Bunvic as one of the most accessible and generous politicians in the Ogbomoso zone, Agbomojo said the former lawmaker had remained close to the people and consistently demonstrated a willingness to support individuals and communities whenever the opportunity arose. He added that his interactions with residents across the constituency indicated a growing belief that Bunvic deserved another opportunity to represent them at the Green Chamber.

“I am not speaking as an APC member because I am not one. This is simply my personal opinion based on what I have observed and the views I have heard from many people across Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa,” he said.

“From my interactions with residents, many believe Bunvic has the experience, the political connections and the grassroots support needed to represent the constituency effectively once again,” he added.

While expressing confidence in Bunvic’s chances, Agbomojo urged the former lawmaker to place greater emphasis on tackling youth unemployment if elected. He acknowledged Bunvic’s previous empowerment initiatives but maintained that sustainable job creation should remain one of his major priorities.

“Hon. Bunvic has done well in supporting young people through different empowerment initiatives, and I acknowledge those efforts. However, I want him to place even greater emphasis on employment generation because many of our youths are still searching for jobs. Creating sustainable employment opportunities should remain one of his major priorities if elected,” he said.

Agbomojo also called for increased Federal Government presence in Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency through the establishment of more federal institutions, infrastructure projects and programmes capable of creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. He said attracting more federal projects would not only improve residents’ standard of living but also create opportunities for young people and local businesses.

“I strongly believe Hon. Bunvic has what it takes to attract meaningful federal projects because of his experience, his relationships within government and his understanding of the needs of our people. What Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency needs now is greater federal presence, improved infrastructure and more employment opportunities for our youths,” he stressed  while maintaining that his views were entirely personal.

He, however, said the electorate would have the final say, urging political actors to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns that would promote the development and prosperity of Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency.

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Oyo: Makinde presents staff of office to new Alakufo of Akufo

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The Oyo State Government on Friday presented the staff and instruments of office to the new Alakufo of Akufo in Ido Local Government Area,  Engr. Lamidi Taoreed Ayankojo Adefisoye.

The presentation, held at the Ido Local Government Secretariat, followed the approval of Adefisoye’s appointment by Governor Seyi Makinde.

A memo dated June 24, 2026, from the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, titled “Re: Filling of Vacant Stool of Alakufo,” conveyed the governor’s approval.

The memo, with reference number CB141/152/4T/119 and signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Kola Abiola, on behalf of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, stated that the appointment took effect from October 23, 2023.

It read in part, “I am directed to inform you with great pleasure that His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, has graciously approved your appointment as the Alakufo of Akufo with effect from October 23, 2023.”

The staff of office was presented to the monarch by the Chairman of Ido Local Government, Sheriff Aderemi Adeojo, alongside Abiola, who represented the state government.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Head of Local Government Administration in Ido, Alhaji Sarafadeen; the Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the council, Mr Adelu; the head of the Adefisoye family, Mogaji Nurudeen Adegbola Adefisoye; the head of the Okekegan family of Akufo, Asiwaju Tunde Black; and Alhaji AbdulAzeez AbdulSalam.

Speaking after receiving the staff of office, Adefisoye expressed appreciation to Makinde, the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, and the Ido Local Government chairman for their support.

He also thanked the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, and all those who contributed to the successful completion of the selection process.

The monarch expressed gratitude to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and members of the Olubadan-in-Council for their support throughout the process.

He pledged to work closely with the state and local governments while promoting peace and development in the community.

Adefisoye promised to prioritise infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth and women empowerment, investment, security, transportation, and the preservation of Akufo’s cultural heritage.

He called on indigenes of the community, both at home and abroad, to unite in support of efforts aimed at accelerating the development of the town.

“I accept this honour with humility and a deep commitment to serve. This is not my vision alone; it is our collective mission. I invite all sons and daughters of Akufo, at home and abroad, to join hands with me in building a peaceful, united and prosperous community for future generations,” he said.

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