Politics

2023: Ultimate search for new Oyo APC chairman

Published

5 years ago

October 15, 2021

Despite various efforts aimed at reconciling aggrieved members and thereafter build a formidable party to reclaim power in 2023, the intrigues surrounding who emerges as the next Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state chapter appear to be deepening.

Interestingly, a powerful Bloc within the party, in conjunction with some members of the Caretaker Committee-led by Chief Akin Oke, are clandestinely appeared ready to determine who succeed the Ogbomoso born politician.

No doubt, there is a big ultimate search for the party’s new chairman to succeed Chief Akin Oke, as major stakeholders appeared desperate.

The APC ward and local government congresses in the state have exposed the desperation of some gladiators as they tried to outsmart and compromised the processes.

Though these gladiators pretended to show concern as an indivisible political family with a common goal to return to the Agodi Government House, but their actions and body languages, as witnessed during the recent concluded ward and local government congresses proved otherwise.

Chief Akin Oke, having been in the saddle for almost 11 years, the party’s stakeholders in the state saw the need for a change of baton, thus making major gladiators to continuously engaging, sensitizing other stakeholders and members of the party in all the geopolitical zones comprising Ibadan, Ibarapa , Oke-Ogun, Oyo among others on how they should vote responsibly in the forthcoming state congress.

Mega Icon Magazine learnt that the gladiators may not agree on consensus arrangement which may further hindered the party to successfully present its State Executives as some are united in the quest to break political barriers.

Speaking incognito, one of the highly revered stakeholders in the Oyo APC told our correspondent that there are growing agitations over zoning within the party, as groups decided to commence the search for a credible replacement for the outgoing chairman, whose tenure broke the second term jinx in the state and produced the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

Meanwhile, some elders of the APC in 10 local government councils in Oke-Ogun area of the state had earlier endorsed an aspirant from the zone as their choice candidate for the governorship ticket in 2023.

They also resolved not to vie for the chairmanship position of the APC in the forthcoming congress of the party.

The stakeholders further argued that Oyo North Senatorial District has produced the Chairman of the party for the past 10 years in the person of Chief Oke, adding that it is the turn of other Senatorial zones to produce the Chairman of the party.

However logical the argument may sound, the APC leader, who confided in Mega Icon Magazine insisted that the old order is likely to persist as the pattern of power scheming in the state may be a replica of what it was historically.

Having sensed the danger ahead of Saturday’s state congress, the APC leaders in Oyo state arrived at a zoning template for the state executive committee – a dramatic turn of events , which has lessened desperation among major governorship contenders.

Although, it was rumoured that some stakeholders in the party have tipped Ibadan candidates for the governorship ticket, just as they are working tirelessly to achieve their political agenda.

However, among others, the leaders, had resolved that all elective positions, especially governor, deputy governor and Senators in 2023 are open to all the 33 local government areas of the state.

Also, at the meeting held at the Ibadan residence of former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, leaders of the party agreed that Oke-Ogun Zone 1 will produce the next state Chairman.

At the meeting, which had in attendance, Caretaker Chairman of the party, Chief Akin Oke; former deputy governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake; Chief Samuel Adegbiji Adekola, C.A Ajibade, Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi, B.A Ajibade; former speaker and serving minority leader of Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Asimiyu Alarape; Chief Kunle Sanda, Chief Timothy Alarape Jolaoso and Mogaji Banji Olorode, resolved that Ibarapa zone is to produce the next state deputy Chairman while the state Secretary is to emerge from the Oyo zone.

Despite assurances given by the leaders, power game is now more obvious in the Oyo APC ahead of tomorrow’s state congress as the gladiators viewed the zoning template as a political strategy to pave way for an Ibadan governorship candidate to emerge.

In the last 48 hours, some Oke-Ogun candidates whose names keep popping up for the Oyo APC chairmanship seat, according to our checks, included the former Chairman of TESCOM, Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi .

Interestingly, a few months ago, the Oke-Ogun APC elders resolved in Ilero, Kajola Local Government, after a stakeholders meeting presided over by Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi at his Ilero residence not to vie for the chairmanship position of the APC in the state among other resolutions.

Also, the stakeholders, at the meeting reportedly endorsed an Oke-Ogun indigene as their preferred governorship candidate.

However, frequent mentioning of former Oyo TESCOM boss, as likely successor to Oke, may be a clog to the decision to zone governorship ticket to Oke-ogun.

Sources further hinted that another name being considered for the post is Chief Goke Oyetunji, a former Senatorial Chairman of the APC in Oyo North; while some stakeholders are scheming for a former scribe of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state, Hon. Dele Akinleye.

Continuing, Comrade Raheem Oyebisi, former Olorunsogo local government chairman, also have a prospect of succeeding Chief Oke

Interesting times lie ahead as the Oyo state chapter of the APC will tomorrow, Saturday, 16th October, 2021 elect its new state executive officers, a significant political hurdle that will either mar or make the party, especially in its quest to returning to the Agodi Government House in 2023.

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Politics

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

Published

6 days ago

July 7, 2026

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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.

Politics

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

Published

2 weeks ago

June 28, 2026

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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.

Politics

Oyo South market men, women back Oseni, Tinubu, hail N90m support

Published

3 weeks ago

June 25, 2026

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Market men and women across Oyo South Senatorial District have declared support for the senatorial ambition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the district, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, and reaffirmed their backing for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The traders said their endorsement was driven by the lawmaker’s sustained grassroots interventions and what they described as his people-centred representation.

‎The endorsement came on Monday during an interactive engagement in Ibadan with market stakeholders drawn from the nine local government areas of the senatorial district.

At the event, Oseni supported market men and women across the district with N90 million, with each of the nine local government areas receiving N10 million to boost petty trading, expand businesses and stimulate grassroots economic activity.

‎In a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker said the intervention was part of efforts to improve livelihoods and deepen economic inclusion, particularly among small-scale traders.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said empowering market operators remained central to his development agenda.

‎He said markets remained the heartbeat of local communities, noting that traders’ resilience continues to sustain families and drive local economies.

“This intervention is aimed at strengthening their businesses, easing economic pressure and encouraging enterprise at the grassroots,” he said.

The APC chieftain added that his representation would continue to focus on practical interventions with visible impact.

‎“Leadership must translate into visible impact. I remain committed to initiatives that support small businesses, create opportunities for growth and complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

Oseni also canvassed support for President Tinubu among traders in Oyo South, saying stronger alignment between federal, state, senatorial and local government leadership would accelerate development in the state.

‎He listed the Tinubu administration’s initiatives to include the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND, measures to curb industrial actions in tertiary institutions, tuition-free technical colleges, construction and rehabilitation of major highways, agricultural support programmes and subsidies for cancer treatment, fuel subsidy removal, which he noted has boosted state and local government revenues.

‎He urged traders to mobilise support for APC candidates in the next general elections, expressing confidence that Tinubu’s re-election would further improve residents’ welfare.

Speaking on behalf of the traders, the Coordinator of Market Men and Women in Oyo South Senatorial District and Babaloja of Omi-Adio and Ido Local Government, Chief Odedele Waheed, commended the turnout and described the engagement as a demonstration of confidence in Oseni’s leadership.

He lauded the lawmaker for sustained grassroots development efforts, noting that the N90 million support would strengthen businesses across the district.

‎Odedele also commended the leadership of market men and women in Oyo State for granting traders approval to meet and interact with the lawmaker, saying the platform allowed them to express concerns and understand his vision for Oyo South.

The traders pledged to mobilise support across markets in the district in favour of Oseni’s electoral bid and President Tinubu’s re-election.

‎Those present included the Babaloja of Ibadan North East, Ibrahim Balogun; Babaloja of Ibadan South West, Rafiu Iyo; Babaloja of Ibadan North West, Alhaji Tajudeen Hammed; Alhaji Abdulraman Salawudeen; Asiwaju Oloja of Ibarapa Zone, Chief Okanlawon John Adebisi; Babaloja of Ibadan North, Chief Adewole Basirat; and Iyaloja of Ibarapa Central, Chief Ige Fausat, among others.