Politics
2023: Ultimate search for new Oyo APC chairman
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.
Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo South Senatorial District have endorsed a member of the House of Representatives, Aderemi Oseni, as their consensus candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.
The endorsement was announced on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ meeting held at Alice Hall, Ibadan, with party leaders, stakeholders, local government chairmen and state executive members from the nine local government areas in attendance.
The councils represented at the meeting are Ibadan North, Ibadan North-East, Ibadan North-West, Ibadan South-East, Ibadan South-West, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North and Ido.
The stakeholders expressed satisfaction with Oseni’s aspiration, describing it as timely, credible and anchored on tested leadership and grassroots appeal.
Those present at the meeting included Chief Timothy Jolaoso (Ibarapa East); Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe (Ido); Chief Abdulrauf Bello (Ido); Alhaji Muili Oluokun (Ibadan North-West); Alhaji Mufutau Adisa (Ibadan South-East); Alhaji Bello Oladeji (Ibadan North); Prince Gbade Lana (Ibadan North-East); Engr. Olatunji (Ibadan South-West); Comrade Wale Gbadamosi (Ibarapa North); and Alhaja Moji Adetona (Ibarapa Central).
Other party officials in attendance were the senatorial chairman, Alhaji Mojeed Adebayo; the secretary, Fatai Adesina; Welfare Officer, Sunday Babalola; Deputy Women Leader, Alhaja Fatimah Hassan; Auditor, Alhaja Tinu Adigun; Youth Leader, Lekan Adebayo; Ex-Officio member, Kola Amoo; Treasurer, Lateef Ajiboye; and Senatorial Youth Leader, Olalekan Olowe.
A chieftain of the party in Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Shina Alabi, moved the motion for the lawmaker’s endorsement, which was seconded and unanimously adopted by the stakeholders.
Alabi said Oseni’s decision to abide by President Bola Tinubu’s directive to step down his governorship ambition for the senatorial race underscored his loyalty and commitment to party unity.
He said, “Hon. Oseni has demonstrated uncommon commitment to the welfare of the people. His leadership style is inclusive, responsive and development-driven. We are convinced that his emergence as the APC candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District will strengthen the party’s chances and guarantee effective representation.”
He also urged party members to remain united and rally behind credible aspirants with proven capacity and electoral value.
In his remarks, Hon. Aderemi Oseni said his decision to pursue the senatorial seat followed the presidential directives, noting that he accepted the decision in the interest of party cohesion, progress and stability. He recalled that he had earlier prepared for the Oyo South senatorial race in the 2023 general elections, having already purchased the nomination and expression of interest forms as part of an arrangement reached, before stepping down following appeals by party leaders.
The lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said the party must close ranks to reclaim political dominance in the senatorial district.
According to him, “There is a huge task ahead, especially with several House of Representatives seats in the district currently held by the opposition. We must work together, mobilise effectively and secure victory for our party and leader, President Bola Tinubu”.
Oseni thanked party leaders and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him and assured them of his commitment to advancing the interests of Oyo South Senatorial District.
The meeting also had representatives from all nine local government areas, with about 10 leaders from each council in attendance.
The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of violence at the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat, describing claims that he assaulted a party member as false and politically motivated.
An online platform, IMPARTNEWSNETWORK, had alleged that Akinmoyede assaulted one Gafar Oyebade during a meeting convened by the state chairman of the party, Alake Adeyemo, to resolve issues surrounding the executive list of the APC in Lagelu Local Government Area.
However, Akinmoyede, in a statement on Tuesday, said the meeting was peaceful and attended by key members of the state executive, including the chairman, deputy chairman, and secretary, who witnessed the proceedings.
He clarified that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the state leadership recognised him as the Public Relations Officer.
According to the lawmaker, following the clarification, the state executive directed the Lagelu Local Government chairman, Fatai Awoyoola, to proceed with the swearing-in of other party officials.
Akinmoyede also faulted attempts to link the incident with the 2019 killing of a former federal lawmaker, noting that a court of competent jurisdiction had already ruled on the matter.
He said, “In Suit No. I/70c/2019, delivered by Justice Mufutau Adegbola on January 23, 2020, all those accused were discharged and acquitted.”
The lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, alleging that Oyebade, a public school teacher under the Oyo State Government, should not be involved in partisan politics.
He described the allegation as a “recycled script” aimed at tarnishing his image ahead of political activities, urging constituents to remain calm.
Akinmoyede also called on journalists to verify information before publication and urged security agencies to take action against individuals who file false reports.
“These tactics surface every election cycle. Those behind them should learn to accept the outcomes of political processes. They failed before and will fail again. Power comes from God,” he added.
The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of assault levelled against him by a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagelu Local Government Area, Mr. Gafar Oyebade.
Akinmoyede described the allegation as “false” and “a lie taken too far,” insisting that no physical altercation occurred.
The denial was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Legislative Aide, Dr. Isiaq Akintunde.
Oyebade had alleged that he was hospitalised following a confrontation during a meeting held at the office of the state party chairman in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, convened to resolve a leadership dispute in the local government.
But the federal lawmaker maintained that the meeting was peaceful and attended by top party officials.
“The meeting was convened to clarify Mr. Oyebade’s position within the local executive, and it was attended by the State Party Chairman, his deputy, the secretary, the publicity secretary, and other key state executives, all of whom witnessed the peaceful proceedings,” the statement read.
He added that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the Lagelu Local Government Party Chairman, Hon. Fatai Awoyoola, identified him as the Public Relations Officer.
According to Akinmoyede, the state executive thereafter directed Awoyoola to proceed with the swearing-in of the remaining members of the local government executive.
The lawmaker accused Oyebade of fabricating the allegation to advance political interests.
“I wonder why Mr. Gafar Oyebade, a secondary school teacher, would claim he was assaulted in the presence of the State Executive. This is an attempt to justify money allegedly collected from an aspirant to tarnish my image,” he said.
Akinmoyede further claimed that Oyebade was seen walking freely after the meeting and was not hospitalised as alleged.
He also raised concerns over Oyebade’s involvement in partisan politics, noting that civil servants are restricted from active participation in political activities.
The lawmaker called on security agencies and the media to investigate the incident at the party’s Oke-Ado office to ascertain the veracity of the claims.
Efforts to reach Oyebade for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
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