Politics
Akintola mourns Farinu, Adelere, describes them as core progressive actors
Legal luminary and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), has expressed sadness and regret over the death, last week, of two prominent political leaders in the state, Chiefs Samuel Farinu and Salahudeen Adelere, describing the duo as representing core actors in the history of politics in country.
Farinu, an Oyo-born politician, was the former state chairman of the defunct Action Congress (AC) which later transformed into Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) until 2010 when he handed over. Until his death last Thursday at the age of 93 years, he remained a leader of the Progressive family in the APC while Adelere was a Second Republic lawmaker who represented Iseyin state constituency in the old Oyo State House of Assembly under Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) was also, until his demise last Friday, a political leader from Oke-Ogun axis of the state.
Akintola (SAN), in a condolence message contained in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan on Wednesday by his Personal Assistant, Prince Olumuyiwa Akinbiyi, regretted that the duo of Farinu and Adelere died at a time contemporary political class needed to tap more from their wealth of experience and democratic virtue having made their mark as true disciplines of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“Both leaders would be sorely missed by all and sundry in view of the fact that they were instrumental to the success recorded during the reign of the previous governments steered by the Progressive. They were devoted disciples of the Great Awo, associates of Chief Bola Ige, supporters of both Chief Kolapo Ishola and Alhaji Lamidi Adesina- all of whom had occupied the Agodi Government House at different times and impacted positively on the lives of the people.
“Obviously, the two of the saw it all and played their parts very well. This informs the preponderance of tribute and condolences which have greeted the news of their respective passing unto glory since few days ago. With discipline, selflessness, commitment to democratic principles and service to the people as their goal, both Baba Farinu and Adelere were able to weather the storm as they demonstrated good leadership qualities throughout. May God grant them eternal rest.
“And as we are mourning their demise, it is imperative for modern day politicians particularly those of us in the APC to take our time to learn from the enviable records these great Progressive leaders and Awoists with a view retracing our steps and prioritizing the original progressive ideology in our political activities as only this would help build our democracy and also afford the masses an opportunity to enjoy mellifluous good governance and life abundance.
“In conclusion, we use this opportunity to commiserate with the Oyo APC family and family members of the departed leaders. We ask God almighty to grant us all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and also restore normalcy in our party as we warm up to reclaim power in our dear state in 2023 having blown away our chances in 2019 general election”, Akintola added.
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.
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