‎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.
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‎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.
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‎Efforts to reach Oyebade for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Aderemi Oseni, has declared his intention to contest the Oyo South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

Oseni made his aspiration known during a high-level meeting with the Ibarapa APC Elders’ and Leaders’ Forum, comprising the G9 and the expanded G64 caucus, held at the party secretariat in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area, over the weekend.

The G9 and G64 groups consist of influential stakeholders drawn from Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central, and Ibarapa North local government areas.

In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker expressed appreciation to the forum for their support and confidence in his leadership and vision.

He said his ambition to represent Oyo South Senatorial District was anchored on a determination to consolidate and expand his record of performance.

Oseni said, “This aspiration is not built on mere rhetoric, but on the continuity and expansion of a proven track record of quality representation and grassroots-oriented governance.”

While soliciting the support of party leaders, he described his ambition as a divine call to serve the people with renewed dedication.

According to him, “This is not a time for self-glory but a sacred responsibility to intensify efforts towards real development, bring more relief to our people and ensure inclusive governance.”

He pledged not to betray the trust reposed in him by party elders and faithful, stressing that his aspiration is rooted in progressive ideals and a genuine commitment to the development of the district.

Oseni also urged leaders in the zone to mobilise support towards delivering one million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming election.

Speaking at the meeting, a leader from Ibarapa East, Chief Michael Morawo, lauded the lawmaker for delivering democratic dividends and strengthening the party structure. He added that Oseni has demonstrated commendable leadership through his performance, noting that his impact in stabilising the party within the constituency is evident.

Similarly, a former council chairman in Ibarapa Central, Chief Theophilus Adenrele, commended the lawmaker for not betraying the trust reposed in him. Also, a chieftain from Ibarapa North, Chief Francis Babalola, described Oseni as a humble leader committed to progressive ideals, dismissing speculations about his possible defection if he does not secure the governorship ticket.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the forum, Chief Timothy Jolaoso, said the lawmaker enjoys widespread grassroots acceptance that cuts across political divides.

Jolaoso said, “All indicators consistently point to Oseni as a candidate with acceptance that transcends party lines. He is not only capable but a man of deep faith with proven empathy for the downtrodden.”

He added, “He possesses the goodwill, financial strength, and public trust required for leadership.”

The elder statesman further noted that Oseni’s performance in the House of Representatives, alongside his role as Chairman of the FERMA Committee, underscores his competence and commitment to development.

Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli on Friday formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, pledging to run a people-driven administration anchored on inclusive development, security and economic growth.

Alli made the declaration at the Yemetu Police Barracks in Ibadan, where political leaders, party faithful, traditional stakeholders and supporters gathered in large numbers.

In his address, the lawmaker said his decision followed wide consultations with party leaders, traditional rulers and residents across the geopolitical zones of the state.

He described the moment as “a turning point” and “a declaration of purpose,” noting that his ambition was driven by service rather than personal gain.

“This is not about ambition alone. It is about responsibility, service, and the future and prosperity of the good people of Oyo State,” he said.

Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District, highlighted his experience in public service, including his tenure as the first democratically elected chairman of Ibadan North Local Government in 1991, as well as his roles as Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff in previous administrations.

According to him, the experiences shaped his governance philosophy, which prioritises impact, accountability and grassroots development.

The senator said although Oyo State is endowed with rich history, culture and human capital, it requires renewed leadership to unlock its full potential.

He said his administration would focus on key sectors such as education, security, healthcare, infrastructure and economic empowerment.

On education, Alli expressed concern over declining standards and pledged reforms to reposition the sector for innovation and sustainable development.

“We must plan not just for today, but for generations yet unborn,” he said.

Speaking on security, he assured residents that safety would be prioritised, noting that development could only thrive in a peaceful environment.

He added that his administration would expand healthcare access, while infrastructure development would focus on bridging the gap between rural and urban communities.

The lawmaker also pledged to boost economic activities by empowering traders, artisans and small business owners, whom he described as the backbone of the state’s economy.

He further promised to create opportunities for youths through entrepreneurship and digital transformation initiatives.

“We will refocus development to the grassroots and ensure that local governments function effectively with real autonomy,” he added.

Alli also outlined plans to revitalise agriculture through modern farming techniques and improved market access.

On governance, he pledged transparency, accountability and merit-based civil service reforms, assuring workers and pensioners of improved welfare and prompt payment of entitlements.

He emphasised gender inclusion, noting that women would play key roles in his administration, while traditional rulers and community leaders would be actively engaged.

Reflecting on past leadership in the state, Alli paid tribute to former governors and political figures, saying his administration would build on their legacies.

“I offer myself to you not as a master, but as a servant, tested, prepared, and ready to serve,” he said.

Dignitaries at the event included a former Deputy Governor of the state, Iyiola Oladokun; a member of the House of Representatives, Aderemi Oseni; Senator Yinus Akintunde; and Senator Ayoade Adeseun, among others.