Politics
Farinu’s death, a colossal loss to progressive family – Oyo APC chair laments
The Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Akin Oke on Tuesday lamented the death of his predecessor and one of the eminent leaders of the APC, Pa Samuel Farinu, as a great loss to the Progressive family of polical players across the nation.
Speaking at the home of the deceased in Oke Oroki Quarters, Oyo, Chief Oke, who led a delegation of the Party’s State Executive Committee, described late Chief Farinu as a strong pillar of progressivism who was not only loyal to the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, but also worked with others to facilitate good governance which had always been the hallmark of the reign of political parties with progressive ideology.
“We received the news of the death of Baba Farinu with a great shock because we would have loved to continue deriving maximum benefits from his wealth of experience, wisdom and guidance as a thorough-bred progressive politician, referred leader and patriot. But we found succour in the fact that he died a fulfilled man at the ripe age of 93 years.
“Chief Farinu took us through the thick and thin as progressive politicians in those years when some anti democratic forces confined us to the dustbin of opposition in the state and the country at large. He held sway until 2010 when I emerged his successor and after then, he never abandoned the Progressive family. He was always there for consultation and support up till the moment he breathed his last.
“But for the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, we would have been here in multitude from across the state to underscore the fact Baba Farinu is valued as our father and leader even in death. We come with a special condolence message from our principal and leader, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who is unavoidably absent in the state at the moment.
“It is our sincere prayer that by the time the final burial would take place, the global pandemic would have been over completely so as to afford us the opportunity to be part of the befitting burial programme which Baba deserves. However, we pray God almighty to grant him eternal rest and also give the families (including all of us in the APC) the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”, Chief Oke said.
In her response, the widow, Mrs Adetola Farinu, who spoke through Mrs Bola Ekundayo, thanked the delegation for the condolence visit and promised to reach out on the comprehensive burial programme for the deceased as soon as the family met and decided on it.
The delegation later visited the homes of Chief Akin Ojebode and High Chief S. M Akindele to register the Party’s condolences. The team comprised of the Deputy State Chairman, Chief ‘Lekan Adeyemo, State Secretary, Hon. Mojeed Olaoya, Prince Adefisoye Adekanye, Alh. AbdulRasaq Arikewuyo, Alh. Moruff Lamolo, Mrs. Mabel Williams (state woman leader), Barr. K. O Makinde, Hon. Ajibola Areokuta, Hon. Taiwo Ige, Mrs. Abiola Olaniran and Hon. John Fatona.
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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