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Oyo 2023: Makinde secures PDP governorship ticket for second term

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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, clinched the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket for a second tenure, with 1,040

votes at the party’s governorship primary held at the Lekan Salami Sport Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, Governor Makinde scored a total of 1,040 votes out of the accredited votes of 1,048, to beat Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi, who polled two votes.

Adisa, in the statement added that the congress was monitored by security agents, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Oyo State, Barr. Mutu Agboke and other INEC officials.

The returning officer and chairman of the Oyo State PDP Governorship Congress Panel, Senator Ben Obi, who was represented by the Panel’s Secretary, Alhaji Abdullahi Mai Basira, said that the total votes cast were 1,048, with six of the votes voided.

The governor, in his acceptance speech, maintained that he would continue to fulfil all the promises he made to the people of the state, adding that he will do all within his power to continue to move the people from poverty to prosperity as he had been doing in the last three years.

Makinde, who rallied party members to work together for the party’s progress, noted that the PDP remained the best option for the people of Oyo State and Nigerians.

According to him, the party has, in three years of its leadership in Oyo, brought tremendous economic prosperity and massive infrastructure development to the State.

He added that it was time to rescue Nigeria and that the PDP remained the best path towards realising that goal.

Makinde, who noted that he would reach out to Barr. Gbolarumi with a view to working together, said it was time for a new beginning for the party.

“Few weeks back, I announced that I would run for a second term and was overwhelmed by the positive feedback I received from everyone, especially you, our delegates.

“Coming here today to witness your endorsement and my election as your standard-bearer in the 2023 election, what can I just say? I can only say thank you.

“I am not the most brilliant or the most upright but you gave me your mandate today and I appreciate it. I thank you for believing in me and in our party, PDP. Thank you for trusting in me. You see, trust is like a building and, for every building to stand, it must have a solid foundation. The foundation for trust is truth.

“I told you in 2018 that I may not be right all the time but we would be honest with you all the time, because I have the control over whether I want to be truthful or not. And because I have been truthful to you, we now have the bond and trust between us. I say it to you once again that I will keep to all the promises made to you.

“Since we took office in 2019, we have kept our promises. We promised to scrap the N3,000 school fees for parents, and did we scrap it or not? We did. We promised the sole ownership of LAUTECH. Today, do we have it or not? We do. We promised standard PHCs in each ward, are you seeing them come up or not? We promised to prioritise security, did we not give you Amotekun or not? We promised a robust economy, have we not been paying civil servants consistently?

“Today is 25th and I am sure civil servants and pensioners must have received alerts. We promised to build Akesan and Sasa markets, which got burnt and we have done that. We promised bus terminals at Ojoo, Challenge and we have executed that. The terminal at Iwo Road is also coming.

“We promised to build roads because our infrastructure will target our economy. Moniya-Iseyin road is completed. Oyo-Iseyin  road is ongoing. We flagged off the Ogbomoso-Fapote-Iseyin road recently. The Airport road is there. Awotan-Apete-Akufo  road is also there. We built Challenge, Odo-Ona Elewe road to decongest Ring road. Even the stadium we are in used to be a den of armed robbers, but is now a sight to behold.

“This is your government and have we not made you proud? All we have been able to do is because you gave us a chance, and you are trusting us today to even do more. And I want to promise you that we will do more than your expectation”, he said.

Governor Makinde declared that as long as he remained the governor of Oyo State, he would continue with his resolve to move people from poverty to prosperity.

“As long as I remain the governor of Oyo State, God be with us, I will continue to do all within my power to move the people from poverty to prosperity.

“I will continue to work for you. You are our Bosses. You sent us on this assignment. So, I want to urge all our members to work towards the progress of our party.

“I promise you that this night, I will call Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi, as it is a new beginning for the PDP in Oyo State. 2023 is our time to rescue Nigeria.

“When they say to you that we are all the same, ask them to compare eight years of APC to three years of PDP in Oyo State. Ask them to compare the economic prosperity of 16 years of PDP to what we have now. They promised to take us from ‘top to bottom’ and, indeed, we are even inside the hole. Tell them PDP is coming at the federal level. We are coming,” Makinde added.

The governor equally lauded his co-contestant for the PDP governorship ticket, Barr. Gbolarumi, for participating in the process to deepen democracy.

Adisa recalled that earlier, Gbolarumi, had while addressing delegates, described Governor Makinde as the father of the party, saying that his involvement in the primary was to show that there is democracy in Oyo State PDP.

He explained that whatever happened at the congress ground was politics, urging all members of the party to avoid tendencies that could divide the party.

He said: “We are in the same party but I don’t want us to be divided. What we are doing is just formality. There is no reason for us to sit here and be contesting for the same post. We already have a leader in the state. No matter how small he is, Governor Makinde is our leader in the state. I pray that this party won’t be divided.

“I have always been a member of PDP and I have no intention of leaving the party. As an elder, I can only guide the party so it doesn’t go the wrong way.

“What is happening here today is what we call politics. It shows that the tenets of democracy stand in Oyo PDP. I urge our members to deviate from anything that will paint the party in a bad light.

“Governor Seyi Makinde is our father. As a human, he is not perfect but let us be bold enough to say the truth to power no matter what the circumstances may be.”

Afterwards, Gbolarumi raised Makinde’s hands as he noted that Makinde is truly the leader and the party’s choice for the 2023 elections.

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APC knocks Makinde over UN probe call on Oriire abductions

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State yesterday faulted Governor Seyi Makinde’s call on the United Nations (UN) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent killings, abductions and rescue of 46 victims in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the move as “shameful, shocking and unbecoming of a leader.”

The opposition party accused the governor of politicising insecurity and attempting to internationalise what it called a domestic security challenge.

Makinde, while receiving the rescued victims at the Government House, Ibadan, on Monday, urged the United Nations and international human rights organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the incident, saying the circumstances surrounding the attacks and rescue operation were “grave and unusual.”

The governor’s position came days after he alleged during a visit to Bauchi State that the attacks on Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities were orchestrated by individuals opposed to his alleged 2027 presidential ambition.

But in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC said the governor’s position was a demonstration of “ineptitude, cluelessness and grandstanding.”

The party urged Makinde to be “circumspect, decorous and statesman-like” as he prepares to complete his tenure.

It alleged that insecurity had worsened in Oyo State under the present administration, claiming the state had become the worst affected by banditry in Southern Nigeria.

The APC also criticised the governor’s appeal to the United Nations, arguing that Article 2(7) of the UN Charter discourages external interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign nations.
According to the party, rather than calling for an international investigation, the governor should focus on addressing the security challenges confronting residents of the state.

The opposition party further challenged Makinde to submit himself to investigations over allegations relating to local government funds, the Bodija explosion relief fund, surveillance aircraft procurement, airport and stadium upgrade projects, among other transactions.

The APC, however, did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.
As of press time, the Oyo State Government had not responded to the APC’s latest claims

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

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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.

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

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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.

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