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Oyo coalition was fraught with deception, insincerity – ZLP 

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A group, ‘Concerned Members of Zenith Labour Party’ (ZLP) in Oyo state has described the coalition that helped Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to victory at the election in March as a sad footnote in the history of governance in the state, stressing that it was fraught with deception, insincerity and so much malfeasance.

It said  the major political actors  in the alliance went into it without knowing the intent of others.

The group also alleged that Governor Makinde  became the beneficiary of a coalition  he scuttled twice.

In a statement made available to Mega Icon Magazine in Ibadan, the state capital on Saturday by its Coordinator, Abimbola Atilola, the Concerned Members of ZLP recalled, “going down memory lane, the first attempt at an alliance was in 2015 when a meeting was held at Chief Bayo Akande’s residence.

“The aim was to work out an alliance between Engineer Seyi Makinde, Senator Teslim Folarin on the race for governorship of Oyo State.

“It is on record that the present governor of Oyo State, Makinde was the first person to pull out on the grounds that he can never step down for anybody hence he does not see any need to continue discussing with others.

“The talks eventually crashed. Makinde went on to contest in SDP, Folarin in PDP, Akala/Alli in Labour Party and Ladoja in Accord. The result is no more news. They all lost, but something was imperative. If all their votes had been pooled together, Ajimobi would not have won with 32% of the votes cast. The 68% would not have been wasted.

“With the background of the 2015 failure in mind, it was with great expectations that all opposition elements came together in 2017 to form a new PDP.

“it was the same Seyi Makinde who threw the first spanner in the wheels of progress of the new alliance. He went for a parallel congress and even things were resolved in some form of harmonization, he still continued to tinker with the Party Executives. His target was mainly the Ladoja and Alli groups. His actions, aided by a money hungry PDP National Executive resulted in the failure of the new alliance. The party splintered again. He was elated to have total control of what is left of PDP.

The statement continued, ” as fate will have it, the need for another alliance arose in 2019 towards the elections. It had become obvious that none of the opposition parties had enough muscles to defeat the ruling APC. There was need for other candidates to drop their ambitions, despite spending so much money and energy campaigning, in support of one candidate.

“Our Assembly candidates suffered  serious electoral defeats as a result. Engineer Makinde became the beneficiary of a coalition he scuttled twice. The others were surprisingly magnanimous in ensuring the APC was shown the Red Card in Oyo State. They all worked hard and Seyi Makinde became governor”.

Reacting to the sharing  formula, Atilola explained, “at a meeting in Makinde’s residence on Akala way, the new governor promised the opposition half of 14- man state executive thus; ADC 3, ZLP 2, Chief Ladoja 1and SDP 1.

“As at today there are 17 commissioners and ZLP does not have a single one in the list. The first signs of this attitude was in the convocation of the Transition Committee. In the first list, ZLP was not represented. After complaints, Governor Makinde gave the spurious excuse of not being aware of the list. He promised to rectify this in the supplementary sub-committees list, which  fell flat too. ZLP was again short-changed”.

Despite the alleged breach of coalition agreement by Governor Makinde, the group wondered why its revered leader, former Governor Rashidi Ladoja has remained silent  on this contentious issue in the face of what it described as ‘obvious slap on our faces’

It lamented further that while Ladoja’s cronies were celebrating with their new commissioner, the rest of ZLP members were leaking their wounds in their homes.

“The party’s flag bearer too, Barrister Sharafadeen Alli is shockingly complacent. This seems to lend some credence to the theory by some of the Governor’s men that they have been settled. It begins to look like true considering their silence and refusal to work in the interest of the teeming members of the party. Have we truly labored in vain like our traducers taunt us?

“If Seyi Makinde chooses to deal as such with us and our leaders are still feeling pretty, then it behoves on us to let the world know our fate.

“If the leaders were not settled we demand an explanation openly on why they have suddenly lost their voices and ability to negotiate. If they were, we demand to know who got how much and if it was worth our sweat and blood, or if it is big enough to cater for us in the next four years. The truth must be seen at times like this”, the statement added.

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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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