Opinion
Oyo PDP Crisis: The gathering of the chicks against the eagle | By Omolere Omoetan
“The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say yes.” – Tony Blair saying is proven truer than in the present Peoples’ Democratic Party, (PDP) Oyo state chapter.
Certain members of the party in the state are taking the gentle and quiet disposition of the governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for weakness. One wonders what premise they built this assumption as gentility does not equate weakness by any stretch of the imagination.
They probably thought that since he had not held any Political office before, he could easily be influenced and tossed here and there as a governor. But how mistaken they are. They probably need to take a more-than- cursory look at the man’s background, and they surely would rethink their misadventure. Anyone who has amassed such great wealth and experience, like Seyi Makinde, in the shark-filled ocean of the international corporate world, should never be underrated.
to become a conglomerate worth billions of Naira, with mult-racial employees, surely deserves respect. However some people still continue to ignore the fact this man is made of stern stuff. This perhaps, is playing to his advantage as events have gone on to show.
Despite the attempts to distract him from within, Governor Seyi Makinde is committed to the service of the people who elected him to govern and manage the state’s resources not to pander to the whims and fill the bellies of a few politicians who hold exaggerated impressions of themselves, and their political worth. He has gone about his work as governor of Oyo state with uncommon stick-to-it-iveness.
While his PDP traducers conspire against him in the state, Seyi Makinde continues to soar high at the national level daily. He was recently announced as the Secretary of the PDP Convention Planning Committee chaired by Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa state. His appointment was not only reflective of his political stature nationally, but also in recognition of the leadership traits that he exhibits in his private and public life.
One is really at a loss as to what could have boosted the confidence of these few dissident voices in Oyo State PDP to make them think they can wrest the party from Engr Seyi Makinde, or turn the people of the state against him. The depth of their delusion is truly awe-inspiring. Their actions can best be likened to a group of poorly-fed chicks working to undo an eagle. This is an epic fail, and as they say in the streets “Ko le werk”.
Perhaps it may not be out of place to X- Ray why these so-called “PDP elders” in Oyo State, with shrouded political antecedents, are upset with the people’s Governor. Is it for altruistic reasons and non-performance which may include inability to pay workers’ salaries regularly, meet the needs of pensioners, or embark on projects that have direct impact on the lives of the people ?
Is it that they are not happy with the governor because he promised free and quality education, employment for our teeming youths but hasn’t delivered ? Perhaps, Makinde promised improvement in the health sector, security for lives and properties, build infastructures, increase the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, but failed woefully ? Are these what drew the ire of our “Pseudo Party leaders” with diabolic penchant for romancing the opposition ? This is not the case, however.
In all the cardinal sectors listed above, Governor Makinde has done excellently. One doubts if there is any governor in this present dispensation who has employed more people than Seyi Makinde. Within two years, he has surpassed the achievements of his predecessor who spent eight years in the same office.
Short in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people. Their grouse against him is that the governor has reduced them to paupers, which actually means that he refused to give them unrestrained access to state’s resources, after they “worked” for the governor during the elections. Pray tell, what was their worth before ? Everyone knows that they gained prominence riding on his back .
Were they the ones who bankrolled his election expenses ? Their anger only stems from the governor’s refusal to let them dip their sticky fingers into the state’s till.
Makinde’s offence was saying NO to the continuation of business as usual; the situation whereby party men, having “worked for the governor” claimed by default, the sole rights to government appointments or to contracts that they would collect payments for and not execute.
Objectively, party men do deserve reward for their work in election victories. In recognition of this, Makinde has indeed been fair to all. The few who are disenchanted are those whose demands are simply not reasonable; demands that can only be met to the detriment of the people. Makinde would rather be on the side of the people than a few political jobbers who are bent on feeding fat on the state’s resources.
In his character as a peace-loving and self-effacing person, the governor has reached out for detente to reason with these folks. They have however continued to spurn the olive branch consistently extended to them in spite of their inciteful comments and conspiratorial actions against him.
To the above extent, the governor would let them be as he can only do so much. “Never interrupt your enemy when he’s making a mistake” as Napoleon Bonaparte once said. It is clear to the politically-savvy that these few party men are making career-defining miscalculations and consistently taking the wrong turns.
As things are, they ordinarily should be left to stew in their own juice. However, one implores the governor, who has shown sufficient magnanimity towards all, as the leader of the party, not just in Oyo state, but the south west region, to continue to play his fatherly role towards all and bring back to the fold members of our party who were led astray by these belly-first leaders.
I want to, in the same vein, enjoin the aggrieved leaders to be open to genuine reconciliation with the governor if they truly have the interest of the state and the party at heart. Antagonising the governor over issues that can not be publicly affirmed is a no-win situation for them.
They should wake up and smell the coffee regarding the political strength of Engr Seyi Makinde as the man is no push over.
They should remember how he effortlessly turned the tables against them earlier in the year in the South West PDP Zonal Congress wherein even Ayo Fayose, a true PDP heavyweight, had to doff his hat to Makinde in spite of himself.
With that and their overall future interest in the PDP in mind, I call on them to contritely make peace with the governor before they cross the rubicon. A gathering of Chicks against the Eagle can only have one outcome.
May God bless Governor Seyi Makinde!! May God bless PDP!! May God bless Oyo State.
Omolere Omoetan ,is the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor of Oyo state, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State stands on the edge of a consequential decision—one that may define not only its fortunes in Ibadan North Federal Constituency but also its broader political relevance in the state.
As the countdown to the party primaries intensifies, the question before APC leaders is no longer routine. It is strategic. It is urgent. And it is decisive: will the party align with the clear preference of the people or risk repeating costly political miscalculations?
At the centre of this debate is Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega, widely known as Repete—a name that has, over time, evolved from a political identity into a grassroots phenomenon.
A Candidate Rooted in the People
In contemporary Nigerian politics, where voter awareness is rising and expectations are shifting, candidates are increasingly judged not by promises but by presence. On this scale, Adegboyega stands tall.
His political journey is marked by consistent engagement with constituents—far beyond the optics of election seasons. From youth empowerment initiatives that provide practical skills and startup support, to sustained interventions in healthcare access for the elderly and indigent, his footprint across Ibadan North reflects a model of leadership anchored on service.
Unlike the transactional approach that often defines political relationships, Adegboyega’s connection with the people appears organic—built on trust, accessibility, and continuity. These are not mere campaign attributes; they are political assets.
The Danger of Political Disconnect
History offers the APC a clear lesson: parties that ignore grassroots sentiment often pay a heavy electoral price. The imposition of candidates perceived as distant or untested has, in several instances, resulted in voter apathy, internal dissent, and eventual defeat at the polls.
Ibadan North presents no exception.
With opposition parties closely monitoring the APC’s internal dynamics, any misstep in candidate selection could provide a ready opening. A divided house, coupled with a candidate lacking widespread acceptance, is a formula the opposition is well-positioned to exploit.
The implication is straightforward: this is not merely about party loyalty; it is about electoral viability.
Echoes from the Grassroots
Across the length and breadth of Ibadan North—markets, motor parks, religious centres, and community gatherings—a consistent pattern emerges in political conversations. The name “Repete” resonates with familiarity and acceptance.
Such organic support is not easily manufactured. It is cultivated over time through visible impact and sustained presence. For a party seeking electoral certainty in a competitive environment, this level of grassroots validation is not just desirable—it is critical.
A Test of Leadership and Judgment
For the APC leadership in Oyo State, the moment calls for clarity of purpose. Decisions driven by narrow interests, personal alignments, or short-term calculations may carry long-term consequences.
The task, therefore, is to balance internal considerations with external realities. Elections are ultimately decided by voters, not by party caucuses. A candidate who commands public confidence offers the strongest pathway to victory.
The Stakes Are Clear
Ibadan North is too strategic a constituency for experimentation. The cost of error is not limited to a single seat; it extends to party cohesion, credibility, and future positioning within the state’s political landscape.
In this context, the argument for Adegboyega is less about sentiment and more about strategy. His visibility, acceptability, and record of engagement place him in a strong position to consolidate support and mobilise voters effectively.
Conclusion: A Choice with Consequences
As the APC moves closer to its primaries, the decision before it is both simple and significant: align with a candidate who reflects the mood of the electorate or risk conceding advantage to a watchful opposition.
In politics, moments such as this often separate foresight from hindsight.
For APC in Ibadan North, this may well be one of those defining moments.
Aderibigbe Akanbi, a political analyst, writes from Ibadan.
As the road to 2027 gradually unfolds across Oyo State, political conversations are shifting from routine permutations to deeper questions about competence, generational leadership, and measurable impact. In Ibarapa East, that conversation has found a new voice in Yusuf Abiodun Ramon — a Lanlate-born technocrat whose entry into the race for the State House of Assembly is redefining what representation could mean for the constituency.
In a political environment often dominated by familiar faces and conventional calculations, Ramon presents a profile shaped by technical discipline, structured thinking, and solution-driven engagement. His professional background, anchored in analytical precision and systems management, forms the foundation of his public service aspiration.
For him, representation must move beyond ceremonial presence to practical responsiveness — laws that reflect local realities, oversight that protects public resources, and advocacy that translates into visible development.
Ramon argues that the future of Ibarapa East lies in leadership that listens deliberately, plans strategically, and delivers measurably. He speaks of strengthening rural infrastructure, expanding youth-driven economic opportunities, and institutionalising transparency as core pillars of his agenda. In his view, governance must not merely be symbolic; it must be structured, accountable, and people-centred.
Rooted in Ile Odede, Isale Alubata Compound, Ward Seven of Ibarapa East Local Government, and maternally linked to Ile Sobaloju, Isale Ajidun Compound, Eruwa, Ramon’s story is not one of distant ambition but of lived experience. He is, in every sense, a son of the soil — shaped by the same roads, schools, and economic realities that define daily life in Ibarapa East.
“I was born here. I grew up here. I understand our struggles, our strengths, and our untapped potential,” he says. “Representation must go beyond occupying a seat; it must translate into preparation, competence, and genuine commitment to development.”
His academic journey mirrors that philosophy of steady growth. He began at Islamic Primary School, Lanlate (1995–2001), proceeded to Baptist Grammar School, Orita Eruwa (2001–2007), and later earned a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, between 2009 and 2011. Refusing to plateau, he advanced his intellectual horizon and is now completing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of Lagos. “Education,” he reflects, “is continuous capacity building. Leadership today requires both technical knowledge and administrative insight.”
That blend of engineering precision and managerial training has defined a professional career spanning more than a decade. Shortly after his diploma, Yusuf joined Mikano International Limited as a generator installer, gaining hands-on experience in industrial power systems — a sector central to Nigeria’s infrastructural backbone. He later transitioned into telecommunications at Safari Telecoms Nigeria Limited, where he received specialized training in Industrial, Scientific, and Medical radio bands, strengthening his expertise in network operations.
In 2013, he became a Field Support Engineer at Netrux Global Concepts Ltd., then a leading ISM service provider in Nigeria. Over four formative years, he immersed himself in telecom infrastructure deployment and maintenance, mastering field coordination, logistics management, and real-time technical problem-solving.
Since July 2017, he has served as a Field Support Engineer with Specific Tools and Techniques Ltd., a power solutions firm providing services to major operators including MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria. In that capacity, he operates at the frontline of ensuring energy reliability and network uptime — responsibilities that demand discipline, accountability, and systems thinking.
For political observers in Ibarapa East, this trajectory matters. It reflects more than résumé credentials; it speaks to a mindset anchored in efficiency, coordination, and measurable outcomes — qualities increasingly demanded in legislative representation.
Beyond the private sector, Ramon’s political exposure is neither sudden nor superficial. A loyal member of the progressive political family in Lagos, he once served as a personal assistant to a former lawmaker, gaining practical insight into legislative procedure and constituency engagement. Within his community, he has quietly extended financial support to small-scale entrepreneurs and students — modest but consistent interventions rooted in personal responsibility.
“My interest is my people,” he states firmly. “Ibarapa East deserves strategic, responsive, and capable leadership at the State Assembly. We must move from rhetoric to results.”
Across the constituency — from Lanlate to Eruwa — development priorities remain clear: youth employment, vocational empowerment, rural road rehabilitation, stable power supply, agricultural value-chain expansion, improved educational standards, and stronger lawmaking that directly reflects community needs.
Political analysts argue that Ramon’s technocratic background positions him uniquely at the intersection of policy formulation and practical implementation. At a time when national discourse increasingly favours competence over grandstanding, his profile resonates with a broader generational shift toward performance-driven governance. His engineering discipline reinforces problem-solving; his business training strengthens administrative understanding; his grassroots roots anchor his empathy.
For Ibarapa East, the 2027 election cycle may represent more than a routine democratic exercise. It may mark a recalibration of expectations — a demand for representation that understands both the soil beneath its feet and the systems that drive modern development. As political alignments gradually crystallize in Oyo State, Yusuf Abiodun Ramon’s declaration signals the arrival of a candidate seeking to translate private-sector structure into public-sector impact.
One thing is clear: the conversation about the future of Ibarapa East has begun — and it is now framed around competence, credibility, and capacity.
Oluwasegun Idowu sent in this piece from Eruwa, Ibarapa East LG, Oyo State
“In a sky where delays are normal, one airline flies with precision and trust. Ibom Air shows that reliability can be a strategy”.
In Nigeria’s skies, where flight delays and cancellations are often taken as routine, Ibom Air has quietly rewritten the rules. From the moment it launched in June 2019, the Akwa Ibom State–owned carrier has treated reliability not as a bonus, but as a core strategy—turning punctuality, discipline, and operational excellence into a competitive edge that passengers can count on.
While most airlines chase rapid expansion or flashy promotions, Ibom Air has chosen consistency. Flights depart on schedule, disruptions are minimal, and communication with passengers is clear and timely. This predictability has quickly earned the airline a loyal following among business travellers, professionals, government officials, and families for whom time is invaluable.
The airline’s approach is methodical. Every flight is treated as a commitment, and operational decisions are guided by structured planning, not improvisation. This discipline underpins everything from scheduling to fleet management, ensuring passengers experience flying without surprises.
Central to this model is Ibom Air’s modern fleet. Its Airbus A220-300 and Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft are fuel-efficient, comfortable, and rigorously maintained to meet both manufacturers’ specifications and the regulatory standards of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and international aviation bodies. Safety here is a culture, not a compliance exercise.
Cabin cleanliness and aircraft health are equally prioritized. Passengers consistently step into neat, hygienic, and professionally maintained cabins, reinforcing confidence and comfort even before take-off. In a sector where small details signal operational quality, Ibom Air’s standards speak volumes.
Technology quietly drives reliability across operations. From booking and check-in to flight coordination and customer service, modern systems enhance efficiency, reduce disruptions, and ensure smooth communication. These tools allow the airline to anticipate challenges rather than merely react.
R–L: Dr. Solomon Oroge, a consultant, and Mr. Idowu Ayodele, journalist and media practitioner, aboard an Ibom Air flight.
Service delivery follows the same disciplined pattern. Pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff operate under strict professional standards. Courtesy is paired with efficiency, and calm, structured service ensures passengers feel confident throughout their journey.
The Ibom Flyer loyalty programme reflects this structured approach, rewarding consistent passengers and fostering long-term engagement. It turns reliability into a tangible benefit for frequent flyers.
From its hub at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Ibom Air serves major Nigerian cities including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Enugu, while extending its reach to West Africa with flights to Accra, Ghana. Expansion is deliberate, prioritizing sustainability over rapid growth that could compromise service quality.
Measured growth allows the airline to maintain operational excellence and service consistency even as demand increases—a strategy that contrasts sharply with competitors whose rapid expansion often strains resources.
Mr. Idowu Ayodele, journalist and media practitioner, pictured inside an Ibom Air aircraft.
Beyond commercial success, Ibom Air has become a national example. It has created employment, stimulated tourism, and strengthened regional connectivity, projecting a positive image of Nigerian aviation at a time when confidence in the sector is often fragile.
The airline has also challenged assumptions about government-owned enterprises. By combining professional management with operational autonomy, it demonstrates that public investment can achieve efficiency, accountability, and competitiveness.
Reliability, in the case of Ibom Air, is than a promise—it is a deliberate business philosophy. It shapes operations, informs decisions, and builds passenger trust consistently.
Technology, discipline, and attention to detail converge to produce an airline that works. Every element, from fleet maintenance to cabin service, supports the promise that Ibom Air delivers what it advertises—without surprises.
In a market where uncertainty has been the norm, Ibom Air has shown that consistency can be a strategic advantage. Passengers no longer fly with anxiety; they fly with confidence, knowing their schedules will hold and service will meet expectations.
Ultimately, Ibom Air is not just an airline—it is a model of operational excellence in Nigerian aviation. By prioritizing reliability over spectacle, discipline over improvisation, and planning over shortcuts, it sets a benchmark for the industry and a standard for passengers: in the skies, predictability is priceless
Idowu Ayodele – Journalist, Ibadan, Oyo State
0805 889 3736 | megaiconpress@gmail.com
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