Politics

Reconciling APC Reconciliation In Oyo State | By Idowu Ayodele

Published

6 years ago

August 17, 2020

Without a doubt, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state will of necessity required some balancing, broadness, fairness , forgiveness, openness and truth to bring back its aggrieved members in the state.

Before former Governor Abiola Ajimobi died, he put in place a broad based reconciliation committee to bring together the warring groups and fragmented caucuses within the Oyo state All Progressives Congress (APC). Many of the genuine and committed members of the party, faced with glim chances to actualise their hopes, aspirations and interests before the 2019 elections, left the party. They teamed up and with ‘Oyo protest votes’ ensured that APC lost the gubernatorial, state assembly election and many other elections into the chambers of federal legislature. Aggrieved members who left the party to pursue their political ambitions elsewhere also failed woefully at the poll.

Pitiably, the reconciliation committee has not really made headway as some dissenting members do not believe in the leadership and composition of the committee. However, a party in opposition must quickly gets his act together, as year 2023 draws near. This is very urgent and important.

Akala leadership of Oyo APC

Chief Christopher Adebayo Alao – Akala, a former governor of Oyo state was made the Chairman of the reconciliation committee set up by late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi before he died. In about a year, he has held about three general meetings and has scheduled members of the committee to start making contacts with members that had misgivings against the party to come back. After Ajimobi, the Oyo state APC state leader has died like his predecessor, late Alhaji Lamidi Onaolapo Adesina (Great Lam), also a former governor.

In all fairness, Akala is the only former governor in the camp of Oyo APC now.

Arguments against him had included that the former governor has not been a progressive from inception. The truth is that there is a thin line between Progressive and conservative camps in Nigeria political sphere now. Who could have thought that original Awoist like Ebenezer Babatope could be in the conservative camp of the PDP? Or a hardworking, result bearing Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari representing Oyo North Senatorial District in the National Assembly could find solace and settlement in Oyo state APC that he has been for decades from the PDP where he decamped?

Akala has the clout, remnants of deep financial pockets, political structure, networks and large heart that can enable him galvanise the various interests in the party. More so, unlike many of those against his leadership, Adebayo Alao-Akala is not contesting for any elective political office again. At best, the agitation of many opposers of his state leadership of the party has been that Ajimobi had the political structure of SENACO and cannot impose another SENACO on them; so let a LAMIST be made Deputy state leader then.

A neutral person like Akala is more advantageous to nip in the bud the critical disturbing divisions within Oyo state APC.

2023 Elections

The major political Party against the All Progressives Congress in Oyo state is and will be the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Despite being the ruling party in the state as a result of ‘mistakes’ of Oyo state APC in the 2019 elections, PDP is not a particularly strong party in Oyo state. It defeated Oyo state APC because of the coalition and merger with other parties just before the 2019 elections. There was imposition of candidates in APC and many candidates who contested election did not embrace their colleagues in the party who did not win the primaries. It is however, important to note the following:

* No one party, interest or godfather can single-handedly win a gubernatorial election in Oyo state, going forward. Without merger and coalition of groups, interests and parties, Oyo APC SENACO, LAMIST, Amosun elements or Akala PDP splinter group or APC as a party cannot do it alone.

* Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo state is not strong; neither the party , nor the state leader, Governor Seyi Makinde can be underrated. PDP has the concept of ‘first get the power at all costs’ and then ‘share’. By year 2021, Governor Seyi Makinde will begin sharing more than ever before. APC at the National level should empower stakeholders of the party in Oyo state more than before if there will be genuinely committed members to hold party members down before 2023 elections.

* The issue of governorship candidate, especially should be settled as soon as possible by 2021 and even in many elective posts, contenders should be reduced to barest minimum. A major issue tearing the Oyo state APC apart include but not limited to the issue of many candidates for the primary elections pre-2019 who paid huge sums of money to the party and sectional party leaders but were not allowed even to participate in the primary.

Contenders should be spoken to on time and fair screening of all candidates should be done. It will minimize desertions.

Interestingly, politics in Oyo state has a self-regulating system. After Bola Ige, of Oyo plus Osun states, it was only Akala who was able to become governor outside the Ibadan zone. Ibadan voting area has the population and deciding votes. A political party thinking about winning gubernatorial election in Oyo state should be thinking about an Ibadan man.

Even religion-wise, Bola Ige was a Christian, after him came Alhaji Lam Adesina, a Muslim, after the great Lam came Ladoja (Muslim) / and Akala (Christian) who finished the tenure. After Christian Christopher Alao Akala , came Senator Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi, a Muslim. Then a Christian Seyi Makinde is the present occupant of the Agodi Government House. As it is, the vociferous powerful huge Muslim communities are already complaining marginalisation in the scheme of things in Oyo state. Your guess is as good as mine, for the better choice in terms of religion by a party desirous of unseating the incumbent in Oyo state.

* Not everybody will be able to come on board. However, the state leadership of the party must embrace an all inclusive programme to reach out to all former members individually and as groups. Let their former traumas, frustrations, dismay be met with promises of better deals.

Ajimobi has ‘crack team’ of unbiased apolitical, intelligentsia who worked with him in all local governments and they were able to feed him with truths about happenings and gatekeepers who could assist him. Identifying these people may also assist the party in its future elections.

The Oke-Ogun and Oyo North axis should not be neglected in the new emphasis and scheme of things. The Ibarapa Zone is also an area that Oyo state APC needs to work on, as the young speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin has become the new ‘political czar’ in the zone.

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Politics

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

Published

6 days ago

July 7, 2026

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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.

Politics

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

Published

2 weeks ago

June 28, 2026

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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.

Politics

Oyo South market men, women back Oseni, Tinubu, hail N90m support

Published

3 weeks ago

June 25, 2026

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Market men and women across Oyo South Senatorial District have declared support for the senatorial ambition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the district, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, and reaffirmed their backing for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The traders said their endorsement was driven by the lawmaker’s sustained grassroots interventions and what they described as his people-centred representation.

‎The endorsement came on Monday during an interactive engagement in Ibadan with market stakeholders drawn from the nine local government areas of the senatorial district.

At the event, Oseni supported market men and women across the district with N90 million, with each of the nine local government areas receiving N10 million to boost petty trading, expand businesses and stimulate grassroots economic activity.

‎In a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker said the intervention was part of efforts to improve livelihoods and deepen economic inclusion, particularly among small-scale traders.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said empowering market operators remained central to his development agenda.

‎He said markets remained the heartbeat of local communities, noting that traders’ resilience continues to sustain families and drive local economies.

“This intervention is aimed at strengthening their businesses, easing economic pressure and encouraging enterprise at the grassroots,” he said.

The APC chieftain added that his representation would continue to focus on practical interventions with visible impact.

‎“Leadership must translate into visible impact. I remain committed to initiatives that support small businesses, create opportunities for growth and complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

Oseni also canvassed support for President Tinubu among traders in Oyo South, saying stronger alignment between federal, state, senatorial and local government leadership would accelerate development in the state.

‎He listed the Tinubu administration’s initiatives to include the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND, measures to curb industrial actions in tertiary institutions, tuition-free technical colleges, construction and rehabilitation of major highways, agricultural support programmes and subsidies for cancer treatment, fuel subsidy removal, which he noted has boosted state and local government revenues.

‎He urged traders to mobilise support for APC candidates in the next general elections, expressing confidence that Tinubu’s re-election would further improve residents’ welfare.

Speaking on behalf of the traders, the Coordinator of Market Men and Women in Oyo South Senatorial District and Babaloja of Omi-Adio and Ido Local Government, Chief Odedele Waheed, commended the turnout and described the engagement as a demonstration of confidence in Oseni’s leadership.

He lauded the lawmaker for sustained grassroots development efforts, noting that the N90 million support would strengthen businesses across the district.

‎Odedele also commended the leadership of market men and women in Oyo State for granting traders approval to meet and interact with the lawmaker, saying the platform allowed them to express concerns and understand his vision for Oyo South.

The traders pledged to mobilise support across markets in the district in favour of Oseni’s electoral bid and President Tinubu’s re-election.

‎Those present included the Babaloja of Ibadan North East, Ibrahim Balogun; Babaloja of Ibadan South West, Rafiu Iyo; Babaloja of Ibadan North West, Alhaji Tajudeen Hammed; Alhaji Abdulraman Salawudeen; Asiwaju Oloja of Ibarapa Zone, Chief Okanlawon John Adebisi; Babaloja of Ibadan North, Chief Adewole Basirat; and Iyaloja of Ibarapa Central, Chief Ige Fausat, among others.