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Semi Guber Contest: Men eyeing Oyo south’s senatorial seat

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SENATORIAL election in the Oyo South district promises to be one of the most keenly contested, as the countdown to the elections of 2023 begins. Battle Royale will be the primary election for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and then when the opposition candidate faces the Governor Seyi Makinde – led PDP government-imposed candidate – Engr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe.

To pave way for Tegbe, the incumbent Senator, Mr. Kola Balogun was edged out by the Seyi Makinde ruling cabal on the pretext of the incumbent Senator’s non-performance. Meanwhile, attempts by members of Governor Seyi Makinde’s (GSM) cabal allegedly led by former State House of Assembly Speaker and Senator, Monsurat Sunmonu to foist Tegbe as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senatorial candidate was fiercely resisted by a serial contender for the Oyo Central Senatorial seat, Chief Bisi Ilaka.

Instead, Tegbe, long-standing, close association with the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi family, and a renowned management consultant but unsuccessful gubernatorial candidate under the All Progressives Congress (APC) was handed over the Oyo South Senatorial ticket while other long-standing PDP aspirants were ordered to step down for the new bride.

Interestingly, the incumbent Senator Kola Balogun, junior brother to the newly crowned, highly revered Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, has since decamped to the opposition APC in protest to the treatment meted to him by Governor Makinde – the South West emperor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

So Tegbe and PDP would be banking mainly on Governor Makinde’s incumbency and the declining political hold on the politics of the state.

Housed by nine local governments, Oyo south senatorial district is the nucleus of Oyo state and ad rem to the emergence of state government because the district is not only the most populated but also possesses a significant voting strength.

The nine local governments included: Ibadan North, Ibadan North East, Ibadan North West, Ibadan South East, Ibadan South West, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North, and Ido Local Government Areas. 

The All Progressives Congress (APC )candidates who have obtained forms too are many. No doubt, the candidate APC presents against Joseph Tegbe would determine who carries the day.

This Magazine, however, attempted a holistic consideration and evaluation of contenders, not pretenders in the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC)

Chief Adesoji Akanbi

The Okanlomo of Ibadanland and a leading member of the Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA ‘23) – a prominent political group championing the presidential bid of former governor of Lagos state, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined politics early in his career.

Adesoji Akanbi better known as SOJ represented Oyo South Senatorial District between 2015-2019. He hails from Ebuadi Compound of Inalende area of Ibadan North West Local Government.

As Senator, he had many projects to his credit and understands the political terrain, but allegedly not readily available to political gatekeepers in his district until very recently when he wanted to contest the same seat. SOJ is sure highly connected and strategic, based on his political experience, he may spring a surprise and if imposition is possible, he’s also a sure candidate.

Dr. Olusola Ayandele

Ayandele popularly addressed by his supporters and admirers as ‘Eruobodo’ is from Ibarapa axis of Oyo State and the only aspirant from that axis. The Ibarapa born industrialist, including Joseph Tegbe, Adeniyi Akintola, Azeez Adeduntan were among  the governorship aspirants forced to step down in 2019.

A technocrat and well-funded politician. He has consistently oiled, maintained his political structure, networks, and contacts. It will be difficult for other candidates to get meaningful votes under whatever primary mode adopted, from the Ibarapa Local Governments who have been noted to stand by their kinsmen when in political contests with others.

Herein lies the unique strength of Eruobodo in this contest, however his weakness being rumoured was that he romanced politically with Governor Seyi Makinde before the 2019 election.

Kolapo Kola-Daisi

Highly educated, the brilliant son of wealthy and revered High Chief of Ibadanland, Chief Kola -Daisi, and son in law to Late Governor Abiola Ajimobi. He is quite new in political contests: not much think-tank was put into his political pursuit, except for the contributions of a former council gaffer of his Ibadan Northeast Local Government, Hon. Lekan Afuye.

To announce entrance into Oyo State politics, the political hot seat of South West, Nigeria, at Senatorial level, now, is not so strategic for the financial expert. Moreso, his father-in-law is no more and the same father-in-law lost election to the same seat in the immediate previous poll.

Also, his brother-in-law, Alhaji Idris Ajimobi will be contesting in the same 2023 elections as he had earlier declared and obtained forms to contest the Ibadan South-West State Constituency II seat.

Although, the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi has remained a subject of discussion in Oyo state politics and beyond due to his performance, especially in the areas of security, infrastructure, and urban renewal programmes among others with a clear tripod policy of Restoration, Transformation, Repositioning. However, thinking in political circles is that the late governor’s family members are finding subtle ways to re-dominate the political landscape of the state again after eight years as Governor plus four years as Senator (12 years).

This writer thinks that Oyo State of Nigeria is too maverick, cosmopolitan, and sophisticated politically for that kind of barber-chair revolving or recycling political chess game. But, Kolapo Kola-Daisi has a bright future politically, if he remains consistent.

Bimbo Adekanmbi

Has also obtained and submitted the expression of interest and nomination forms for the Oyo South Senatorial contest. Adekanbi was the financial emperor and brilliant egghead in the late Governor Ajimobi’s Government where he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) and Commissioner for Finance respectively.

The seasoned financial expert from Ona – Ara local government started his senatorial consultations earlier and he had since maintained consistency in touching lives in the senatorial district especially the Youth through his various educational programmes, but his political adventure for the Senate is faced with the herculean task of justifying the perpetuation of political governance and indirect rule through him and the late Ajimobi family.

Adekanbi, though very sharp-minded and loaded financially, does not have the political structure of his own in the nine local governments that he will be contesting. Political analysts opined that giving the APC ticket to Adekanbi or Daisi to face PDP’s Tegbe would be a subtle way of re-enacting late Governor Ajimobi’s senatorial ambition of 2019 indirectly through his surrogates while their principal Ajimobi has left the political scene.

Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli

Lawyer, former council chief of Ibadan North Local Government, Chief of Staff, and Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG) in ex-Governor Rasidi Ladoja’s government, is a vast grassroots politician with a wide network. Analysts submitted that it will make more political sense if contestants from Ibadan axis can adopt the former Chairman, Board of Directors, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Alli as the Senatorial candidate.

They added that the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) will be playing a smart political card by giving Alli the ticket as he is High Chief Ladoja’s boy. However, Alli may not personally have a deep purse to pursue a Senatorial election except if a coalition of financers rises for him.

Olooye Adegboyega Adegoke

Olooye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, the Aare-Onibon Balogun of Ibadanland, is also a contender for Oyo South APC Senatorial ticket. The rich philanthropist and owner of Solutions FM is not a formidable grassroots politician.

Apart from being a fat cat, and city spender, his philanthropic gesture through his foundation seems to be opening doors for him as he had successfully empowered several residents of Ibadan. Also, the businessman looks more prepared and determined for the challenges ahead.

Yes, he has been making waves through the mass media and engaging with relevant stakeholders like his competitors but winning a Senatorial election in a politically enlightened state such as Oyo requires more.

Senator Kola Balogun

The incumbent Senator Kola Balogun is warming himself and getting the consent of Senator Teslim Folarin’s group to re-contest but now under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Those who are having that ambition already in APC do not like that arrangement.

According to sources who confided in Mega Icon Magazine, Balogun seems to be coming in as the consensus candidate as the ‘Ibadan agenda’ wants to use his candidature to pacify the Olubadan palace and nullify the alleged insult that they think Governor Seyi Makinde has done for the lawmaker, younger brother to the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

No doubt, the game is getting more interesting!

Also, ready funds to mobilise delegates and voters, capacity for collaboration and alliances, what mode of primary and ability to manage the fallouts and discontent, working relationship with the Party’s Guber candidate, and whether imposition is possible from higher quarters, are other factors that are expected to be considered by the eventual winner.

But, suffice to say that former Governor Rasidi Ladoja still holds the ace as the only living political godfather in Oyo state in the choice of a possible candidate for Oyo South senatorial in the forthcoming elections.

 

Political Desk, Mega Icon Magazine,

08058893736.

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Politics

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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