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Uneasy calm in Oyo PDP as Makinde plans LG election

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Governor Seyi Makinde filed photo

ALL appears not well within the fold of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State following the decision of Governor Seyi Makinde to concede some local government councils to members of the coalition political parties ahead of the planned local government election in the state.

It was reliably gathered that former members of the Oyo State House of Assembly who lost their reelection bid largely due to the ‘coalition tsunami’ which paved way for majority of the PDP candidates in the State House of Assembly are being considered as Caretaker Committee Chairmen and Secretaries in some selected local government council in the build-up to poll slated for the first quarter of next year.

Majority of the proposed Caretaker Committee Chairmen, as learnt, are likely to contest the election as substantive chairmen without any formal defection to the PDP. This has also generated mixed feelings among the members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Also, Mega Icon Magazine checks revealed that protests have trailed Governor Makinde’s decision as party faithful, who overtly expressed their dismay against many key appointments made so far alleging that members of the coalition parties and the governor’s cronies who were unknown to the party were offered juicy appointments and thus occupy strategic positions in the PDP led government at the detriment of loyal party members. The aggrieved PDP members are of the opinion that Governor Makinde could be promoting a selfish agenda which would end up destroying the party in the state if the trend was not reversed.

Some political parties, which included; African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the New Progressive Movement (NPM) had formed a coalition in the build-up to the March 9, 2019 election to dislodge the government of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and this eventually facilitated the victory of Seyi Makinde who was the PDP candidate.

Meanwhile, Governor Makinde had assured the coalition partners, drawn from various political parties and interest, of his commitment to the formation of an inclusive government. Although, recent appointments made by the governor had made some members of the coalition parties to express doubts about his commitment to their pre-election agreement, pundits are of the opinion that he (Makinde) has done well in this regard.

A prominent PDP chieftain in the state who confided in our reporter insisted that only card carrying members of the party will occupy the local government councils across the state, stressing that none of the said lawmakers stepped down for any of the party’s candidate during the election, but pursued their personal ambitions vigorously.

“The claim by the lawmakers isn’t true, they want to reap from where they did not sow. People voted massively for our party and its candidates because they wanted a change of government. Electorate in Oyo state were tired of the APC government and the only available alternative that could alleviate their plight was the PDP. So, claiming to have sacrificed their ambitions and won elections for our candidates is nothing but a scam.

“Did they rig, campaign or canvass for our House of Assembly candidates?”, he questioned.

Speaking further, the source disclosed that PDP stakeholders are seriously mounting pressure on Governor Makinde to consider the position of the party as they cannot entrust the local government councils, which is the grassroot into the hands of the oppositions on the basis of coalition or alliance which may affect the party’s electoral prosperity in future elections.

“This issue is very sensitive and we have to treat it as one. As a party, we cannot submit the councils to opposition parties in the name of coalition. Now that local government autonomy has come to stay, loyal party members must occupy our councils so as to complement our governor’s efforts in making Oyo state an envy of all. The councils cant be a bargaining tool”, the PDP source submitted.

When contacted, the party’s spokesman in the state, Engr. Akeem Olatunji maintained that Caretaker Committee is an appointment, and as the governor; Engr Makinde has the prerogative to concede some slots to the coalition parties.

“However, only card carrying members, core party faithfuls would be screened and allowed to contest on the platform of the PDP in the election slated for next year”, Olatunji emphasized.

 

By Idowu Ayodele

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

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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.

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