2027: Olubadan, Ajimobi Wooing Oyo Speaker To Join APC — Lawmaker

A member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Gbenga Oyekola, has alleged that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, and former First Lady Florence Ajimobi, were making moves to persuade the Speaker of the House, Adebo Ogundoyin, to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

Oyekola, who represents Atiba State Constituency and serves as Chief Whip of the House, made the disclosure in a public announcement issued after a meeting of the lawmakers held at the Governor’s House on Monday.

“I, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Member Representing Atiba State Constituency, hereby issue this public statement following the meeting held today by members of the Oyo State House of Assembly at the Governor’s House,” the announcement read.

According to the lawmaker, the development came to light during deliberations among legislators, where concerns were raised over what he described as attempts by “agents of disunity” to pitch the State Assembly against Governor Seyi Makinde and his administration.

He said, “Arising from the said meeting, it was discovered that some agents of disunity are working to set the Oyo State House of Assembly against the Governor and the Government of Oyo State.”

Providing details of the alleged move, Oyekola said the Speaker had informed lawmakers that he was invited by the Olubadan after he (Ogundoyin) had earlier sought the monarch’s support for his 2027 governorship ambition.

“It was revealed that the Rt. Hon. Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin was invited by the Olubadan of Ibadanland after he (the Speaker) had earlier gone to seek the Kabiyesi’s support for his governorship ambition,” he stated.

He added that the traditional ruler allegedly advised the Speaker to jump ship with offers of a ticket for a House of Representatives contest in 2027 and campaign funds on the platform of the APC.

“According to the Speaker, the Olubadan advised him and offered to secure the House of Representatives ticket for him under the APC, along with the necessary funds to prosecute the election. The Speaker stated that he declined the offer,” Oyekola said.

The lawmaker further claimed that the Speaker disclosed another approach from the former First Lady of the State, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, on the same matter.

“The Speaker further disclosed that he was again invited by the former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, on the same subject matter. He said he was offered money but declined and did not collect anything from them,” he said.

Oyekola, however, distanced himself from the alleged political moves, stressing that he was neither involved nor consulted in any such arrangement.

“I Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, hereby completely disassociate myself from any arrangement or activity that has the potential to disrupt the peace of Oyo State. I was never invited, never consulted, and was not part of any such meetings or arrangements,” he said.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Makinde, declaring, “I cannot and will not be disloyal to my boss, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde.”

The lawmaker also reiterated his commitment to the stability of the state, saying, “I reaffirm my unwavering loyalty and support for Governor Seyi Makinde, his government, and his party. I remain firmly committed to the peace, unity, and continued progress of Oyo State. I vote for peace in Oyo State at all times.”

He concluded with a saying in Yoruba language, stating that he was not a bastard son of the state, “Omo Oko ni mi, Emi kii se omo ale Oyo State.”