Politics
Understanding the Ajimobi administration by Bolaji Tunji
There is no doubt that when the political history of Oyo State is being written, the name of the incumbent governor, Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi will feature prominently. There are many reasons for these. In the modern democratic history of Oyo state, Governor Ajimobi is the first civilian governor to enjoy two terms in office. But his tenure goes beyond such feat. Never in the history of the state have there been infrastructural developments that have been witnessed under the watch of this astute administrator. Indeed, his desire to turn Oyo state into a modern 21st century city has earned him different sobriquets, ’The Builder’, ‘ Game changer’, The pathfinder, among others . One would not be too far wrong to state that many are unaware of his giant strides in the development of Oyo state or how he is giving Oyo state a new look. It is also easy to underplay his achievements. But to the discerning and those who have keenly followed happenings in the state, never in the history of modern Oyo state has any governor achieved such feats in infrastructural development.
To understand Senator Ajimobi, it is important to know what motivates him. His words give a clue as to what drives his passion. “I want to be a noble. A noble is a man who serves God and has integrity. I do not want to be too rich or too poor. A poor man will not sleep because he would always think about how to meet his needs, while a rich man would equally not sleep because he would always worry about his wealth. I want to be remembered as a man who made a difference in the lives of people, in the state”.
He is a governor whose burning desire is to take Oyo state into modernity, a city of the 21st century. He is a governor who is convinced that Oyo state must retain its ‘pacesetter’ status in the political and developmental history of the South West, Nigeria and Africa.
Oyo state (Western Nigeria) had always set the pace. It was where the first television station in Africa was established. It was also the region that had the first radio station in the country and Africa, the first stadium and the first university – the University College, Ibadan now known as the University of Ibadan.
True to his words, when his administration was sworn in on May 29, 2011, he had a clear vision of what he wanted and where he was taking Oyo state- to reposition the state in terms of developments and retain its many firsts in developments. His desire to do this was anchored on three planks of Restoration, Transformation and Repositioning. To achieve his objectives of restoring the glories of time past and changing the face of the state into a modern one, he knew the appropriate foundation must be established. He realized that no development would take place without a secure environment. To this end; his first task was to re-launch and reinvigorate the state’s joint security task force, Operation Burst. He did this by making available 20 new patrol van through the efforts of the state’s Security Trust Fund (OYSSTF) which he had earlier inaugurated. Close Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) were also installed in black spots, under the Safe City Project, embarked on by the Governor Abiola Ajimobi-led administration. All these seem to have paid off with absolute peace and security of lives in the state. This fact was reemphasized recently by the state police chief, Mr. Abiodun Odude when he described Oyo state as the most peaceful in the country.
Taking off from there, Senator Ajimobi identified five crucial pillars for developmental purposes and achieving his agenda. For a 21st century state of his dream, education and technology are appropriate and complementary tools that must be properly situated in the development agenda. He realized that the strength of leading, developed and developing countries is in education and technology. “An appropriate, functional education tailor made to fit our environment”, was how he puts it. He quickly identified three things wrong with the current education, the education was not functional and not suited for the environment, two, and it lacks entrepreneurial mix which should make it result-oriented and lastly, it lacks character which is the building block that would turn out responsible and respectable citizens. Indeed, he was scandalized at the total lack of respect exhibited by students. He was of the view that character building is also part of the complete education package. Products of such education must be upright citizens, have respect for elders and be the epitome of good and proper behavior. The problem with the current education was forcefully brought home to him during his encounter with students of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology which led to the “constituted authority” scene. To him, as much as students should have the freedom to express themselves, it should be under the ambit of respect for elders, colleagues and acquaintances. He sees that as good breeding, complete education and the ‘complete man’. To Governor Ajimobi, education that is unable to imbue students with good breeding and character is incomplete. To achieve this concept of complete education, he set up the Schools Governing Board (SGB). Apart from the above stated reasons; the idea was also to ensure that parents are fully involved in the education of their children. Like all changes, this came with its opposition, but the governor was resolute about the way to go. With the inauguration of the board, education in Oyo state took a different turn. A stop was quickly put to the strange idea of promoting students to the next class or on trial, irrespective of performance. Today, Oyo state is reaping the result. In the last West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) result, Oyo state recorded the best result in 18 years. The state government ensured teachers’ salaries were paid, they were duly promoted and the teachers repaid the gesture with performance. A Technical University, different from the universities of technology, was established, to create manpower in the much needed technical areas. Graduates of the institution are expected to have at least three vocational skills, to ensure their independence and be self-employed after graduation instead of looking for ‘white-collar’ jobs. Indigent students were offered scholarship by the institution. Senator Ajimobi’s second pillar of development is in the area of agriculture. In the southern part of the country, Oyo state has the largest expanse of land suitable for agriculture. The state also has the highest number of research institutes in the country. The government has tapped into these advantages. The state has about 360,000 hectares of land, 250,000 hectares is now devoted to agriculture. Presently, Oyo state is the number one producer of cassava. Cassava alone has about 15 different value chains which the administration has tapped into. The governor is encouraging farmers to plant and he is creating buyers, even beyond the shores of the country, for the output. Cashew nut is gradually becoming a money spinner and there are several Indian nationals in the Ogbomoso axis of the state who have equally tapped into this money spinner. Governor Ajimobi’s next focus was on tradition and culture. With a state rich in culture- History of the old Oyo Empire, the use of the Oyo’s Yoruba in the WASSCE, establishment of first radio and television station, establishment of the first university in Ibadan, he decided to build on these legacies by making Oyo state the film capital of Nigeria. The groundwork for this had already been laid and work to this effect has already begun within the expansive premises of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS). The fourth pillar is provision of affordable health services. This led to the establishment of the state health insurance scheme. The last of the pillars is industrialization. To assure this, the government embarked on massive road construction with particular targets of roads leading into and out of the major cities in the state. Here, the government also established a first. It became the first administration to dualize roads in each of the zones in the state. Major towns and zones like Oyo, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Ibarapa, Saki, etc have all become beneficiaries of these massive roads construction. No government has ever done this in the history of the state. The administration equally created a development corridor to achieve the objective of industrialization. To further give Industrialization a boost, the state went into partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Another first in the country. The aim is to establish an integrated agro industrial park and to support small and medium scale enterprises. China has also bought into the industrialization project with a planned injection of $5billion (N1.8trillion), at first instance, to develop the newly established Polaris-Pacesetter Free Trade Zone, along the Ibadan-Lagos expressway. As at today, close to 150 investors from Asian countries have signified interest in investing in the state’s free trade zone. These are some of the outcome of Gov Ajimobi’s trips outside the country. It was also what informed his recent trip to Denmark. The Denmark trip has started to yield results. Cattle farmers in that country would soon visit Oyo state with the aim of transferring knowledge in ranching and ultimately enhance local beef output in local and international markets. Also, Arla, a major international player in the diary business is in talks with the state government to enhance opportunities in the cattle rearing business and further encourage farmers in modern agriculture method. All these were embarked upon to fulfill the desire of Governor Ajimobi to make Oyo state the food basket of the country. But more importantly, Oyo state has the appropriate and conducive environment for doing business, indeed, it is ranked 4th in the ease of doing business in the country.
Tunji is Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy to Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi
2027: Team Makinde Will Take Governor, Senate, Reps, Assembly Seats — Ajadi
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State have reportedly begun strategic consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with indications emerging that the party is working towards a consensus arrangement aimed at strengthening unity and consolidating its political dominance across the state.
This development was disclosed by prominent politician and gubernatorial aspirant, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, during an interaction with journalists on Thursday, May 7, where he expressed confidence that Governor Seyi Makinde and members of what he described as “Team Seyi Makinde” would emerge victorious in the 2027 elections.
Ajadi stated that PDP leaders, during a closed-door meeting attended by Governor Makinde, the state PDP chairman, and other influential stakeholders, unanimously resolved that he should contest for the Oyo Central Senatorial seat rather than continue with his gubernatorial ambition.
According to him, the leaders emphasized that his wealth of experience, political exposure, grassroots popularity, and developmental vision would make him a strong voice for Oyo Central at the National Assembly.
“They told me that the Senate remains a strategic platform where I can contribute immensely to the growth and integration of Oyo State and Nigeria at large through purposeful lawmaking and quality representation,” Ajadi said.
“We will take all political positions in Oyo State without leaving any behind in 2027,” Ajadi declared, expressing confidence in Team Makinde.
They said my passion for youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, education, industrial growth, and infrastructural development would be better amplified from the Red Chamber. Their position was that Oyo State needs experienced and energetic leaders in the National Assembly who can attract federal presence and influence policies that directly benefit the people.”
Ajadi further revealed that the leaders stressed the need for party unity and collective sacrifice ahead of the elections.
“Politics is about service, loyalty, and strategic planning. The leaders made it clear that the interest of the party and the development of Oyo State must come first. I am a loyal party man, and I respect the decision of the leaders,” he added.
However, Ajadi also disclosed during the interview that he has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party and has concluded plans to contest for the Senate under another political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Although he declined to mention the name of the political party he intends to join, the politician hinted that consultations with political associates and supporters across Oyo State and beyond were ongoing.
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2027: Team Makinde Will Take Governor, Senate, Reps, Assembly Seats — Ajadi
The Merit Newspaper by THE MERIT NEWSPAPER May 8, 2026
Ajadi Resigns from PDP, Cites New Political Direction
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By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State have reportedly begun strategic consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with indications emerging that the party is working towards a consensus arrangement aimed at strengthening unity and consolidating its political dominance across the state.
This development was disclosed by prominent politician and gubernatorial aspirant, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, during an interaction with journalists on Thursday, May 7, where he expressed confidence that Governor Seyi Makinde and members of what he described as “Team Seyi Makinde” would emerge victorious in the 2027 elections.
Ajadi stated that PDP leaders, during a closed-door meeting attended by Governor Makinde, the state PDP chairman, and other influential stakeholders, unanimously resolved that he should contest for the Oyo Central Senatorial seat rather than continue with his gubernatorial ambition.
READ ALSO:Hamzat Gains Massive APC Support for 2027 Race
According to him, the leaders emphasized that his wealth of experience, political exposure, grassroots popularity, and developmental vision would make him a strong voice for Oyo Central at the National Assembly.
“They told me that the Senate remains a strategic platform where I can contribute immensely to the growth and integration of Oyo State and Nigeria at large through purposeful lawmaking and quality representation,” Ajadi said.
“We will take all political positions in Oyo State without leaving any behind in 2027,” Ajadi declared, expressing confidence in Team Makinde.
READ ALSO:Ajadi Resigns from PDP, Cites New Political Direction
“They said my passion for youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, education, industrial growth, and infrastructural development would be better amplified from the Red Chamber. Their position was that Oyo State needs experienced and energetic leaders in the National Assembly who can attract federal presence and influence policies that directly benefit the people.”
Ajadi further revealed that the leaders stressed the need for party unity and collective sacrifice ahead of the elections.
“Politics is about service, loyalty, and strategic planning. The leaders made it clear that the interest of the party and the development of Oyo State must come first. I am a loyal party man, and I respect the decision of the leaders,” he added.
However, Ajadi also disclosed during the interview that he has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party and has concluded plans to contest for the Senate under another political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Although he declined to mention the name of the political party he intends to join, the politician hinted that consultations with political associates and supporters across Oyo State and beyond were ongoing.
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“I have moved on politically and consultations are ongoing with leaders and supporters. At the appropriate time, Nigerians and the good people of Oyo State will know the political platform on which I intend to pursue my senatorial ambition,” Ajadi stated.
He maintained that his political movement was driven by his desire to continue contributing meaningfully to governance, youth development, economic empowerment, and quality representation.
Party sources disclosed that the earlier consensus arrangement was designed to reduce internal friction, foster harmony among aspirants, and present formidable candidates capable of retaining and expanding the PDP’s political structure across the three senatorial districts.
According to the arrangement, the proposed consensus candidates for the Senate were said to include:
Oyo Central: Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo
Oyo South: Adedeji Stanley Olajide
Oyo North: Shina Abiola Peller
Sources within the party also indicated that former Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State, Bimbo Adekanmbi, is being considered as the party’s preferred governorship candidate.
Ajadi, while speaking on the future of governance in Oyo State, declared that the achievements of the Makinde administration had positioned the state for continued political and economic growth.
He praised Governor Makinde for what he described as visionary leadership, infrastructural transformation, reforms in education and healthcare, and efforts toward improving the economy of the state.
“Governor Seyi Makinde has changed the political and developmental narrative of Oyo State. The people can see the roads, schools, healthcare improvements, and economic reforms. Good governance will always speak for itself,” Ajadi stated.
He also assured his supporters that his political ambition remains focused on service to the people.
“Our goal is not just about elections but about sustaining development, empowering young people, supporting businesses, and ensuring that every part of Oyo State benefits from quality representation and good governance,” he said.
Political observers believe Ajadi’s growing influence, particularly among youths and grassroots supporters, has continued to strengthen his relevance within the political landscape of Oyo State.
Known for his philanthropic activities, support for entrepreneurship, and active involvement in community development initiatives, Ajadi has increasingly become one of the notable political voices in the state’s evolving political environment.
The latest development is expected to generate fresh political discussions and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections in Oyo State.
Ajadi Resigns from PDP, Cites New Political Direction
A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has officially resigned from the party, citing the need to pursue his ambition on another political platform due to the unresolved crisis at the national level of the PDP.
Ajadi said the lingering internal crisis within the party could pose legal challenges to his aspiration in the long run.
In a resignation letter dated May 6, 2026, and addressed to the Oyo State Chairman of the PDP at the party’s Secretariat in Molete, Ibadan, Ajadi said his decision followed “extensive consultations and careful reflection” on his political future and ideological direction.
The letter, routed through the PDP Ward Chairman of Ward 8, Osengere in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State, marks a significant political development within the party in the state.
“I am writing to officially notify you of my decision to resign from the membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective immediately,” Ajadi stated in the letter.
The politician, who has remained active in political discourse and youth-oriented development initiatives across Oyo State, stressed that his decision was not driven by personal ambition but by the need to avoid possible legal disputes that could affect his gubernatorial aspiration.
This decision comes after extensive consultations and careful reflection on my political direction, particularly in relation to the broader state and national vision of unity, progress, and sustainable leadership that I remain deeply committed to pursuing,” he said.
Ajadi, known for his grassroots political engagements and philanthropic activities across Oyo State, expressed gratitude to the PDP leadership at the national, state, and ward levels for the opportunities and support he enjoyed during his time in the party.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation to the national leadership of the PDP for the opportunity to pursue my political ambition under the party’s banner, as well as acknowledge the unwavering support, guidance, and cooperation I received from the state leadership and the ward chapter throughout my political journey within the party,” he added.
Describing politics as a vehicle for service rather than personal rivalry, Ajadi emphasised his continued commitment to democratic participation and nation-building.
“Politics, for me, has always been a calling to serve humanity, not a contest of egos,” he declared. “I remain grateful for the trust reposed in me and for the platform the PDP provided to engage constructively in nation-building and democratic participation.”
Political observers in Oyo State believe Ajadi’s resignation could trigger fresh political alignments ahead of future contests in the state, especially considering his influence among youths and grassroots supporters.
Although Ajadi did not disclose his next political destination in the letter, sources close to the politician hinted that consultations are ongoing with associates and stakeholders across different political platforms.
The development is expected to generate reactions within the Oyo State political landscape, particularly among PDP loyalists and opposition blocs monitoring emerging alliances ahead of future elections.
In a conciliatory tone, Ajadi praised members of the PDP for their resilience and patriotism while praying for the continued success of the party in strengthening democracy in Nigeria.
“I salute the courage, resilience, and patriotism of all PDP members and pray that the party continues to play its vital role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and fostering good governance,” he stated.
He further noted that he was leaving the party with “no bitterness or regret,” describing his experience within the PDP as “fulfilling and memorable.”
“As I take a new path in my political journey, I do so with no bitterness or regret, but with sincere gratitude to every member of the PDP family who contributed to making my experience both fulfilling and memorable,” Ajadi reiterated.
Buratai’s Loyalty to APC and the Failure of a Viral Smear Campaign
By Femi Oyewale
The recent attempt to portray former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), as a critic of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and an admirer of the opposition coalition may have exposed more than just another fake news operation, it has exposed the contradictions embedded within modern political propaganda.
The viral publication, circulated by an obscure online platform, alleged that Buratai declared that President Tinubu had “failed to meet expectations” while commending the opposition coalition. Yet the report failed to provide the most basic ingredients of credible journalism: where the statement was made, when it was made, and who witnessed it.
Buratai’s swift denial was unsurprising. What is more striking, however, is the glaring irony surrounding the entire smear campaign.
At a time when the former army chief is visibly and actively participating in activities of the ruling All Progressives Congress, critics attempted to paint him as an anti-government figure. Only recently, Buratai reportedly served as a member of the security committee during the APC National Convention , hardly the role of a man allegedly plotting politically against his own party.
Even more revealing is the political aspiration of his son, Tukur Buratai Tukur, who is currently pursuing a seat in the Borno State House of Assembly to represent Biu Constituency under the banner of the APC.
Campaign posters promoting the younger Buratai’s ambition are already in circulation, carrying APC insignia and messages centered on “effective representation and quality service.” Recent public appearances equally showed the elder Buratai openly endorsing and supporting the aspiration.
This raises an obvious question: Why would a man allegedly opposed to the APC government simultaneously participate in APC national structures while backing his son’s political future within the same party?
The contradiction weakens the credibility of the viral publication and reinforces suspicions that the report was politically motivated.
In today’s digital political climate, fake news has become a weapon designed not merely to misinform, but to manufacture confusion, trigger division, and manipulate public perception. Public figures, especially those with national visibility and influence, increasingly find themselves targeted by coordinated misinformation campaigns.
Buratai’s response reflected not only personal outrage but also concern over the broader implications of unchecked falsehoods in Nigeria’s political space.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the APC and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the retired general maintained that his allegiance to constituted authority remains intact after over four decades in military service.
Whether one agrees with Buratai politically or not, the episode serves as another reminder of how easily fabricated narratives can spread in an era where sensational headlines often travel faster than verified facts.
And perhaps that is the greatest irony of all: while the authors of the smear campaign sought to create doubts about Buratai’s loyalty, the facts surrounding his recent political activities appear to tell an entirely different story.
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