The political chessboard of Oyo State is already buzzing with intricate moves and calculated gambits, even with the 2027 gubernatorial elections seemingly a distant horizon.
Recent events suggest a brewing storm, as key players position themselves, revealing a complex web of alliances, rivalries, and strategic maneuvering that promises a fascinating contest for the state’s highest office.
At the heart of the unfolding drama is the incumbent Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde, whose actions are being keenly observed and interpreted.
A significant development that has sent ripples through the political landscape is the governor’s perceived attempt to outmaneuver Senator Sharafadeen Alli, a formidable figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a likely consensus candidate for the opposition.
The move in question involves the controversial “crowning” of Senator Alli as a beaded-crown wearing Oba in absentia, and also alongside his current position as the Ekarun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland.
This unusual elevation, widely seen as a political maneuver, has been met with skepticism and outright dismissal by Alli himself.
Senator Alli, speaking at a recent meeting with Ogbomoso stakeholders of the APC, did not mince words. He described the incident as mere “drama” and a thinly veiled attempt by the government to “syphon funds.”
The whopping N1.5 billion allegedly expended on the coronation ceremony could have been channeled to other meaningful things, according to Alli.
While acknowledging their shared Ibadan heritage and even referring to Governor Makinde’s deputy, Bayo Lawal, as his “good brother,” Alli firmly asserted that there is no personal animosity between him and the governor.
Instead, he pointed fingers at unseen forces, stating that “some people are pushing the governor,” and significantly, that “some of the people are within APC.”
This revelation hints at internal strife within the opposition party, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding scenario.
Further complicating the political matrix is Governor Makinde’s recent rapprochement with Alhaji Olopoeyan, a seasoned political strategist and former staunch critic.
Their reconciliation, a significant development in itself, has been followed by Olopoeyan’s high-profile visit to Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, the widow of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi and a powerful stakeholder within the Oyo APC.
This visit has ignited speculation, particularly given persistent rumors that Mrs. Ajimobi might not be entirely pleased with the prospect of Senator Sharafadeen Alli emerging as the consensus gubernatorial candidate for the APC.
Such a scenario could fracture the opposition, potentially creating an opening for Makinde’s camp.
The implications of these intertwined events are profound. Governor Makinde’s perceived attempts to neutralize a strong opposition candidate like Alli, coupled with his strategic outreach to figures like Olopoeyan and the potential for disaffection within the APC ranks, paints a vivid picture of a governor already laying the groundwork for the 2027 elections.
The internal dynamics of the APC, with prominent aspirants like Senator Teslim Folarin and Chief Bayo Adelabu also eyeing the governorship, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in determining the party’s strength and unity against the incumbent.
Amidst all these is also the allegation by Ekiti State former governor Ayodele Fayose of Makinde making efforts to dethrone Olubadan Oba Rashidi Ladoja for his refusal to be present at the coronation of Alli and two other high chiefs.
Though both the state government and the palace of Olubadan have dismissed the claim as an unfounded rumor, time will definitely tell whether the claim is a case of ‘no fire without smoke,’ as a Yoruba adage says.
There is also a counter-accusation in some quarters that the federal government is planning to impeach Governor Seyi Makinde.
This latest accusation was given much credence with a recent press statement by Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Member Representing Atiba State Constituency, where it was claimed that the Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, was invited by the Olubadan of Ibadanland after he had earlier gone to seek the Kabiyesi’s support for his governorship ambition.
It was claimed that 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, an offer said to be declined by the Speaker.
It was further claimed that he (the speaker) was again invited by the former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, on the same subject matter but again refused to bow to the pressure.
With all these, it is sufficient to say that the political landscape remains fluid and unpredictable as Oyo State inches closer to 2027.
The “many colors” of political scheming are becoming increasingly apparent, promising a period of intense horse-trading, strategic alliances, and potential realignments that will ultimately shape the future leadership of the Pacesetter State.
The coming months will undoubtedly reveal more about the true intentions and ultimate strategies of these key political actors.
Mr Adeniran is the Publisher of Trendscopenews, can be reached via plausible08@gmail.com
