The political atmosphere in Ibadan took a definitive turn on Thursday as Governor Seyi Makinde officially gave the “green light” to political appointees in his administration eyeing elective offices in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the 2026 State Iftar programme held at the Banquet Hall frontage, Government House, Agodi, the Governor ended months of speculation regarding his stance on his cabinet members’ political ambitions.
Addressing the gathering of Oyo State’s political and traditional “who’s who,” Makinde dismissed rumors circulating on social media that he had blocked his aides from contesting—specifically those eyeing the governorship seat.
“I have read on social media that I have not given the go-ahead to political appointees who have ambitions to hold different political offices,” the Governor stated. “So, henceforth, you are free. Whoever wants to contest for any position should bring out their billboards.”
In a move seen by local analysts as a challenge to his team’s loyalty, the Governor added: “Those of you who are bothered about the PDP crisis, add the party’s logo to the billboard, nothing will happen.”
The announcement was made in the presence of several Ibadan power brokers, most notably the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Rashidi Ladoja, whose presence at the Government House signaled a continued alignment of the city’s top leadership.
Other key figures present included: Barr. Bayo Lawal, Deputy Governor,Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi, Deputy Speaker (representing Speaker Debo Ogundoyin, Justice Iyabo Yerima, Chief Judge of Oyo State, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, Chief of Staff Prof. Musibau Babatunde, Secretary to the State Government
While the Governor offered his “blessing” for these ambitions, he attached a caveat: aspirants must remain committed to the welfare of the people and the development of Oyo State. He credited the support of the Muslim community and the League of Imams and Alfas for the progress recorded in the state so far, urging continued cooperation as the political season begins to heat up.
With the INEC timetable already in public view, Makinde’s directive effectively fires the starting gun for what is expected to be a high-stakes race for the Agodi Government House in 2027.
