The political landscape of the Pacesetter State is heating up early in 2026 as fresh battle lines are being drawn between the ruling class and grassroots movements. Following a pointed New Year message from Governor Seyi Makinde criticizing federal welfare failures, a frontline political figure in Oyo State, Akeem Salawu, popularly known as Ilana Mekunu, has sparked intense conversation by calling for a complete overhaul of the state’s opposition structure.
In his 2026 manifesto-style address, Salawu extended warm greetings to the people of Oyo State but quickly transitioned into a stern warning. He argued that the state can no longer afford an opposition that is “divided, silent, or distracted.” According to the Ilana Mekunu leader, the historical rotation of power between the PDP and APC in the state has left the struggles of the “common man” largely unchanged, necessitating a new, unified, and people-centered alternative.
A Call to Rise Above Ego
Salawu’s message was particularly critical of the current opposition’s perceived weakness. He urged political actors across the state to embrace “alignment over rivalry” and “courage over compromise.”
“For too long, our state has moved between the same political structures, yet the struggles of the common man remain the same,” Salawu declared. “If we truly love Oyo State, every opposition force must rise above ego and personal interests to challenge both the PDP and APC with ideas and collective strength.”
The Makinde Counter-Narrative
This call for a new opposition comes just as Governor Seyi Makinde used his own New Year address to shift the spotlight toward the Federal Government. The Governor expressed deep disappointment with the handling of the national economy, citing “fiscal recklessness” and a lack of “inclusive governance” at the center. By positioning himself as a defender of the masses against federal hardship, Makinde is clearly setting the stage for his final year’s legacy, even as critics like Salawu suggest the local “Mekunus” (commoners) are still waiting for more.
The “Third Force” Movement in Ibadan
Political analysts in Ibadan suggest that Salawu’s Ilana Mekunu movement is gaining traction in areas like Moniya, Amuloko, and Iwo Road, where residents feel the pinch of the current economic climate most acutely. Unlike traditional political campaigns, this movement appears to be focusing on “social re-engineering,” pushing for a leadership style that prioritizes transparency over political symbolism.
As of today, January 2, 2026, the discussion at the popular Mapo Hall political circles and several online forums is centered on whether a “Third Force” can truly break the PDP-APC duopoly in Oyo State. Salawu concluded his address with a prayer for “liberty and clarity of vision,” a sign that the build-up to the 2027 general elections has officially begun in the ancient city.
What Happens Next?
As the year unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the scattered opposition parties in the state will heed Salawu’s call for a “shared purpose.” For the average Ibadan resident, the hope remains that this political maneuvering will translate into better welfare, stable prices, and genuine development rather than just another cycle of high-level rhetoric. The Ibadan City Announcer will continue to track these power shifts as they evolve.
