In a bid to strengthen his grassroots support ahead of the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo on Tuesday, December 16, held strategic meetings with Vice Chairmen and Chiefs of Staff from the 33 Local Government Councils across the state. The meetings, held at various locations in Ibadan, were aimed at formally seeking the backing of local government executives for his ambition to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde.
Addressing the Vice Chairmen, Ajadi described his governorship aspiration as a divine calling, stressing that it is motivated by a sense of duty to serve rather than personal gain. “This ambition is not driven by personal gain but by God’s calling and a sense of responsibility to serve,” he said. “I believe strongly that what God has ordained is already settled, and that is why I am taking this message directly to the grassroots.”
Ajadi shared details of his background, highlighting his diverse experience across politics, business, and humanitarian work. “I am a passionate and hardworking son of Yorubaland, hailing from Oyo State, with maternal roots in Ogun State,” he said. “I am a politician, an industrialist, a humanitarian, and a trained journalist, with business interests spanning manufacturing, property management, and entertainment.”
The aspirant further noted that leadership is an inherent trait and lifelong pursuit for him, a responsibility tied to his divine calling to contribute meaningfully to governance and development in the state. He also credited the late Hon. Sesan Adeagbo, popularly known as Elesan, for mentoring him and introducing him to political leaders across Oyo State in 2022, during his brief presidential bid under the NNPP.
Recalling his decision to step down from the NNPP presidential race in favour of Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Ajadi said the move underscored his commitment to party unity. He explained that his eventual focus on Oyo State politics was encouraged by prominent leaders, including Alhaji Bisi Olopoeyan, who invited him to extend his political goodwill and ambitions to his father’s state.
Commenting on Ajadi’s political approach, a PDP leader from Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Lukman Akinpelu, praised the aspirant’s consultative style. “Many aspirants have billboards in every nook and cranny of Oyo State, but that is not politics,” he said. “Ambassador Ajadi has been moving around to consult PDP executives at the state, local government, and ward levels, even as his billboards are visible across the state.”
Vice Chairmen present at the meetings expressed their support and offered strategic advice. Hon. Ogundiya Sola of Atisbo Local Government stressed the importance of party unity. “If you carry party members along, many who left the PDP will return,” he said. Hon. Kareem Mujidat of Ogbomoso South urged sustained grassroots engagement, while Hon. Alade Nureni of Oyo West praised Ajadi’s empathy during a condolence visit following the loss of two party members.
Later in the day, Ajadi met with the Chiefs of Staff from the 33 Local Government Councils, unveiling a continuity agenda aimed at consolidating the achievements of the current administration. “I am here to formally inform you that my aspiration is to continue from where Governor Seyi Makinde will stop, if I am fortunate with your involvement to be given the PDP ticket and the mandate of the people in 2027,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Chiefs of Staff, Prince Rasaq Jelili Adewale of Irepo Local Government described Ajadi as a committed humanitarian whose consultations have strengthened party unity. “Since he declared his ambition, he has consulted widely and shown humility and respect for party structures,” he said, noting visible improvements in infrastructure and youth employment under Governor Makinde.
Other speakers, including Hon. Muyiwa Adewara (Oyo West), Alhaji Hassan Bello (Ibadan South-West), and Mrs. Areo Grace (Ogbomoso North), the state’s first female Chief of Staff, urged Ajadi to uphold party discipline, respect party supremacy, and sustain inclusive consultations. Mrs. Grace noted that the attendance of Chiefs of Staff, with the consent of their chairmen, reflected unity and respect for the party structure.
The meetings concluded with prayers for Ajadi’s success, led by Hon. Adewara, Chairman of the League of Chiefs of Staff Forum, while a vote of thanks was delivered by Hon. Ebenezer Olawale Alawe, PDP Chairman, Egbeda Local Government. Observers say the engagements signal Ajadi’s determination to build a formidable grassroots network as the 2027 governorship contest gradually takes shape in Oyo State.
