Dare Babalola
Fresh details have emerged on alleged attempts to influence the political ambitions of the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, following claims that he was pressured and offered inducements to abandon his governorship bid.
The revelations were made by the Chief Whip of the Assembly, Gbenga Oyekola, in a statement issued on Tuesday after a closed-door meeting of lawmakers at the Governor’s House in Ibadan.
Oyekola disclosed that deliberations at the meeting exposed what he described as coordinated efforts by certain influential figures to dissuade the Speaker from pursuing his ambition.
According to him, the Speaker informed lawmakers that he had been invited by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, after previously seeking royal backing for his governorship aspiration.
“It was revealed that the Rt. Hon. Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin was invited by the Olubadan of Ibadanland after he had earlier gone to seek the Kabiyesi’s support for his governorship ambition,” Oyekola stated.
He continued, “According to the Speaker, 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. The Speaker stated that he declined the offer.”
The Chief Whip further alleged that the Speaker was approached again, this time by former First Lady of the state, Florence Ajimobi, over the same issue.
“The Speaker further disclosed that he was again invited by Chief Mrs. Florence Ajimobi on the same subject matter. He said he was offered money but declined and did not collect anything from them,” he added.
Oyekola noted that the developments were part of a broader plot by unnamed “agents of disunity” seeking to create a rift between the legislature and the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.
“Arising from the said meeting, it was discovered that some agents of disunity are working to set the Oyo State House of Assembly against the Governor and the Government of Oyo State,” he said.
The lawmaker, who represents Atiba State Constituency, however distanced himself from the alleged moves, stressing that he was neither involved nor aware of such arrangements prior to the disclosures.
“I hereby completely disassociate myself from any arrangement or activity that has the potential to disrupt the peace of Oyo State. I was never invited, never consulted, and was not part of any such meetings or arrangements,” Oyekola said.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Makinde and pledged continued support for the administration.
“I cannot and will not be disloyal to my boss, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde. I reaffirm my unwavering loyalty and support for Governor Seyi Makinde, his government, and his party,” he stated.
Reiterating his stance on stability, Oyekola added that he remains committed to peace and unity in the state, declaring, “I vote for peace in Oyo State at all times.”
The statement concluded with a strong personal affirmation in Yoruba: “Omo Oko ni mi, Emi kii se omo ale Oyo State.”
The claims come amid rising political tension in Oyo State, as permutations ahead of the next governorship race begin to shape alignments within the political class.
