Hon. Ajibola Idris, a former Special Assistant on Youth and Sports to the Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, has formally resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a resignation letter dated Monday, January 19, 2026, Ajibola cited persistent internal challenges within the party at both the state and national levels as the reason for his decision. He noted that the unresolved issues have continued to undermine unity, impact, and overall progress within the PDP.

Despite his resignation, Ajibola expressed appreciation to the party for the opportunity to serve as a Special Assistant to the Ibadan North Local Government Chairman.

He also thanked the party leadership and members for the trust, support, and cooperation extended to him during his period of service.

Ajibola, who hails from Ward 3, Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, wished the Peoples Democratic Party well in its future endeavors as he officially steps away from the party.

His resignation adds to recent developments reflecting internal realignments within the PDP in Oyo State.

I recently had an incredibly interesting conversation with a close friend in Ogbomoso about the state of the nation. In that conversation, we dive into the future of our dear, Oyo State.

Our state has truly set the pace in visionary and strategic leadership since its formation fifty years ago. Both the military and civilian administrators have done their best to place the state on the pedestal of greatness. But like Oliver Twist, more still needs to be done to sustain the legacy of the past and inspire the generations to come.

That is where we agreed that for the future of our state, backing a competent, compassionate and experienced leader is a precondition for that sustainability.

Speaking of competence, character, capacity, compassion and experience, my friend and I believe that Senator Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari ticked all the boxes. For years, as a record breaking politician, astute public servant and a reliable leader, Senator BAF has demonstrated remarkable competence, clarity, capacity, compassion and strategic thinking as a veteran public servant. As a matter of fact, I am not saying this because of the father and son relationship between us. Far deeper than that.

From his stewardship as the lawmaker that represented Ogbomoso North, South and Orire Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives (2003-2007), to serving as a Special Adviser to the former Governor of Oyo State, late Senator Abiola Ajimobi and later as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The success story of the Distinguished Senator Fatai Buhari, the quiet, humble, unassuming and diligent public servant stood as a testament to his purposeful leadership. In essence, the foundation he built as a public servant in those years prepared him for the onerous and rewarding task of serving the good people of Oyo North Senatorial District in the red chamber.

For the past ten years, Senator BAF has combined legislative excellence with deep knowledge of grassroot politics to deliver on his mandate while inspiring the people with presence, empowerment, connection and compassion. His integrity, innovative thinking and robust academic qualifications with a Doctorate Degree in Public Policy, has further positioned him for the highest office in Oyo State.

By 2027, the ancient city of Ibadan would have ruled the state for a record, uninterrupted and unbroken sixteen years in power. I am convinced that it is time to bring back the mantle of Governorship back to Ogbomoso. We have an extremely qualified and seasoned public servant in BAF, so why not?

Without mincing words, I can categorically state that the quest for power rotation is not an Ogbomoso thing alone. By far, it is the single rallying point for other regions that have felt the pangs of marginalisation and exclusion over the past 16 years of unprecedented representation of Ibadan in the Governor’s Office in Agodi.

Although, in Ogbomoso and across Oyo State, there is no doubt that the Gubernatorial aspiration of the Distinguished Senator Fatai Omotayo Buhari in 2027 has become a statewide Clarion call.

To this end, I call on our people across Oyo State to back an OMOLUABI with a proven track record of excellence, performance and leadership; a compassionate, courageous and visionary leader whose mission for our state is driven by his love for our PEOPLE.

Alhaji Dr Oriyomi Hamzat has officially joined the Accord Party, ending his long-held neutrality and declaring his intention to contest the Oyo State governorship election in 2027.

The popular broadcaster, widely known as the voice behind the grassroots slogan “Oyo n Pe o,” made the declaration at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, where supporters gathered for the announcement.

Speaking at the event, Hamzat described “Oyo n Pe o” as a people-driven movement, stressing that it was not formed to promote the ambition of any individual ahead of the 2027 elections.

He confirmed that he will be on the ballot as the governorship candidate of the Accord Party, adding that his decision was driven by a desire to serve the people of Oyo State.

Hamzat disclosed that he neither has vast financial resources nor the backing of political godfathers at the state or federal levels, noting that his ambition is rooted in the support of ordinary citizens.

He urged his supporters to remain peaceful, shun violence, and ensure they retain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), emphasizing that change can only be achieved through lawful and democratic means.

The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Engr.) Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has dismissed claims by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, that he consulted with three prominent traditional rulers in the state over the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

This is contained in a press release issued on January 15, 2026, by Bode Durojaiye, the Director of Media and Publicity to Alaafin.

According to Durojaiye, the attention of the palace was drawn to a statement credited to the governor, in which he claimed to have met with the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomoso on the issue.

The palace, however, clarified that at no time did the Alaafin hold any meeting with Governor Makinde or with any of the two traditional rulers mentioned regarding the chairmanship of the council.

The statement further stressed that the Alaafin neither discussed nor gave any endorsement to the governor on the idea of a rotational chairmanship among the three monarchs.

He further stated that the position of the Alaafin and the entire Oyo community on matters relating to the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs has already been clearly articulated in a formal memorandum submitted to Governor Makinde by the Oyo Council of Elders.

The palace urged the public to disregard any claims suggesting otherwise.

Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has officially inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas, marking the commencement of a new era in the administration of traditional institutions in the state, with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Arusa1, taking the lead as the pioneer chairman.

The historic inauguration, which took place on Thursday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, follows the recent amendment of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs Law, which introduced a rotational leadership structure for the council among first-class monarchs in the state.

Under the new arrangement, Oba Rashidi Ladoja will serve as Chairman of the Council for a period of two years, after which the chairmanship will rotate among other eligible royal fathers in line with the provisions of the amended law.

Governor Makinde, while performing the inauguration, described the move as a deliberate effort to promote equity, inclusiveness, unity, and harmony among traditional rulers across the state.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions, noting that monarchs play a critical role in grassroots governance, conflict resolution, and community development. He urged members of the council to work collectively in the interest of peace, cultural preservation, and the overall progress of Oyo State.

Meanwhile, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was noticeably absent from the inauguration ceremony. No official reason was given for his absence at the event.

It would be recalled that the Oyo State House of Assembly recently passed the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, a legislative move aimed at modernising the traditional council and ensuring balanced representation among royal institutions in the state.

The inauguration of the council is widely seen as a significant milestone in Governor Makinde’s efforts to reform traditional governance structures while fostering cooperation between the government and custodians of culture and tradition in Oyo State.

Hon. Abdulwasiu Ajao, popularly known as Danladi, has formally declared his intention to contest for the Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Hon. Danladi, who officially joined the APC amid widespread enthusiasm and celebration on November 13, 2025, is widely regarded as a grassroots-driven politician with strong acceptance across communities within the constituency. His entry into the party was described by many party faithful as a significant boost to the APC’s structure and fortunes in Akinyele and Lagelu local government areas.

Speaking during the APC Akinyele Local Government party meeting held in Moniya, Ibadan, Hon. Danladi officially announced his ambition, stressing that his decision to run was borne out of a genuine desire to offer purposeful and people-centred representation at the national level.

An agricultural expert by training and practice, Hon. Danladi has over the years been actively involved in initiatives aimed at improving agricultural productivity, rural livelihoods, and youth participation in agribusiness. His professional exposure to the agricultural sector has shaped his vision for sustainable development, food security, and economic empowerment, particularly at the grassroots level.

Among his key agenda items is a commitment to unlocking and maximizing the vast agricultural potential of Akinyele and Lagelu, creating value chains that will empower farmers, generate employment, and attract private investment to the constituency. He also emphasized plans to prioritize digital skills training for youths, as a means of preparing them for opportunities in the modern economy and reducing unemployment.

Hon. Danladi assured party members and constituents that his ambition is driven by service, unity, and development, adding that effective representation must translate to visible impact in people’s lives.

His declaration was warmly received by party leaders and members present at the meeting, many of whom expressed confidence in his capacity, accessibility, and understanding of local needs.

As the 2027 electoral season gradually takes shape, Hon. Danladi’s declaration has positioned him as one of the emerging figures to watch in the race for the Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency seat.

With his last show of shame at a discredited organisation’s meeting last week, it is obvious that this man called Balogun can not be tamed. He has actually drawn the battle line with the Palace of Soun of Ogbomosoland.

It is high time all sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland should see this man for who he is – a dangerous viper to the unity and progress of Ogbomosoland. This man does not mean well for Ogbomosoland. His record has not shown any tangible thing this man brought to Ogbomosoland since all these years of his misadventure into politics. And if in doubt, let Saka Balogun point to one particular project he facilitated to Ogbomosoland with all his wasteful years in politics. Everything has been around himself and his family. He has always remained as enemy development. He opposed the late Soun Kabiyesi Oladunni Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III, now he has started with our new Imperial Majesty.

Ogbomoso sons and daughters reject all elements of polarisation, and we stand firmly with the Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, the Orumogege III.
His claim that Soun can not remove him is unfounded. Let him remember that “Oyinbo to se pencil, na lo se eraser”
True sons and daughters of Ogbomoso should no longer fold their arms and watch these cantercerous elements to destroy our town and the sacred throne of Soun.

All right thinking Ogbomoso sons and daughters must reject this man and his ilk in their misadventure to destroy our land. Ogbomoso is greater than anyone, including a Saka Balogun!

This harassment and stupidity must stop immediately. The history of Ogbomoso does not allow one man to constitute himself to nuisance, disturbing the peace of the city.
“Ki alájá lo mú ajá rè so”. His family should quickly call him to order if they want that title retained. If he doesn’t want to listen, let the family commence the process of recalling him and start the process for a responsible person who could represent their family.

Senator (Dr) Sharafadeen Alli (APC–Oyo South) has congratulated the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr Zaccheus Adedeji, on the occasion of his birthday.

This is contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Ibadan.

Senator Alli described Dr Adedeji as a distinguished technocrat and patriotic public servant.

The lawmaker lauded his outstanding leadership and strategic vision, noting that his tenure has continued to strengthen revenue administration and enhance national economic stability.

He said that Adedeji’s depth of experience in public finance, coupled with his professionalism, has positioned the NRS as a critical institution driving government capacity to deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

The senator commended the NRS Chairman for his commitment to transparency, efficiency and innovation, stressing that these qualities have improved public confidence in revenue collection and management.

According to him, Dr Adedeji’s calm disposition, intellect and results-oriented approach have earned him respect across political, professional and institutional divides.

Senator Alli expressed optimism that Dr Adedeji would continue to deploy his expertise in advancing fiscal reforms that support national development and economic resilience.

He wished Dr Adedeji good health, renewed strength and greater accomplishments in the years ahead, praying for continued wisdom and success in his service to Nigeria.