Personal aides, confidants and advisers of late Rt. Hon. Prince Musiliu Olaide Akinremi Jagaban have since the release of their public statement last Thursday where they distanced themselves from the campaign affairs of the Ibadan North APC, come under heavy criticism, castigation, character assassination, maligning, name-calling, spiteful and disparaging remarks alongside countless verbal assaults from the Oyo State APC and Ibadan North APC executives, and this is exactly what they stated as part of the reasons for their decision to stay away from the Ibadan North APC in the course of campaign and electioneering for the bye-election coming up on 16th August 2025 in the first place.

In a brazen, ill-mannered and thoughtless way that had characterized the Oyo State APC’s interactions and engagements towards members of Akinremi’s think tank since last year, the Oyo State APC Public Relations Officer Mr Olawale Sadare, and the Ibadan North APC Youth Leader Mr Aliu Jubril Aroso went on a couple of radio political programmes over the weekend to exhibit the emptyness in their thoughts and classlessness in their actions, hugely embarrassing themselves to the hearing of the public in their failed attempt to denigrate, disparage and condemn late Hon. Akinremi’s personal aides.

“We take strong objection to all the disparaging remarks been made about us, and we are publicly refuting them. If Mr Olawale Sadare frolicks with other people’s wives and girlfriends, and if he conducts shady businesses with people, then he should speak for himself and not use such narratives to describe us. We are men and women of integrity and sound character, brought up from different responsible homes, and this has been proven all through our years of being the closest confidants of late Prince Akinremi Jagaban. And if Mr Sadare and Mr Jubril Aroso says we are unimportant and have no electoral value, the public should ask them why they had to descend so low, dropping every moral and ethical stands just to condemn us.

“Our earlier statement was unambiguous, we were very clear, and as such it is surprising that even a set of APC LG Executives also joined the messy fray by releasing a statement in the name of Akinremi Legacy Forum, and also attempting to taint us in bad light. These set of people are actually Ibadan North APC Local Government Executives who by extension are members of Akinremi Legacy Forum, they aren’t the brains nor the coordination behind the forum, more so, the Akinremi Legacy Forum also comprises members of the public who aren’t politicians nor affiliated with any political party, as the lovers of late Hon. Akinremi are widespread and not limited to his followers inside the party alone. As such, it is bewildering that they are now claiming ownership/leadership of the forum as an entire APC appendage, and this is false.

“We see no reason why the Ibadan North APC have to become this jittery about our decision to abstain from their campaign if truly we have no electoral value. The complications that currently exists within the party hasn’t been resolved, 7 major aspirants out of 10 remain largely aggrieved with the entire Oyo State APC Excos unable to placate them till date. And with only 12 days to the election, the party haven’t been able to even constitute a campaign council, neither have they been able to publicly present the nominated candidate to the generality of party faithfuls at the usual Oke-Apon Local Government venue of the party’s meeting due to the current logjam and standstill. Mr Sadare and Mr Jubril Aroso didn’t find all these issues important to resolve, but have time to write fruitless rejoinders and take time-wasting radio tours.

“While we do not plan to continue mixing words with anyone going further from now, we have to correct the malicious, erroneous, and self-serving misrepresentation of our personalities and reputation by these folks for future references, and to let the entire public understand once again, that the Oyo State APC has finally displayed publicly to them, what we have been bearing privately since last year, which necessitated our decision to stand aloof at this important time.

“Thank you.”

Members of the think tank who signed the statement are; Mr Micheal Adegbuyi (Media Aide to late Hon. Olaide Akinremi), Mr Azeez Shittu (P.A to late Hon. Akinremi), Mr Adedamola Layade, Mr Muhammed Makinde, Mrs Kudirat Adebayo, Mr Aliu Jubril Kayode, Mrs Mariam Alao, and Mr AbdulMumeen Olaniyan.

All is set for the official campaign flag-off of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the August 16, 2025, Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election, as the ruling party prepares to storm Bodija Market, Ibadan, in grand style on Monday, August 4.

The event, billed to commence at 10:00 a.m., is expected to be a massive show of political strength with the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, personally leading party leaders, faithful, and supporters to rally behind the PDP candidate, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, popularly known as “DON.”

Governor Makinde, known for his strong advocacy of progressive representation, is expected to present Oyekunle to the people of Ibadan North as the best candidate to sustain and advance the delivery of democratic dividends to the constituency.

Adding colour to the flag-off, renowned Fuji maestro, Alhaji Taye Currency, will perform live with his band to thrill the crowd and create a lively atmosphere.

The PDP campaign launch is anticipated to draw a mammoth crowd, including party stakeholders, youth groups, community leaders, and residents, all expected to show solidarity and declare readiness for a resounding victory for the party in the forthcoming bye-election.

The event will hold at Bodija Market, beside MRS Filling Station, Ibadan.

As the August 16, 2025, bye-election for Ibadan North Federal Constituency draws nearer, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle “DON,” has successfully concluded his ward-to-ward stakeholders’ consultation tour across the 12 wards of the constituency, strengthening grassroots support ahead of the crucial poll.

The final phase of the consultation and engagement tour, which began in Ward 4, the political base of the PDP flag bearer, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON was marked by a massive show of solidarity.

Traditional rulers, religious leaders, market leaders, artisans, youths, non-indigenes, and community leaders pledged their total support for Hon. Oyekunle, assuring him of a resounding victory on election day.

In response, the candidate promised to deliver quality representation that would “put smiles on their faces.”

Ward 4 stakeholders also commended the sterling representation of Hon. Olufunke Comforter, the Oyo State House of Assembly member representing Ibadan North Constituency 1; the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade; and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. Toyin Balogun.

The highlight of the visit was the commissioning of a borehole project executed by Hon. Olufade and commissioned by Hon. Oyekunle DON.

The consultation train then moved to Ward 11, covering the Polytechnic of Ibadan, Samonda, and University of Ibadan communities.

Stakeholders, including student union leaders, traditional rulers, staff, and artisans—presented their developmental needs.

Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON pledged to address their concerns through quality representation while immediately attending to urgent demands such as borehole repairs and the installation of solar street lights.

The community hailed Hon. Babajide Gabriel, the Oyo State House of Assembly member representing Ibadan North Constituency 2, for his exceptional grassroots service and also applauded the leadership of Hon. Olufade, the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government.

In Ward 12, home to Hon. Babajide Gabriel, the team toured Agbowo and Bodija. Agbowo residents, in their show of loyalty to Hon. Gabriel, declared total support for “whoever Hon. Babajide Gabriel supports,” promising 100% backing for the PDP candidate, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON.

At Bodija, the Baale of Onipako offered prayers for Hon. Oyekunle’s success.

Stakeholders in both areas presented their demands for community development and received assurances from the PDP leadership that the dividends of democracy would reach them.

Moving on to Ward 5, which houses prominent leaders such as Hon. Olufunke Comforter and Hon. Toyin Balogun, stakeholders unanimously endorsed Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON.

In their separate remarks, Hon. Comforter and Hon. Balogun expressed appreciation for the community’s loyalty and assured them of continued impactful representation.

The visit ended with the commissioning of a borehole at Ikolaba, another project facilitated by Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government.

At Ward 10, covering Ajibade and University College Hospital (UCH), Hon. Oyekunle met with key influencers, students, staff, and various stakeholders.

The ward stakeholders warmly received the PDP candidate, tabled their requests, and received immediate interventions such as the provision of solar lighting.

Hon. Taiwo Lekan Salami, the 3SC Chairman, assured Hon. Oyekunle of Ward 10’s total support in the forthcoming election.

The final leg of the consultations was held in Ward 8, the political base of the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade. Residents of Ijokodo, Agbaje, Alaro, and Ilupeju-Sango areas turned out in large numbers to express confidence in Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle’s candidacy.

They commended Hon. Olufade and Hon. Gabriel for their outstanding contributions to community development and pledged to deliver bloc votes on August 16.

A key highlight was the collective donation of ₦2.5 million towards the repair of a faulty transformer in Alaro, with contributions from Hon. Olufade, Hon. Toyin Balogun, Hon. Demola Omotoso, and Hon. Oyekunle himself. Hon. Babajide Gabriel also fulfilled previous electoral promises made to the community.

Several solar street lights were distributed to illuminate the community.

Across all the wards visited, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle expressed heartfelt gratitude to the stakeholders for their overwhelming support, promising quality representation and sustainable development when elected.

The candidate’s entourage included:*Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, Executive Chairman, Ibadan North LG, Hon. Demola Omotoso, Chairman, Oyo State Housing Corporation & Campaign DG, Hon. Babajide Gabriel, Member, Oyo State House of Assembly (Ibadan North Constituency 2), Hon. Olufunke Comforter, Member, Oyo State House of Assembly (Ibadan North Constituency 1), Hon. Toyin Balogun, Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social Inclusion, Hon. Michael Ogunsina, PDP Youth Leader and Acting Publicity Secretary, Hon. Adebowale Falana, Chairman, Oyo State Youth Development Agency & Campaign Secretary, Hamdy Mustapha,Chief of Staff, Ibadan North LG, Hon. Kazeem Oshoniyi – Former Aare Latosa LCDA caretaker Chairman, Hon. Julian Nwachukwu, Ibadan North Local Government PDP Women Leader & SA to the Governor on Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Taiwo Lekan Salami, 3SC Chairman, Comrade Mustapha, Ibadan North Local Government PDP Party chairman, Ibadan North PDP Secretary, Adewumi Adeagbo, Hon. Olusoji Alade, Ibadan North PDP youth leader, Hon. Deji and other PDP stalwarts.

With these strategic consultations concluded, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle “DON” heads into the August 16 bye-election with overwhelming grassroots momentum and the backing of key stakeholders across Ibadan North Federal Constituency.

Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) has congratulated Alhaji Wasiu Olawale Sadare, the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, on the occasion of his birthday.

This is contained in a statement issued by his Media Office and made available to newsmen on Saturday in Ibadan.

Alli described Sadare as a dedicated party man, seasoned media strategist, and a loyal progressive who has remained consistent in promoting the ideals of the APC in the state.

The lawmaker extolled Sadare’s unrelenting commitment to the development of the party, saying his intellectual contributions and media engagement have remained instrumental to the strength and visibility of the APC in Oyo State.

He noted that Sadare has distinguished himself through his articulate and courageous defence of the party’s positions, often setting the record straight in the face of misinformation and political propaganda.

Alli wished the celebrant more years of good health, wisdom, and success, urging him to continue in his selfless service to the party and the people.

Politics is fundamentally about genuine connection—identifying with the people and aligning with their aspirations.

Hon. Folajinmi Oyekunle Don exemplifies this principle. He is not only in touch with the grassroots, but he has also earned widespread acceptance across Ibadan North Local Government.

His growing popularity is a reflection of his humility, genuine consensus by our Leader and Executive Governor of Oyo State His Excellency Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde Fogbontolu 1, his accessibility, and commitment to community transformation.

On the contrary, the APC appears to be in disarray ahead of the August 16th, 2025 bye-election.

Their candidate has struggled to gain traction within his own party, let alone among the broader electorate.

A glaring indicator of this disconnect is the lukewarm support from major party stakeholders.

Many leaders in Ibadan North have adopted a ‘sit-down-and-watch’ posture.

Even more telling is the situation within the party’s own aspirants’ forum.

Out of the six individuals who purchased the party’s N10 million nomination form, the United Aspirants Forum reached a consensus in favour of Hon. Khali Mustapha Repete.

However, the party’s final decision ignored this internal consensus, leading to deep resentment among core stakeholders.

Additionally, the loyal followers and close allies of the late Hon. Prince Olaide Akinremi (Jagaban) have distanced themselves from the APC’s campaign.

The symbolic locking of Akinremi Hall and the displacement of meetings to the field as venue is evidence of internal resistance.

Ironically, those who were at the forefront of mobilization and empowerment efforts during Jagaban’s lifetime are now being tagged as his workers, DSTV Installer, Banner producer —despite being the backbone of the Akinremi political structure during his lifetime and even after his death.

Those who are being tagged as his workers are the one shortlisting their name for empowerments like Micra, Okada, Marwa and many others items. That is politics for you.

In legal parlance, possession implies ownership.

And where you find the elder brother of the late Akinremi, Alhaji Abideen Akinremi (Big Daddy) with those tagged to be workers shows they are the one to reckon with, it is safe to say the authentic Akinremi legacy Forum camp has spoken.

Moreover, discontent within the APC has reached a tipping point. Many loyalists have rejected party agents, and key Apex leaders are openly displeased with the emergence of Hon. Wale Olatunji (Murphy) over the consensus preference, Hon. Umar Farouq Arisekola Alao.

Out of 25 identified APC Apex Leaders in Ibadan North, no fewer than 20 consider Murphy’s candidacy a breach of internal democracy and political decency.

In contrast, the PDP and Hon. Folajinmi Oyekunle Don enjoy uncommon unity, clarity, and the full backing of the people.

The tide is clear, and so is the outcome. Saturday, August 16th, is not just a bye-election—it is a declaration of the people’s will. A landslide victory is imminent.

It is indeed a Don Deal.

Hon. Kazeem Ademola Alimi writes from Ibadan North Federal Constituency

All fears surrounding who will flag the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming bye-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency have been laid to rest as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially released the final list of candidates.

The House of Representatives seat in the constituency became vacant following the death of Late Honourable Musiliu Olaide Akinremi in July, 2024.

INEC’s official release revealed that Olatunji Haastrup Adewale, aged 62 with qualifications of both FSLC and a WAEC/GCE is the All Progressives Congress, APC candidate.

Other parties’ candidates include 48-year-old, Akin Alamu Dexter Femi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), 49-year-old, Odususi Olajumoke Olabisi of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), 42-year-old, Oyekunle Fola Sunday of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and 78-years-Old, Hammed Badmus of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

Notably, prior to the INEC publication, a group of United Aspirants in the APC, comprising of six aspirants had sent a letter to the party’s apex body, unanimously agreeing to support Hon. Khalil Mustapha Repete as their consensus candidate after meetings with stakeholders at the State Party Secretariat in Ibadan.

The INEC release confirms Olatunji Adewale Murphy as the APC candidate, contrary to the aspirants decision.