Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) has extended heartfelt birthday wishes to Sen. Ayoade Adeseun and Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe, describing them as illustrious sons of Oyo State and pillars of progressive politics.

This is contained in a congratulatory message he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Friday in Ibadan.

Alli lauded their immense contributions to the political, social and economic development of Nigeria.

He described Adeseun as a seasoned politician, technocrat and nationalist whose impact has transcended legislative work and uplifted the lives of many constituents and Nigerians at large.

Alli noted that Adeseun’s leadership, commitment to grassroots empowerment and investment in education and healthcare development are legacies that continue to endure.

He also showered encomium on Aderibigbe, a legal luminary and renowned politician, whom he described as a loyal party chieftain and bridge-builder.

“Asiwaju Aderibigbe’s consistent dedication to party building and mentoring of younger politicians remain a reference point in Oyo State politics and beyond,” the statement read.

Alli prayed for long life, good health and divine wisdom for the duo, urging them to continue to offer their wealth of experience and guidance for the growth of the nation.

He expressed confidence that their contributions to national discourse and development would remain sources of inspiration to both emerging leaders and the wider society.

The lawmaker wished the duo long life, sound health and everlasting grace as they continue to contribute to the development of Oyo State as well as Nigeria.

Pensioners under the Ibadan North Local Government chapter of the Oyo State Local Government Pensioners Association have formally endorsed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency Bye-election, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, popularly known as DON.

The endorsement was made on Monday during the pensioners’ monthly meeting held at the Ibadan North Local Government Secretariat, where they unanimously pledged their support for the PDP candidate ahead of the August 16 poll.

The meeting had in attendance the Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Pensions Board, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige; the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade; and Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON himself.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige described Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle as a credible, humble, principled and loyal politician who has consistently demonstrated a passion for grassroots development.

He highlighted DON’s impressive performance during his tenure as a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde, assuring the pensioners that he would deliver quality representation at the National Assembly.

“I know you all love Governor Seyi Makinde, and he loves you too. He does not like to see pensioners suffer and has always worked towards your welfare.

I urge you to support Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON in the forthcoming election because he will make you proud,” Hon. Ige said.

Hon. Ige also announced that Governor Makinde has approved a sum of ₦2 billion for gratuity payments, with disbursement scheduled to commence in August.

In his remarks, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade commended the leadership of Hon. Akeem Ige at the Pensions Board and expressed appreciation to the pensioners for their continuous support for the present administration.

He assured them that the PDP candidate would uphold the values and style of leadership exemplified by Governor Makinde.

“The pensioners remain very important to us, and I thank you for always standing by our Governor.

Hon. DON is someone who sees Governor Makinde as his mentor and will not disappoint you.

I urge you to give him massive support,” Olufade said.

Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON, in his speech, paid glowing tribute to the pensioners for their years of dedicated service to the state, acknowledging their vital role in the re-election of Governor Makinde.

“I respect you so much because you have served tirelessly.

I assure you that just as Governor Makinde has never disappointed you, I will not disappoint you. My commitment to your welfare is unwavering,” he said.

DON also made personal financial contribution towards the construction of the pensioners’ secretariat building.

Speaking on behalf of the pensioners in Ibadan North Local Government, their chairman, popularly known as Baba Ricket, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Makinde for restoring dignity and life to retired workers after what he described as neglect by the previous administration.

“For this reason, we will always support anyone endorsed by Governor Seyi Makinde,” he said, while also commending Hon. Olufade for prioritizing the welfare of pensioners in Ibadan North and applauding Hon. Ige’s leadership at the pension board.

At the end of the meeting, the pensioners, through a unanimous decision, officially endorsed Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON as their preferred candidate for the August 16 Bye-election.

As part of ongoing efforts to galvanize grassroots support ahead of the August 16 bye-election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, popularly known as ‘DON’, has continued his stakeholders’ consultation tour with visits to Wards 9, 7, and 6.

The tour began in Ward 9, moved to Ward 7, and concluded in Ward 6. In each of the wards, Hon. Oyekunle met with a wide range of stakeholders, including religious leaders, traditional leaders, artisans, landlords’ associations, market men and women, and youth groups.

During the interactive sessions, stakeholders commended the leadership style and achievements of the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, praising him for his commitment to people-centered governance.

They also lauded Hon. Babajide Gabriel, the member representing Ibadan North Constituency 2 in the Oyo State House of Assembly, for his quality representation.

In his address, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade expressed appreciation for the warm reception given to the team in all three wards.

He assured the stakeholders of the party’s unwavering commitment to grassroots development, stating that he would continue to deliver dividends of democracy to all wards.

He further assured them that the PDP candidate, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, would provide quality, accessible, and responsive representation at the federal level.

To meet the immediate needs of the communities, Hon. Olufade made significant donations, including a generator to power a borehole in Ward 9 and financial support for the construction of a mosque in the same ward.

Hon. Babajide Gabriel, in his remarks, thanked constituents for their unwavering support for the PDP.

He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to delivering more developmental projects across all wards. He noted that Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle would be a valuable addition to the PDP team, complementing the efforts of local representatives and the executive chairman.

Notably, Hon. Gabriel also fulfilled a promise by funding the tiling of a mosque used by the mechanic group in Ward 7.

Also, in his remarks, Hon. Lanre Sarumi urged the people of Ward 7 to support the PDP candidate, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle ‘DON’, in the forthcoming August 16 bye-election.

Addressing the stakeholders, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to engage with the community.

He assured them of his readiness to serve as a listening, responsive, and effective legislator and pledged to work tirelessly to bring development and progress to Ibadan North Federal Constituency.

In response to community requests, he donated ₦500,000 towards the reconstruction of a mosque in Ward 9 and provided solar streetlights to select areas.

The consultation tour concluded with the commissioning of a motorized borehole project at Oke-Esu in Ward 6, executed by Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade and formally inaugurated by the PDP candidate, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle.

The PDP candidate’s entourage included Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government; Hon. Babajide Gabriel, member of the Oyo State House of Assembly; Hon. Michael Ogunsina, State PDP Youth Leader and Acting Publicity Secretary; Comrade Mustapha, Ibadan North PDP Chairman; Hon. Julian Nwachuku, Ibadan North PDP Women Leader; Hon. Adebowale Falana, Chairman of the Oyo State Youth Development Agency; Hamdy Mustapha, Chief of Staff, Ibadan North LG; Ibadan North Local Government PDP secretary, Adewumi Adeagbo;Hon. Olusoji Alade, and several other notable stakeholders.

The visit is part of a broader consultation and mobilization drive ahead of the August 16 bye-election, aimed at ensuring victory for the PDP and consolidating the party’s stronghold in Ibadan North.

As the bye-election into the vacant House of Representatives position in Ibadan North Federal Constituency draws closer, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has not been able to resolve the internal wrangling amongst them.

The United Aspirants Forum has decided to rally behind a consensus candidate in the forthcoming election on August 16, 2025.

The forum which consists of seven aspirants in a letter addressed to both national and state organ of the party expressed that it has decided to rally round the candidacy of Hon. Khalil Mustapha Repete as its consensus candidate. The decision was made after a meeting on 30th July, 2025, at the State Party Secretariat, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

The forum thereby requested that the party consider its choice of Hon. Mustapha Repete to ascertain maximum support in the bye-election.

“We, the seven aspirants under the platform of the United Aspirants Forum, Ibadan North Federal Constituency 2025, held a meeting on 30th July 2025 at the State Party Secretariat, Oke Ado, Ibadan. The meeting was conducted in two segments.

“The first segment comprised the Apex leaders of Ibadan North, the Peace Advocates led by Prince Adeyoju and Chief Wale Owu, and the leadership of the state, while the second segment was a closed-door meeting which included the state chairman, Alh. Olaide Abas, His Excellency, Barr. Iyiola Oladokun, His Excellency Chief Alake Adeyemo, His Excellency, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan.

“After serious deliberation in the closed-door meeting, we, the united aspirants, conducted an internal election among ourselves to determine the unified candidate for the party to move forward. The outcome of the election was clear: Hon. Khalil Mustapha Repete emerged as the winner.

“In light of this outcome, we have all resolved to mobilize our supporters for the candidature of Hon. Khalil Mustapha Repete in the forthcoming by-election. We believe that Hon. Khalil Mustapha Repete is the ideal candidate to lead our party to victory, and we pledge to support his candidacy and work together towards a victorious outcome that will strengthen the APC’s hold on the constituency.

“We humbly request that this resolution be considered and Hon. Khalil Mustapha Repete be recognized as our consensus candidate. This will enable us to present a united front and ensure a victorious outcome for the party.”

The aspirants involved in the consensus are; Olusegun Olaleye (Radical), Adekunle Oladeji (Omo Bao), Idris Lapade (Lapido), Oluyinka Omikunle, Saheed Aderounmu (Symbol), and Khalil Mustapha Repete.

Personal aides and confidants of Late House of Representative member, Honourable Olaide Akinremi have decided to boycott campaign activities of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the forthcoming bye-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency.

This was made known in a statement made available to OYOMIND in the early hours of Thursday, 31st July, 2025.

According the statement co-signed by late Akinremi’s aides and confidant, Ibadan North APC is characterized by threats, assualts, alongside unprovoked hatred and continuous verbal attack from leaders and members of the party since the late Reps member died in July 2024.

“We, members of the Akinremi Think Tank which comprises the personal and closest aides, confidants and supporters of late Rt. Hon. Prince Musiliu Olaide Akinremi (Jagaban) are using this avenue to communicate to the entire public that we have arrived at a decision of abstaining from everything that concerns the Ibadan North Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the course of the forthcoming bye-election set for 16th August 2025.

“Our decision to stay away from all activities of the Ibadan North APC all through the duration of this bye-election campaign and electoral process is as a result of several disappointing dispositions, unprovoked hatred, outrageous labelling, overbearing toxicity, and continuous verbal attacks from different layers of party leaders and members within Ibadan North APC, alongside a few collaborators of theirs in the Oyo State APC Executive. All of these we have long endured since the very day Hon. Olaide Akinremi died in July 2024.

“It is deeply concerning and disappointing that the Ibadan North APC is now a party characterized by threats, intimidation, violence, attacks, assaults and inhumane approaches. It is now a platform where there is no respect or regard for human feelings, emotions and sanctity, but only political interests and end gains.

“Sadly, we have recently have to come to terms with unbelievable direct physical assaults, every time trailings, threats of bodily harm to us and to our families. These are way out of line approaches, ones our late principal Hon. Olaide Akinremi Jagaban was never known for, and didn’t stand for, as he was a man who played his own politics by extending hands of love and friendship to everyone.

“Specifically on Monday 14th July 2025, one of us who was the Personal Assistant to late Hon. Olaide Akinremi was physically assaulted at our general Akinremi Legacy Forum meeting by sponsored thugs within the Ibadan North APC with others also directly threatened by the same set of people on that same day and till this present moment.

“Let us be clear, we have personally chosen to rise above the trauma of that day. We have forgiven, but we will not forget. And more importantly, we will not pretend that nothing happened or that such behavior can be swept under the carpet for the sake of political expediency.

“Conclusively, our stand is clear, we are staying away from the Ibadan North APC in the course of this bye election for our own peace of mind and personal safety.

“Thank you.”

The statement was signed by the following; 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, Mrs Mariam Alao and Mr AbdulMumeen Olaniyan.

The Oyo State Government commenced the construction of new shops at the car park of the popular Gbagi market in Ibadan at midnight to the surprise and discomfort of many traders,

This development has been described as unfortunate by multiple traders who spoke with this newspaper.

According to multiple traders who spoke to our correspondent, the park that the government is converting to new shops is the only one left in the market.

“Right now, there’s no designated place to park in the market. All day, everywhere has been clumsy because people had to park right inside the market,” one of the traders said.

“It’s happening out of nowhere. We just got to the market today and they said they are acting on the orders of (Governor) Seyi Makinde,” she added.

Multiple videos exclusively obtained and reviewed by this newspaper corroborated this development and the immediate discomfort it has created for traders in the market.

Some traders also pointed to the clandestine nature of the construction, which started in the middle of the night, as a pointer to what they describe as an unacceptable disorganization of the market.

Traders at Gbagi market in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have expressed outrage over the conversion of the car park in the market to new shops, describing it as an inconsiderate step from the Seyi Makinde led administration.

The construction of new shops at the market’s car park based on orders from the state government.

The construction, which started in the middle of the night to prevent the unsuspecting traders from halting it, has sparked outrage in the market.

New details gathered indicate that the shops currently occupied by traders in the market were recently allocated by the state government, with each trader paying N5 million naira for a very small store.

“I collected a loan to be able to afford this shop. I collected a loan of 5 million and I have to pay back six million,” one of the affected traders explained.

However, the construction of new shops at the market’s car park has created a gridlock, making accessibility to current shops in the market difficult for potential customers. “How do they expect us to make enough sales,” another trader in the market asked rhetorically. “My mother has a stroke. If I don’t make sales, how do I take care of her,” another trader added.

Multiple sources further explained that the construction of the new shops, which the government reportedly intend to allocate at N7.5 million each, is happening in spite of various protest letters written to the State government about its potential negative impact on trading activities in the market.

Some traders further allege that the state government has resorted to ‘threats of military intervention’ to clampdown on traders speaking against the ongoing construction.