A political controversy has erupted in Oyo State following allegations that the Olubadan of Ibadanland was linked to moves aimed at destabilising the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.
The claims were contained in a public statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, who distanced himself from any alleged plot to create division within the state’s leadership.
According to Oyekola, the issue came to light after a meeting of lawmakers at the Governor’s House, where it was discovered that certain individuals were allegedly working to pitch the House of Assembly against the governor and the state government.
He disclosed that the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, had been invited by the Olubadan after previously seeking the monarch’s support for his governorship ambition. During the meeting, the monarch was said to have advised the Speaker and allegedly offered to facilitate a House of Representatives ticket for him under the All Progressives Congress (APC), along with financial backing for the election.
However, Oyekola noted that the Speaker declined the offer.
The lawmaker further revealed that the Speaker was also approached by former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, on a similar matter, where he was allegedly offered money but refused and did not accept any inducement.
Oyekola emphasised that he was neither involved in nor aware of any such meetings or arrangements, stressing his commitment to the current administration. He reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Makinde and reiterated his support for the peace, unity, and continued progress of the state.
Below is the full statement released by Oyekola:
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
I, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Member Representing Atiba State Constituency, hereby issue this public statement following the meeting held today by members of the Oyo State House of Assembly at the Governor’s House.
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.
It was revealed that the Rt. Hon. Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin was invited by the Olubadan of Ibadanland after he (the Speaker) had earlier gone to seek the Kabiyesi’s support for his governorship ambition. 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 Speaker further disclosed that he was again invited by the former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, on the same subject matter. He said he was offered money but declined and did not collect anything from them.
I, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, 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. 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. I remain firmly committed to the peace, unity, and continued progress of Oyo State. I vote for peace in Oyo State at all times.
“Omo Oko ni mi, Emi kii se omo ale Oyo State”
Signed:
Hon. Gbenga Oyekola
Chief Whip, Oyo State House of Assembly (OYHA)
Member Representing Atiba State Constituency
The allegations have since stirred political reactions, with observers noting that the development could heighten tensions within Oyo State’s political landscape if not promptly addressed.