By Femi Ajiboye and Taofeek Mariam
Power in Oyo State has always carried both perception and reality, and too often, perception is allowed to distort the truth. A quiet narrative has emerged in the conversation, suggesting that Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi’s quest to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde is a power struggle between Ogbomoso and Ibadan. That narrative, though convenient for some, does not reflect the true character of the man or the history of his political journey.
Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi is not an outsider to Ibadan’s political strength, nor is he a contender seeking to displace it. Long before today’s conversations, he had already become part of the larger political family that defines the strength of Oluyole. From his days in the State legislative business, he had built relationships, earned trust, and contributed meaningfully to the same structure that continues to shape governance in the state today. His story is not one of division, but of integration.
Ibadan remains the political heartbeat of Oyo State, and nothing about Ogunwuyi’s aspiration changes that reality. The strength of Oluyole is not threatened, it is preserved. Power does not diminish by inclusion, it expands through unity. To present his candidacy as a regional contest is to misunderstand both the man and the moment.
There is no struggle for dominance here, no silent tug of war, no hidden agenda to shift the centre of gravity. What exists is a continuation of a shared political journey, one that recognises Ibadan’s place while embracing the contributions of others who have worked within its fold.
Those who push the narrative of “Ibadan l’oni power” as though it stands in opposition to Ogunwuyi miss an important truth. Power is not being taken away, it is being sustained by those who have long been part of its foundation. Ogunwuyi does not come to drag power, he comes as one who has helped to build and strengthen the very structure that Ibadan proudly leads.
The conversation, therefore, should not be about fear, but about facts. Not about division, but about continuity. And in that continuity, Ibadan remains strong, central, and respected, just as it has always been.
This is why those pushing for his aspiration have always centred his aspiration on competence, continuity and consolidation instead of regional power shift.
Ogunwuyi represents the future of the Omi Tuntun government in Oyo State which is all about putting the people first. Making the welfare of both the pensioners, workers traders, artisans, and students a top priority.
No other man knows the way to do these things except the man who has been part of this journey, played crucial roles both in implementation and execution other than the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Segun Ebenezer Ogunwuyi.
Otunba Mayeloye of Ijeru kingdom is not just an asset to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde but a worthy lieutenant who understands his thought processes.
So we ask again, who else is best suited for this job after Governor Seyi Makinde, if it weren’t Ogunwuyi?