Controversy and politics often go hand-in-hand and 2024 isn’t an exceptional. Several politicians have made headlines in Oyo State for their politicking, divisive rhetoric, and unconventional methods. In this report, ITV Newspaper will delve into the key politicians who have significantly shaped Oyo state politics as the year runs out .
They are the real makers and breakers and these crop of individuals have left an indelible mark on the state’s politics, sparking intense debates and reactions from the public. The state governor, his deputy , lawmakers have been at the center of controversy, with some facing criticism for their handling of key issues, while others have been praised for their bold decisions.
Some of the notable figures include :
- Shittu Aremu Ibrahim
Ibraheem Aremu Shittu, was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the last general election and won the Saki West State Constituency Seat at the Oyo state House of Assembly having defeated his predecessor,Hon Femi Julius Okedoyin, candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and others in 2023 polling 13,692 votes while PDP’s Okedoyin polled 13,422.
Shittu Aremu Ibrahim, a young and ambitious politician, made waves in Oyo politics in 2024 following a rerun conducted by the electoral body.
Although he was declared the winner of the Saki West State Constituency re-run election for Oyo State House of Assembly, his journey to this point has been marked by challenges, including a tribunal nullified his initial election win and a subsequent appeal .
A by-election for a House of Assembly seat high-stakes the contest, especially when it become a tug of war between Governor Seyi’s anointed candidate and the opposition party. The scenario played out in various ways, but ultimately, it’s a battle for control and influence.
In the situation, the Governor tried to use his influence to ensure his party won the by-election, while the opposition party tried to capitalize on the weaknesses in the Governor’s camp to gain an advantage. The opposition party also tried to portray the by-election as a referendum on the Governor’s performance, which added an extra layer of complexity to the contest.
The outcome of the by-election has significant implications for the balance of power in the House of Assembly. If the Governor’s party had won, it could strengthen his hold on power and made it more difficult for the opposition party to pass legislation. On the other hand, when Shittu’s party won, it gave the opposition a much-needed boost and create an opportunity to challenge the Governor’s agenda in the House.
The by-election became as a bellwether for future elections in the constituency, providing insight into the mood of the electorates and the relative strength of the party.
It seems like the Honorable member is facing a bit of a challenge after being overlooked by the governor for a chance to represent his people effectively.
Ultimately, the decision not to give Shittu Aremu a chance at the state house after a rerun has been having significant consequences, both for him as honorable member and the community he represents.
Shittu Aremu Ibrahim’s future in politics is uncertain, with his ambitions potentially being put on hold due to various reasons, such as a loss of support from his party, a decline in public popularity, or even personal issues. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that Shittu Aremu Ibrahim is facing a challenging time in his political career.
Given the ups and downs he’s faced, it’s possible that Ibrahim may be reevaluating his political ambitions. However, without an official statement from him or his team, it’s difficult to say for certain what his plans are.
It’s unclear whether he’ll contest in the next election. Only time will tell if he’ll decide to contest in the next election.
- Akeem Agbaje
Akeem Agbaje is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who’s been making waves in Oyo State’s political scene. As a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Ibadan, he’s demonstrated his commitment to justice and fairness . He hails from the illustrious Agbaje family of Ibadan, known for their legacy of service and leadership .
He’s been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education, and has supported various initiatives to empower the youth. Agbaje’s vision for Oyo State includes expanding access to quality education, improving healthcare services, and investing in infrastructure to modernize the state
Interestingly, Agbaje comes from a family with a strong legacy of public service. His grandfather, Agbajelola Salami, was a wealthy businessman who provided free education to his community, while his father, Yekini Agbaje, is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) .
In 2024, Akeem Agbaje is a name that’s been gaining traction in Oyo State’s political scene, and for good reason. As a serious gubernatorial contender, he’s been making waves with his vision for the state’s future.
In the 2023 Oyo State gubernatorial election, Agbaje contested for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket, where he scored 15 votes, placing third behind Teslim Folarin and Adebayo Adelabu .
As a gubernatorial contender, Agbaje’s strengths lie in his ability to connect with the people and his willingness to tackle tough issues. His vision for Oyo State is centered around creating opportunities for economic growth, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that the state’s resources are utilized efficiently.
Will Agbaje’s gubernatorial ambition finally come to fruition? Only time will tell, but for now, he is certainly on the right track.
3. Jubril Dotun Sanusi
Dotun Jubril Sanusi is a Nigerian businessman, engineer, and philanthropist who has made a significant impact in his community. Born in 1968 in Ibadan, Oyo State, he grew up in the Elekuro area and attended Wesley Primary School and Christ Apostolic Church Grammar School for his elementary and secondary education, respectively .
Sanusi’s professional journey began with Halliburton Nigeria Limited, where he rose through the ranks before moving to other companies, including Saipem Drilling and Beckfield Drilling Services. In 2004, he established his own company, TNL Drilling Services, which has since grown into a successful indigenous oil and gas drilling company .
Apart from his business ventures, Sanusi is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. He has provided scholarships to underprivileged students and supported local clinics and health programs. His foundation has also partnered with international organizations to provide opportunities for young people ².
Sanusi’s most notable business venture is the Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, which has become a premier destination for tourism and entertainment in Oyo State. The resort has created numerous job opportunities and has contributed to the state’s economic growth .
In 2023, Sanusi’s intention to run for the governorship of Oyo State has been making the headlines, but later announced his withdrawal from the race, citing personal reasons .Despite that,various interest groups ( small and large ) are gunning for him .
JDS’s gubernatorial ambition has raised eyebrows in Oyo State, with many questioning his sincerity and commitment to the people. Jibril has built a reputation for being a successful businessman and philanthropist, but his recent actions suggest that he’s more interested in gunning for the gubernatorial ambition with hide and seek .
Rumors have been circulating that Sanusi is in talks with several parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, neither party has officially confirmed his membership or candidacy.
As at the time of filing this report,, Jibril’s party affiliation remains a major question mark. Will he scuttle his ambition ,will he ultimately settle on a party, or will his gubernatorial ambitions be derailed by his inability to secure a clear platform? Only time will tell.
- Zacch Adedeji
Zacch Adedeji is a Nigerian politician and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He has been involved in various political activities and has held leadership positions within the party.
Currently, he is the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), an agency in charge of tax reforms in the country. Adedeji took over the affairs of FIRS on September 15, 2023,
Adedeji has been a vocal advocate for good governance, transparency, and accountability in government. He has also been a strong supporter of youth empowerment and development, and has worked to create opportunities for young people in his community.
In recent times, Adedeji has been mentioned as a potential figure for the Oyo State governorship seat. While he has not officially declared his intention to run, his name has been floated as a possible contender for the APC ticket.
Adedeji’s political experience and leadership skills make him a strong potential candidate for the governorship seat. His commitment to good governance and youth empowerment has earned him a reputation as a dedicated and passionate leader.
In a development that is set to boost his governorship ambitions, Zacch Adedeji, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, has found favor with President Bola Tinubu.
Sources close to the presidency reveal that Adedeji’s name has been included in the president’s “favored book”, a list of politicians who have earned the president’s trust and confidence.
Adedeji’s inclusion in the president’s favored book is seen as a significant endorsement of his governorship ambitions. The president’s support is expected to give Adedeji a significant boost in his bid to secure the APC ticket for the Oyo State governorship election.
According to sources, Adedeji’s loyalty to the party and his commitment to the president’s vision for Nigeria were key factors in his inclusion in the favored book. The president is said to be impressed with Adedeji’s leadership skills and his ability to reform the agency.
Adedeji’s camp is ecstatic about the development, with his supporters hailing it as a major victory for their candidate. “This is a clear indication that Zacch Adedeji is the president’s choice for the Oyo State governorship election,” said a source close to Adedeji’s campaign team.
While the president’s endorsement is not a guarantee of victory, it is expected to give Adedeji a significant advantage in the APC primary election in 2027. Adedeji’s opponents will have to work hard to counter the president’s influence and persuade delegates to support their own candidates.
In his strategic move to consolidate his power and strengthen his governorship bid, Zacch Adedeji, has beeb using his influence to facilitate the appointments of top politicians into his camp.
Sources close to Adedeji’s campaign team reveal that he has successfully lured several high-profile politicians to join his camp instrumenting their appointments including Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe , the Oyo South Senatorial candidate under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Will Adedeji’s governorship ambition succeed? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – he is a force to be reckoned with in the Oyo State APC.
- Kareem Tajudeen Abisodun
Tajudeen Abisodun Kareem is a member of the House of Representatives, representing the Saki East/Saki West/Atisbo federal constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He is also the chairman of the House Committee on Culture and Tourism in the 10th Assembly . He has also been engaging in intense lobbying and horse-trading to secure coveted committee assignments including Chairman, House Committee on Federal Character and regional Committee .
He has been re-elected twice, in 2007 and 2011 and is currently serving his third term in the 10th National Assembly .
Tajudeen Abisodun Kareem’s sudden political Senatorial shift raised eyebrows
In a surprise move that has left many in the political circle in Okeogun area bewildered, Hon. Kareem Tajudeen Abisodun ,a serving member of the House of Representatives, has tactically declared his intention to contest for the Senate through his Advanced team.By making this tactical declaration, the lawmaker is likely trying to gauge public support, build anticipation, and stake their claim as a strong contender for the Senate seat. This move can also help him attract more supporters and donors from those who are keenly interested in his moves .
This sudden career shift has sparked intense debate,with some questioning whether Kareem’s ambition is driven by a genuine desire to serve the people, by personal interest or by opportunism.
His staunch supporters argue that ,his experience as a third timer in the House of Representatives has equipped him with the necessary skills and expertise to represent his people at the Senate. They point to his track record of sponsoring bills and motions, as well as his commitment to constituency development projects.
However, critics argue that Kareem’s decision to abandon his seat in the House of Representatives for a Senate seat in 2027 is a clear indication of his inordinate ambition. They claim that his actions are driven by a desire for personal aggrandizement, rather than a genuine desire to serve the people having served in that capacity for 12 years. Some pundits observed that, he should vacant the National Assembly for others to prove their capabilities.
Supporters of Kareem Tajudeen’s response to these criticisms is that, his decision to run for the Senate is “driven by his passion to serve the people and make a greater impact on the lives of his constituents, claiming that his experience in the House of Representatives has prepared him for the challenges of the Senate, and that he is committed to delivering on his campaign promises as a member representing his people and by extension, his ability to coordinate other APC Rep’s members from Oyo State .
They also argued that, it’s unbecoming for three LGAs (Ogbomoso ) to be having overbearing influence on 10 LGAs ( Okeogun) . They are of the opinions that , the progressive family has never produced a Senator from Okeogun area.
The people of Kareem’s constituency are watching his moves closely, eager to see if he can deliver on his promises to earn him greater opportunity.
One thing is certain; Kareem’s sudden career shift has raised eyebrows, and his ambition will be subject to intense scrutiny as events unfold.
The key question on everyone’s mind is: what drives Tajudeen’s ambition? Is it a genuine desire to serve the people, or is it a selfish desire for power and prestige? Only time will tell.
Meanwhile, his ambition has divided the Party loyalties in Okeogun area particularly in his federal constituency. The development has left many wondering if Tajudeen’s ambition has become a liability for the party.
Tajudeen, who has been a stalwart of the party, has been accused of trying to use his position to push through his will in Okeogun area. His critics argue that his decision to seek for political advancement is a clear indication of his disregard for the party’s internal dynamics.
Sources within the rank and file of the party reveal that ,Tajudeen’s ambition has created a rift among party loyalists especially among those loyal to the Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Buhari Abdulfatai who has reservations on his political futures
As the drama unfolds, one thing is certain: Kareem Tajudeen’s senatorial bid has become a litmus test for the party’s unity and cohesion in the area. Will the party find a way to resolve the crisis, or will Tajudeen ‘sambition tear the party apart? Only time will tell.
Kareem Tajudeen is not the only Okeogun man eyeing the Senatorial seat. Three other personalities from Progressives fold are eyeing the Senatorial seat in Okeogun area and they’re all big names in Oyo politics.
An Otu-born politician, is gunning for the seat.He’s got experience on his side, having served in various capacities. Another former deputy governor, also known, is eyeing the Senatorial seat. He’s currently making the move to the Senate. Lastly, a former Head of Service in Oyo State is also keenly interested in the seat .She got a strong background in Oyo politics.
- Buhari Abdulfatai
Buhari Abdulfatai is a consistent third term senator who has been representing Oyo North Senatorial District since 2015. Born on November 12, 1965, in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
Before becoming a senator, Abdulfatai Buhari had a stint in the House of Representatives, representing Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, and Oriire Federal Constituency from 2003 to 2007. He was also a manager at UTC(SCOA) and managing director at Abapat.
Buhari was also a one time Special Adviser to late Abiola Ajimobi on Water Resources before becoming a commissioner and his track record and unalloyed loyalty earned him a ticket for the Senatorial seat.
As a senator, his legislative interests include appropriation, petroleum, navy, and transport. He’s currently the chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation and has previously chaired the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Crime, as well as the Senate Committee on Land and Marine Transport.
Abdulfatai Buhari has been re-elected twice, in 2019 and 2023, and is currently serving his third term in the 10th National Assembly under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) .
In the last election, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai attempted to contest for the Oyo State governorship seat in the 2023 general elections. The announcement sent shockwaves throughout the state’s political landscape, with many analysts viewing it as a calculated move to expand his political influence but factoring God in the equation,he was given a Senatorial ticket and won for the third consecutive term.
There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding the career trajectory of Buhari, the current senator representing Oyo North senatorial district. As he’s been making waves in the Senate, many have been urging him to take his career to the next level. Specifically, people are advising him to advance from his current Senatorial seat to the governorship position so as to give other APC prominent members a chance especially those from Okeogun area.
This development has made the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ifedapo axis to be facing internal conflicts that are threatening to tear the party apart among those loyal to the Senator and Hon. Kareem Tajudeen Abisodun representing Saki West,Saki East and ATISBO federal constituency. The party is grappling with power struggles, factionalism, and infighting in the area.
One thing is certain, Buhari Abdulfatai has options to choose as a top ranking political stakeholder in Oyo State; The Senate, the Deputy governorship seat or Agodi landlord.
Will Abdulfatai’s ambition pay off, or will he face stiff opposition from within his party and from other contenders? The answer lies in the hands of those who would control the party structure ahead of the next elections .
- Bayo Lawal
Abdulraheem Adebayo Adeleke Lawal is a lawyer and Okeogun born politician who has been serving as the deputy governor of Oyo State since July 2022, born 14th April,1954 and was appointed to the position following the impeachment of Rauf Olaniyan on ground of misconduct and a series of allegations leveled against him.
Bayo Lawal is rumored to be eyeing the governorship seat to serve as a successor of Gov. Seyi Makinde. Although he has not officially declared his intention.
While the Deputy Governor’s decision is not entirely unexpected, it has raised questions about his chances of success and the potential implications for the state’s politics.
The Deputy Governor, who has been a loyal ally of the incumbent Governor, has been quietly building his own power base in recent months. He has been crisscrossing the state, attending local events and meeting with key stakeholders, in an effort to build support .
In a remarkable display of trust and confidence, the Governor has consistently handed over the reins of power to the Deputy Governor whenever he is absent from the state. This rare distinction has earned the Deputy Governor a unique place in the state’s history, as he is the only deputy governor to have been given this level of responsibility.
Sources close to the Governor’s office reveal that the Governor’s decision to hand over power to the Deputy Governor is a testament to his loyalty and competence.
However, despite his efforts, the Deputy Governor faces an uncertain future. The incumbent Governor has not publicly endorsed his deputy’s candidacy, and there are rumors that he may be supporting another candidate, Dotun Sanusi, the owner of Ilaji Hotels and resorts is on a good book of Gov. Seyi Makinde.
Additionally, the Deputy Governor will face stiff competition from other aspirants, including several high-profile politicians who are yet to publicly declare their intention to run.
Bayo Lawal’s governorship aspiration may also hit a roadblock following his poor performance in his Irepo LGA during the last general election. Despite being the Deputy Governor, he failed to deliver to his party (PDP) a development that has raised eyebrows among party stakeholders.. This is because winning one’s LG is often seen as a crucial test of a one’s popularity and electoral value.
The Deputy governor’s failure to deliver his Irepo LG can raise questions about his ability to mobilize support and win bigger elections. This can also lead to doubts among party leaders and delegates about his capacity to win the governorship election, ultimately may affect his chances of getting the party ticket .
As the Deputy Governor vies for the governorship seat, speculation is rife about his next move if he fails to secure the ticket. One question on everyone’s mind is whether he will return to his previous party (ADC) if his bid is unsuccessful or he weighs in another option for the Senatorial seat in the ruling PDP for Oyo North Senatorial District.
All eyes are now on the Deputy Governor and his bid for the governorship seat. Will he be able to overcome the odds and emerge victorious, or will he fall short? Only time will tell.
- Seyi Abiodun Makinde
Seyi Makinde is a second term governor in Oyo State since 2019 .His entry into politics was in 2007 when he contested for the Oyo South Senatorial seat on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Although he lost that election, he remained active in politics and later joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In 2019, Makinde contested for the governorship of Oyo State on the platform of the PDP and won, defeating the APC candidate, Bayo Adelabu, current minister of power .He was inaugurated as the Governor of Oyo State on May 29, 2019.
In 2024, Makinde has been a major critic of President Bola Tinubu who initiated the twin reforms of fuel subsidy and elimination of the country’s multiple exchange rate in 2023, used every opportunity he had in 2024 to explain to Nigerians the benefits of his policies. Makinde kept on assuring the public that the inconveniences occasioned by the reforms were targeted at the masses. He vehemently kicked against Local government autonomy, said the FG are not sincere.
Makinde remains active in the political space this year, making speeches that speak to the heart of the people as an opposition leader.