In a significant move to consolidate grassroots support ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, a leading aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has embarked on a series of high-level consultations.
Building From The Ground Up: Meetings With Local Government Leaders
On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Ajadi held separate strategic meetings with the Vice Chairmen and later the Chiefs of Staff from all 33 Local Government Councils in Oyo State. The meetings, held at different locations in Ibadan, were aimed at formally seeking their backing for his ambition to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde.
Addressing the assembly of Vice Chairmen, Ajadi framed his aspiration as a divine calling and a sense of duty, rather than a pursuit of personal gain. He urged them to act as foot soldiers, carrying his message directly to the people at the ward and community levels.
"This ambition is not driven by personal gain but by God’s calling and a sense of responsibility to serve," Ajadi stated. "I believe strongly that what God has ordained is already settled, and that is why I am taking this message directly to the grassroots."
A Blend of Experience and Political Journey
During the engagements, Ajadi presented his diverse background, describing himself as a politician, industrialist, humanitarian, and trained journalist with business interests in manufacturing, property management, and entertainment.
He traced his political exposure to the late Hon. Sesan Adeagbo (Elesan), who introduced him to political leaders across Oyo State in 2022 when he was a presidential aspirant under the NNPP. Ajadi also recalled stepping down from that presidential race for Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a sacrifice for which he was later offered the Ogun State governorship ticket.
His shift in focus to Oyo State was encouraged by notable leaders like Alhaji Bisi Olopoeyan, who invited him to bring his political ambition to his father's state.
Endorsements and Strategic Advice From Grassroots Leaders
The consultative approach was praised by party leaders present. Hon. Lukman Akinpelu from Egbeda Local Government noted that Ajadi had distinguished himself through genuine consultation rather than relying solely on publicity and billboards.
Several Vice Chairmen offered their support and strategic counsel. Hon. Ogundiya Sola of Atisbo LGA emphasized party unity as the key to electoral success, suggesting that inclusive politics would bring back defected members.
Hon. Kareem Mujidat of Ogbomoso South LGA urged Ajadi to sustain grassroots mobilization, while Hon. Alade Nureni of Oyo West LGA gave an emotional account of the aspirant's empathy. He revealed that during a scheduled visit, Ajadi chose to pay a condolence visit after learning of the death of two party members, instead of being upset about the cancelled meeting.
Continuity Agenda Unveiled to Chiefs of Staff
In a subsequent meeting with the Chiefs of Staff from the 33 councils, Ajadi unveiled what he termed a continuity agenda. He expressed his desire to build upon and consolidate the achievements of the current administration under Governor Seyi Makinde.
"I am here to formally inform you that my aspiration is to continue from where Governor Seyi Makinde will stop," he told the gathering. "What we are doing is not about personal ambition alone; it is about sustaining good governance, strengthening grassroots development and deepening the dividends of democracy across Oyo State."
Speaking on behalf of the Chiefs of Staff, Prince Rasaq Jelili Adewale of Irepo Local Government described Ajadi as a committed humanitarian whose widespread consultations had strengthened party unity. Other speakers, including Mrs. Areo Grace of Ogbomoso North—the state's first female Chief of Staff—advised Ajadi to uphold party discipline and sustain his inclusive approach.
Observers See a Formidable Grassroots Network Taking Shape
The twin engagements, which concluded with prayers for the success of Ajadi's aspiration, are seen by political observers as a clear signal of his resolve to build a broad-based, formidable grassroots network. As the 2027 governorship contest gradually takes shape in Oyo State, Ajadi's intensive, person-to-person consultation strategy is injecting fresh dynamism into the political landscape and positioning him as a serious contender for the PDP ticket.
