Ahmed Ajibola, a prominent ally of Seyi Tinubu, has officially resigned from the City Boy Movement, a political support group linked to the president's son. In a detailed public letter shared on his Instagram page on Thursday, August 6, Ajibola, who previously served as the Oyo State coordinator, cited concerns over the movement's direction at the state level as the primary reason for his exit.
Resignation Letter Details
Ajibola's resignation letter expressed gratitude to the national leadership for the opportunity to serve, but it also highlighted recent developments that influenced his decision. According to the letter, Ajibola was removed from his position as Oyo State coordinator and subsequently offered two new roles: Coordinator, Directorate Affairs, at the state level, and Coordinator, Stakeholder Engagement, for the South-West region. However, he declined both appointments.
In his statement, Ajibola emphasized that his decision was based on principle rather than personal resentment. He said leadership should be built on fairness, loyalty, transparency, competence, and mutual respect, adding that recent events within the state structure no longer reflected those values. While praising the national leadership, he expressed disappointment with the conduct and decisions of the newly appointed state leadership in Oyo State.
Loyalty to Tinubu Unshaken
Despite his resignation, Ajibola reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to President Bola Tinubu. He declared continued support for the Renewed Hope Agenda and vowed to contribute to the president's re-election campaign in 2027. The City Boy Movement, established to mobilize support for President Tinubu across Nigeria, has been a key platform for youth engagement and political advocacy.
Ajibola's exit comes amid broader scrutiny of the movement's internal dynamics. The development has sparked discussions among political observers about the challenges of maintaining cohesion within grassroots political organizations, especially as the 2027 elections approach.
Context and Reactions
The City Boy Movement, associated with Seyi Tinubu, has been instrumental in promoting the president's political agenda. However, Ajibola's resignation highlights potential fissures within the group, particularly at the state level. His reference to "some actions" falling short of the ideals that inspired members suggests deeper concerns about the movement's operational integrity.
In a related development, actor Austine Emmanuel recently criticized Seyi Tinubu over the worsening economic hardship in Nigeria. Emmanuel, in a video shared on Instagram, urged Seyi to reflect on his father's legacy and focus on the struggles of ordinary citizens rather than political ambitions. These incidents collectively point to growing public and internal scrutiny of the Tinubu political circle.
Impact and Future Outlook
Ajibola's resignation may prompt other members to reassess their roles within the movement, potentially affecting its grassroots mobilization efforts. However, his reaffirmed support for President Tinubu suggests that the movement's core political objectives remain intact. As the 2027 election cycle gains momentum, the City Boy Movement's ability to navigate internal disagreements will be crucial for its effectiveness.
Observers note that the movement's success will depend on its capacity to address members' concerns and maintain a unified front. Ajibola's principled stand, as articulated in his letter, sets a precedent for accountability and transparency within political support groups, which could influence how similar organizations operate in the future.
