…says Oba Ladoja must be respected in Oyo state’s political landscape
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and respected Ibadan businessman, Chief Ismail Akinade Fijabi, has asserted that Governor Seyi Makinde’s preferred candidate will be unbeatable regardless of party affiliation or candidate strength.
Fijabi made this bold pronouncement during a radio interview on “Political Circuit,” a popular current affairs program anchored by Abolade Salami on Fresh 105.9 FM Ibadan on Sunday.
He blamed the internal crises and festering disunity in Oyo APC for its perceived inability to present a strong front ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial contest.
“As things stand today, it will be almost impossible for anyone to defeat Governor Makinde’s anointed candidate, even if he anoints a dog.
“Oyo APC is in shreds. Those who left the party and came back should be asked to go and queue up again,” Fijabi stated.
Citing the alleged marginalisation of the party’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin, Chief Fijabi accused President Bola Tinubu and key APC powerbrokers of sidelining loyal party members.
“Teslim Folarin is being unjustly treated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC. He was our flagbearer, yet he has not been given any role or recognition, meanwhile, those who worked against the party were rewarded,” he added.
He claimed that the APC in Oyo lacks a central leader and has become a fragmented body with multiple factions pursuing selfish interests.
“They go around holding clandestine meetings and claim they are moving the party forward. It’s all a joke.
“Without people like myself, Senator Folarin, my son Hon. Saheed Fijabi, and others, those meetings mean nothing,” he declared.
Fijabi, who holds the traditional title of Ekefa Olubadan of Ibadanland, also heaped praise on Governor Makinde for his developmental strides in the state.
“He is doing greatly well. He has succeeded in transforming Oyo State. People may have their opinions, but as for me and my household, I believe Governor Makinde is doing excellently,” he said.
On the potential lineup of APC aspirants for 2027, the elder statesman mentioned notable names such as Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Honourable Remi Oseni, and his son, Hon. Saheed Akinade Fijabi, as viable contenders.
Despite being a staunch APC member, Fijabi’s admiration for Makinde’s leadership and his doubt about APC’s preparedness for the next governorship election stirred discussions across political circles.
Rounding off the interview, Fijabi called for respect toward elder statesman and traditional ruler, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, stressing his importance in Oyo’s political and cultural landscape.
“Oba Ladoja is no longer a partisan politician. He is now a revered traditional leader who must be respected and consulted in times of political uncertainty,” he concluded.
Credit: Pm parrot news