President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole, has assured that Ibadan will not wield its numerical strength as a political weapon in the race toward the 2027 governorship election.
He said the city, despite its size and influence, will never restrict the state’s top office to its own indigenes while noting the need for fairness and inclusivity.
Ajewole spoke during a live edition of the BCOS programme Guest of the Month, where he reflected on Ibadan’s political history, identity, and its place in the unfolding dynamics of Oyo State politics.
He pointed out that Ibadan controls 11 of Oyo State’s 33 local governments, yet has never turned that advantage into a tool for political domination.
He recalled moments in the state’s political past when non-Ibadan candidates earned convincing victories over strong Ibadan contenders, citing former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala’s win against notable Ibadan politicians, including the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
“For us in Ibadan, what has always counted is competence. If someone comes with capacity, campaigns here, and earns the trust of the people, we will support him.
“Origin has never been our yardstick. Ibadan will not gate-keep the governorship,” he stated.
He repeated that voters in the ancient city are known for independent judgment, not blind loyalty, and will extend support to any aspirant who demonstrates credibility, whether Ibadan-born or from another zone.
Turning to governance, Ajewole praised Governor Seyi Makinde for what he described as consistent, people-focused leadership.
He noted that Makinde assumed office without previous political appointments, yet has delivered infrastructural and administrative gains that have drawn statewide respect.
He highlighted the Ibadan Circular Road as an example, a project conceived long before the Makinde administration but now moving toward completion.
“The idea had been there for years. This government picked it up and is seeing it through. When it is completed, it will serve everyone. That is how leadership works,” he said.
On public concerns about ongoing protests linked to aspects of the project, he explained that engagements are underway between stakeholders and the governor. He described Makinde as a responsive leader who listens even when the issues raised seem minor.
Ajewole also addressed a recurring identity debate. According to him, Ibadan indigene status is defined strictly through paternal lineage.
The city, he said, was built by warriors and has always operated as a republican society with clear ancestral structures.
He expressed worry about the growing trend of families selling ancestral lands outright to non-indigenes. While affirming that Ibadan people are naturally welcoming, he cautioned that unrestricted land sales could erode heritage.
He urged families to consider leasing rather than permanent transfers, noting that the Olubadan-in-Council has already set up a committee to look into the matter.
On security, he acknowledged improvements across Ibadan and credited part of the progress to the compound security initiative championed by Chief Dotun Sanusi.
Through this system, compounds now have designated volunteers trained by the police, with the Olubadan granting compound heads the authority to act as first responders.
He said this community-driven effort helped tackle the once-notorious menace of the One Million Boys, strengthening public safety and restoring confidence.
Speaking on his reflection on national issues, Ajewole insisted that Nigeria will not achieve real progress without returning to true federalism.