The Ibarapaland Traditional Council, comprising monarchs from all seven towns in the zone, converged in Eruwa on Wednesday to unanimously endorse the ambition of the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, to contest the Oyo 2027 governorship race.
The endorsement came during a high-level meeting of traditional rulers and stakeholders held in Eruwa. During the session, the monarchs collectively expressed confidence in the Speaker’s leadership credentials, political experience, and capacity to govern the state.
Leading the royal fathers was the Eleruwa of Eruwa, HRM Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola, Akobo Olurin I. Other prominent monarchs in attendance included:
- The Olu of Igboora, HRM Oba Jimoh Titiloye Ayinla
- The Onidere of Idere, HRM Oba Rev. Kingsley Aderoju Onikola
- The Asigangan of Iganga, HRM Oba AbdulRafiu Adeniyi Olaniyi
- The Asawo of Ayete, HRM Oba Emmanuel Ewuola Okeniyi
- The Onilala of Lanlate, HRM Oba Sunday Bolawaye Oladeji
- The Elempe of Tapa, HRM Oba Titiloye Sunday Owolabi
- The Oluaso of Iberekodo, HRM Oba Jamiu Badmus Adedamola
A Worthy Son of Ibarapaland
The monarchs, speaking one after the other, described Ogundoyin as a “worthy son of Ibarapaland whose political trajectory has demonstrated resilience, competence, and a deep understanding of governance.”
They noted that his record of winning three consecutive elections, his emergence as Speaker on two occasions, and being the immediate past Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, place him in a strong position to lead Oyo State.
They further emphasised that his aspiration represents a significant opportunity for Ibarapaland to produce a governor, describing the development as “both historic and encouraging.” The royal fathers offered prayers for the success of his ambition and pledged to mobilise sons and daughters of the zone, both at home and in the diaspora, to support his gubernatorial bid.
Seeking Royal Blessings
Earlier in his remarks, Adebo Ogundoyin formally informed the traditional rulers of his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election. He explained that his visit was to seek their endorsement and royal blessings, acknowledging the critical role of traditional institutions in shaping political direction and community support.
The meeting also had in attendance key leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political stakeholders from the zone. Among them were the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, and Alhaji Aborode Majekodunmi.
Community leaders from Eruwa also attended, led by Chief J.A. Peluola, showing the broad-based support for the Speaker within the zone as he prepares for the Oyo 2027 governorship race.
