Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reportedly intensified behind-the-scenes consultations with members of his cabinet and key political stakeholders in a bid to halt the growing wave of defections threatening his political structure ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The consultations followed the departure of several prominent politicians and government officials, particularly from Ogbomoso Zone, with many reportedly pitching their tents with the All Progressives Congress (APC), further strengthening the opposition party’s presence in the state.
Among the latest defectors are the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi; Alhaji Rasak Gbadegesin (Agbeti); Hon. Timothy Oyeniyi; Hon. Alabi Olateju; Hon. Isaiah Adegbite; Hon. Peter Oyetunji; and Hon. Jimoh Sikiru, the APM chairman in Ogbomoso North. Other political figures and local government representatives from Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Surulere and Ogo-Oluwa are also said to have joined the exodus.
The latest developments came after a series of resignations involving key government officials.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Ayobami Oluwaseun Ojo, and the ministry’s Special Adviser, Simeon Adegbola Oyeleke, resigned with effect from November 2. While Ojo did not disclose his reason, Oyeleke cited an uncomfortable working environment and difficulties representing his people’s aspirations while serving in government.
Other officials who have reportedly left include Sunday Olugbenga Falana, who resigned from the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), and Tara Adefope, Director-General of the Due Process Office. Their exits have added to the growing list of departures from the administration.
The governor has also lost several influential political figures, including the Chairman of his Advisory Council, Hosea Agboola, popularly known as Alleluyah; former Deputy Governor and Ambassador, Taofeek Arapaja; and Alhaji Bisi Olopoeniyan. Agboola and Arapaja have reportedly moved to the APC.
Former Political Adviser, Chief Babatunde Oduyoye, and Special Adviser on Security, Fatai Owoseni, have also left the governor’s political camp.
Worried by the growing political realignment, Makinde is said to have been holding frequent meetings with his remaining loyalists and aggrieved stakeholders at his residences in Ikolaba and Kolapo Ishola Estate, Ibadan.
The meetings reportedly focused on identifying the causes of the crisis and finding ways to prevent further defections.
Sources familiar with the discussions said the governor expressed concern over the growing exodus and sought suggestions on how to retain the remaining party faithful and protect the platform’s chances in the 2027 governorship election.
At the centre of the reported disagreement is Makinde’s alleged unilateral decision to endorse Adekanmbi as the party’s governorship candidate for 2027.
Some stakeholders reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the move, accusing the governor of taking critical political decisions without adequate consultation.
Other participants reportedly blamed aspects of the administration’s policies and leadership style for the growing discontent, arguing that they had generated negative publicity and widened divisions within the political camp.
The latest meeting, which reportedly lasted until the early hours of Thursday, ended without a concrete strategy to stop the defections. With more political figures said to be considering their next moves, Makinde’s efforts to rebuild confidence among his loyalists face mounting challenges as political alignments ahead of the 2027 election continue to take shape.
