During a recent interaction with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirants, the governor made headlines when he declared, “I won’t support a candidate above 52 years in 2027.” He also stressed that he would be heavily involved in the selection of his successor, thereby sending a powerful message to the political class across party lines: the next occupant of Agodi Government House must reflect youthfulness, competence, and loyalty.
This announcement has triggered serious political undercurrents and recalibrations among aspirants and power brokers, especially from the two major zones of interest—Ibadans and Oke-Ogun.
The Oke-Ogun Question: A Zone Ready to Lead
Oke-Ogun, comprising 10 Local Government Areas located in the northwest of Oyo State, is now at the epicenter of this political conversation. Former Minister of Communications, Barr. Adebayo Shittu, recently reignited the debate about equitable power distribution when he firmly declared that the zone will no longer accept the deputy governorship position. According to him, Oke-Ogun has played second fiddle for far too long.
Politically, Oke-Ogun is crucial. The region commands about 40% of Oyo State’s voting population. Yet, it has never produced a governor. Its people—an industrious mix of farmers, academics, business moguls, and traders—feel increasingly marginalized in the state’s political arrangement.
In contrast, Ibadan, which has 11 Local Government Areas, continues to dominate governorship outcomes. Historically, governors have emerged either from Ibadan or Ogbomoso. But with the growing clamour for inclusivity and zoning, Oke-Ogun is pressing its case louder than ever.
2027: The Emerging Gladiators
As Governor Makinde’s second term advances, several names have surfaced as possible successors, some of whom are believed to be testing the waters while aligning themselves with the governor’s ideology and expectations.
1. Shina Peller
A former House of Representatives member from Iseyin (Oke-Ogun), Shina Peller is known for his youthful energy, grassroots appeal, and progressive mindset. By 2027, he will be 51 years old—perfectly within Governor Makinde’s age cap for a successor. Peller’s recent political realignment and activities suggest he’s warming up for a bigger role in state politics.
2. Adebo Ogundoyin
The current Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and one of the youngest political leaders in Nigeria, Ogundoyin hails from the Ibarapa axis. At just 40 by 2027, he boasts legislative experience, youth appeal, and the advantage of already working closely with the executive arm. His loyalty to Makinde has remained consistent.
3. Adebayo Shittu
Shittu is a veteran in the game. A two-time gubernatorial aspirant and former Minister of Communications, he has never hidden his ambition to govern Oyo State. At over 70 years by 2027, however, his age may work against him, especially considering Governor Makinde’s public stance. Still, his influence in Oke-Ogun cannot be dismissed.
4. Amofin Beulah Ayanfe Adeoye
Arguably the most intriguing name in the mix, Adeoye is the new kid on the political block. Young, charismatic, and gaining visibility fast, he is quietly but strategically positioning himself through a subtle image and branding campaign. Rumours within political circles suggest he might enjoy the silent backing of key elements in Makinde’s camp.
5. Otunba Oluseye Opatoki
A technocrat with deep ties in the business community, Opatoki’s name has started appearing in inner political discussions. While he remains largely under the radar publicly, those in the know believe he is a dark horse with strong financial backing.
6. Adebayo Adelabu
Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and a two-time gubernatorial candidate, has never hidden his desire to lead Oyo State. While he hails from Ibadan and commands respect in financial circles, his previous electoral defeats may count against him. Nevertheless, he remains relevant and well-resourced.
7. Bola Sarumi-Aliyu
The only prominent female aspirant in the emerging line-up, Sarumi once served under Governor Makinde but fell out with his administration after public criticisms in 2023. Though her chances appear slim, she remains a symbol of gender inclusiveness in the race and may spring surprises with the right coalition.
8. Senator Sharafadeen Alli
Having contested previously, Senator Alli brings experience and regional recognition. However, his political relevance has waned slightly, and his ability to reenergize support remains to be seen.
9. Zacch Adedeji
Currently serving as Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Adedeji is viewed as one of Oyo’s brightest technocrats. His background in finance and national exposure makes him a formidable option if he decides to run. However, his political structures within the state are still underdeveloped.
10. Dotun Sanusi
Sanusi, an Ibadan-based businessman and philanthropist, is known for his vast network and influence among the youth. Though he hasn’t made any formal declarations, his name keeps surfacing in elite political circles.
11. Adegboyega Adedeji
Another rising name from the Oke-Ogun axis, Adedeji is viewed as a grassroots mobilizer with progressive ideas. He’s young, energetic, and has the potential to appeal to both elite and rural voters.
12. Raphael Afonja
A former Commissioner for Public Works and Transport under Governor Makinde, Afonja hails from Ogbomoso, a zone that has also produced governors in the past. Known for his technocratic competence, diaspora exposure, and strategic community engagement, Afonja is seen as a viable bridge between youth-focused governance and administrative experience. He has recently intensified consultations and grassroots outreach, indicating serious interest in the 2027 race. At under 50, he fits well within Makinde's age preference and could gain support across political divides.
Makinde’s Final Stamp
The governor’s influence cannot be underestimated. Since his emergence in 2019, Seyi Makinde has rewritten the script of governance in Oyo State—focusing on infrastructure, education, and fiscal transparency. He has also cultivated a loyal base within the PDP and beyond. Whoever he endorses is likely to enjoy massive backing from the party’s machinery.
By narrowing the age bracket for support, Makinde has thrown the race wide open for younger, more dynamic contenders, which may favour candidates like Ogundoyin, Peller, and Adeoye.
Political insiders believe Makinde is looking for a successor who will not only consolidate his legacies but also reflect the modern, youthful image he has carved for Oyo State. His preference for someone under 52 signals a generational shift and a break from the old guard.
The Zoning Puzzle: Ibadan vs Oke-Ogun
Zoning will be a major deciding factor. While Ibadan has traditionally produced the highest number of governors, the call for equity now grows louder. The next few months will determine whether political parties will boldly zone their tickets to Oke-Ogun in 2027.
Given the strategic importance of Oke-Ogun and the rising political consciousness in the zone, any serious political party will need to strike a balance—either by zoning the governorship there or ensuring a credible running mate emerges from the region.
The Stage is Set
As the 2027 election cycle inches closer, the battle for Agodi Government House promises to be fierce, dynamic, and heavily influenced by Governor Makinde’s final decisions. With youthfulness, competence, and regional equity becoming dominant themes, Oyo State is poised for a generational transition that could reshape its political landscape.
From Iseyin to Ibarapa, from Ibadan to Ogbomoso, all eyes are now on the unfolding drama—and every aspirant knows that in the end, Makinde’s whisper could well be the roar that determines who wears the crown next.
Stay tuned to our blog for in-depth political analysis, exclusive interviews, and insider updates on the road to Oyo 2027.
0 Comments