In a significant display of party unity and reorganization, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State formally announced 39 newly elected state executive officers, charged with reinvigorating the party’s machinery ahead of the 2027 general elections. The handover took place during a well-attended state congress in Ibadan, with high expectations pinned on the new team to drive PDP’s success across all electoral levels.
🏛️ Key Appointments & Leadership Structure
Here is the complete lineup of the 39 state executive members:
1. State Chairman – Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro
2. Deputy State Chairman – Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke
3. State Secretary – Hon. Oyelami Oyeyemi Joel
4. Senatorial Chairman, Oyo North – Hon. Yusuf Adekunle
5. Senatorial Chairman, Oyo South – Alhaji Kamorudeen Adeyemi
6. Senatorial Chairman, Oyo Central – Hon. Oludayo Opatokun
7. State Publicity Secretary – Michael Ogunsina
8. State Youth Leader – Hon. Kazeem Olalekan Bello
9. State Women Leader – Mrs. Toyin Olaniran
10. State Treasurer – Hon. Bankole Sunday
11. State Organizing Secretary – Alhaja Wulemot Ibitoye
12. State Legal Adviser – Barr. Durosaro Dapo Eedris
13. State Auditor – Hon. Akinsola Ayuba
14. State Financial Secretary – Hon. Mufu Ogunremi
15. Assistant State Publicity Secretary – Hon. Oluyinka Moses Tella
16. Assistant Legal Adviser – Barr. Olabode Durodola
17. Assistant State Auditor – Hon. Lawal Mohammed
18. Assistant State Financial Secretary – Hon. Adekunle Olukayode
19. Assistant Organizing Secretary, Oyo South – Hon. Funmilayo Orisadeyi
20. Assistant Organizing Secretary, Oyo North – Hon. Moshood Jimoh
21. Assistant Organizing Secretary, Oyo Central – Hon. Adewale Fariogun
22. Assistant State Treasurer, Oyo North – Hon. Niniola Abideen
23. Assistant State Treasurer, Oyo South – Hon. Oladokun Saubana
24. Assistant State Treasurer, Oyo Central – Hon. Olaoye Nicholas Sunday
25. Assistant State Secretary, Oyo Central – Hon. Akinboro Akinsola
26. Assistant State Secretary, Oyo South – Pastor Biodun Popoola
27. Assistant State Secretary, Oyo North – Alhaji Oladele Saminu
28. Assistant Women Leader, Oyo South – Mrs. Akomolafe Tinuade
29. Assistant Women Leader, Oyo Central – Mrs. Okewusi Aduke F
30. Assistant Women Leader, Oyo North – Mrs. Tairu Idiat Folasade
31. Assistant Youth Leader, Oyo Central – Agbebi Olusola Peter
32. Assistant Youth Leader, Oyo North – Folawiyo Moshood Oladipupo
33. Assistant Youth Leader, Oyo South – Oladejo Taofeek
34. Ex Officio 1 – Hon. Lukman Adesina
35. Ex Officio 2 – Hon. Kunmi Adesina
36. Ex Officio 3 – Hon. Adebisi Dupe Temileyi
37. Ex Officio 4 – Hon. Ayanbamiji Sunday
38. Ex Officio 5 – Barr. Waheed Gbadegesin
39. Ex-Officio – Akano Raphael Taiwo
The slate reflects careful geographic and strategic balancing, with representation across senatorial districts, and inclusion of both senior and emerging figures within the party.
🗳️ Context & Mandate
The state congress marked the climax of PDP’s internal democratic process, following ward and local government level elections earlier in the year. Delegates from all 33 local government areas participated in a peaceful and orderly exercise. Governor Seyi Makinde, who served as one of the early voters in the exercise, underscored the importance of the process.
At the congress, Governor Makinde addressed party faithful, expressing confidence that PDP would not only retain Oyo State beyond 2027 but also reclaim the presidency in subsequent elections. He urged the new leadership to prioritize grassroots mobilization and electoral victory from the councillorship level to the presidency.
Meanwhile, the re-election of Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro as State Chairman confirmed continuity, with the congress endorsing the leadership structure already gaining positive traction.
An electoral panel led by Senator Austin Akobundu oversaw the proceedings, praising the conduct and turnout of delegates as reflective of PDP’s internal discipline and maturity.
🔍 Strategic Implications & Expectations
1. Strengthening Unity & Discipline
One of the key imperatives for the new executives is to sustain intra-party harmony. The absence of rancor at this congress signals progress and is a benchmark to be maintained. The leadership’s challenge is closing lingering factional rifts and ensuring all stakeholders feel included.
2. Grassroots Mobilization & Electoral Preparedness
With 2027 looming, much of the heavy lifting lies in building the ground machinery at ward and local government levels. The newly elected Organizing Secretaries and Youth & Women Leaders will be crucial agents in mobilization, recruitment, training, and consensus building.
3. Bridging Generational Gaps
The mix of experienced politicians and youthful actors positions the PDP to appeal across age demographics. The Youth and Women wings, in particular, are expected to play more dynamic roles in communication, persuasion, and politics of inclusion.
4. Delivering on Mandates
Governor Makinde’s roadmap demands that the PDP “deliver” from local to national offices in the next general elections. Every executive, especially in strategic roles like Legal, Publicity, Finance, and Organizing, must coordinate and align with that vision.
5. Visibility & Messaging
With the new Publicity Secretary (Michael Ogunsina) and assistants, the PDP’s communication strategy will be tested. The narrative must amplify successes, counter opposition critiques, and maintain momentum ahead of general elections.
📰 Recent Media Coverage & Significance
Vanguard reports Governor Makinde asserting that PDP will retain Oyo State and reclaim the presidency in 2027, tying the new executives’ responsibilities to this long-term goal.
The Guardian highlights that the newly elected Ogungbenro and Adeleke, among others, emerged after a seamless congress attended by delegates from across Oyo State.
Punch confirms the re-election of Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro and notes calls from party elements for the new cadre to deliver.
The Nation provides context on the congress process, including the early voting by Governor Makinde and the orderly conduct of delegates.
These coverage angles underscore the broader narrative: PDP is demonstrating internal cohesion, projecting readiness for upcoming elections, and placing accountability on the freshly inaugurated leadership.
🏁 Conclusion & Forward Path
The unveiling of 39 state executives of the Oyo PDP is more than ceremonial — it is a crucible for the party’s ambitions in 2027 and beyond. With continuity in leadership and fresh faces in strategic roles, the PDP is attempting a recalibration aimed at electoral dominance. But the real test lies ahead: translating this structure into grassroots muscle, mobilizing voters, and executing disciplined campaigns across the state.
For the Oyo PDP to succeed, these executives must operate not as isolated actors, but as a synchronized force — aligning their functions, maintaining transparency, and fostering unity. The public and party stakeholders will be watching closely: performance, not position, will define legitimacy.
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