The political conversation surrounding the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State has taken another interesting turn following an interactive session at the Ibadan Hangout, where Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat and other eminent personalities engaged participants in an extensive discussion on governance, political succession and the future direction of the state.
T. Alphonso invited Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat and other prominent personalities to the gathering, which was initially conceived as a relaxed hangout but ultimately developed into a serious platform for intellectual exchange and political discourse.
The atmosphere was cordial, with participants exchanging ideas, sharing experiences and discussing issues affecting Oyo State. Hamzat also had the opportunity to engage the audience and explain some of his thoughts and perspectives.
Deacon Adekola Ayoade, Chairman of the Board for Technical and Vocational Education, was also present.
For almost an hour, the gathering became an intense session of discussion, intellectual engagement and cross-fertilisation of ideas.
Hamzat Takes Aim at Makinde, Succession Politics and His Preferred Candidate
Hamzat’s intervention became particularly notable when he addressed the politics surrounding Governor Seyi Makinde’s preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
According to him, Oyo people acknowledged in 2019 that the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi had made significant contributions to the development of the state. He argued that several projects associated with the current administration had their origins under Ajimobi, citing the airport, Circular Road and various road projects as examples.
His argument was that government is a continuum and that previous administrations should receive recognition for projects they initiated, even where subsequent governments completed them.
Hamzat then turned his attention to the question of succession.
He argued that Adebayo Adelabu had the constitutional right to aspire to become governor, but that Oyo voters rejected him in 2019 because they wanted the opportunity to choose somebody different after Ajimobi's two terms.
His position is that the same principle should apply in 2027: Governor Makinde should thank Oyo people for the opportunity they gave him and allow the electorate to freely determine who succeeds him.
The issue has become particularly significant since Makinde publicly identified Bimbo Adekanmbi as his preferred successor in May 2026. The governor described Adekanmbi as part of the continuation of his administration's development agenda, while also telling him to chart his own path and not inherit his political enemies.
Hamzat questioned what politicians actually mean when they talk about “capacity”.
“Is it the capacity to serve the people or the capacity to serve the interests of the person that put him there?” he asked.
He maintained that there is nothing in the Constitution requiring an outgoing governor to install a successor of his choice. In his view, whoever wants to become governor should emerge based on his or her own antecedents, competence and acceptance by the people rather than simply being the preferred candidate of a political godfather.
He further appealed to the government not to deploy public resources, state apparatus or governmental influence in favour of any particular candidate or intimidate other aspirants.
“If your interest is too much about it, then there is something hidden within it,” he argued.
Hamzat also challenged the practice of campaigning on the achievements of an incumbent administration. He said candidates such as Adekanmbi should present their own antecedents and explain what they personally have done and what they intend to achieve.
His message was essentially that the people should be allowed to examine the records of all contenders—including Adekanmbi, Oriyomi Hamzat, Sarafadeen Alli and others—and make their own choice.
The Counterargument: Continuity Can Also Matter
Not everyone agreed with Hamzat's interpretation.
Some respondents argued that government is a continuum and that it is unfair to dismiss the achievements of a successor simply because projects were initiated by a previous administration.
One commentator argued that Makinde completed projects initiated by Ajimobi during his first term and maintained that continuity in government can be beneficial.
Others pointed to Lagos as an example of how successive administrations can preserve and build upon existing policies rather than completely abandoning them whenever a new governor assumes office.
The central question, therefore, remains whether political succession should be driven primarily by continuity or by the independent choice of voters.
As the 2027 election approaches, Oyo State appears set for an increasingly competitive political contest. Hamzat's intervention has added another dimension to the debate: should an outgoing governor merely recommend a successor, or should every candidate stand before the people on his or her own record and allow Oyo voters to decide?
Ultimately, whatever political machinery is deployed behind the scenes, the final constitutional authority rests with the electorate.
And that may be the real battle for 2027: continuity versus choice, political succession versus independent competition, and the achievements of the past versus the promises of the next administration.
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