How long can political loyalty survive when interests change?
It looks deeply treacherous to have wined and dined with a man for seven years, only for that same man to suddenly become an enemy in the blink of an eye.
Indeed, the heart of man is desperately wicked. Wicked is wicked. But when it comes to politics, one must ask: If your principal was not good to you, or if he had treated you badly, why did you not rescind your decision and resign long before now?
Why remain in a political structure for years, share in its opportunities and privileges, and suddenly turn against the same person when political interests appear to have changed?
These are the questions emerging from the latest political developments in Oyo State as politicians reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde’s Chief of Staff Resigns, Wolekanle Steps In Immediately
On Monday, October 12, 2026, Segun Ogunwuyi resigned as Chief of Staff to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, bringing an end to more than five years in the position. In his resignation letter, Ogunwuyi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and praised the administration’s achievements, while reaffirming his loyalty to Oyo State and Nigeria. He did not publicly disclose the reason for his departure. <escape>"Source: TheCable" (https://www.thecable.ng/makindes-chief-of-staff-tenders-resignation/)</escape>
Governor Makinde, however, wasted no time in filling the vacancy. He appointed Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole, popularly known as Wolekanle, as the new Chief of Staff, with the appointment taking immediate effect. Aderonke Adedayo was also appointed Director-General of the Due Process Office. <escape>"Source: Premium Times" (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/916437-makinde-appoints-new-chief-of-staff-hours-after-ogunwuyis-resignation.html)</escape>
Although speculation has linked Ogunwuyi’s exit to political disagreements and possible realignment with the APC, the former Chief of Staff has not publicly confirmed those reports as the reason for his resignation. Nevertheless, his departure has intensified discussions about loyalty, succession and the shifting alliances within Oyo State politics.
“I Remain a Leader in APM but Would Work for Tinubu” — Olopoeyan
Another development adding to the political debate is the reported declaration by Adebisi Aremu Olopoeyan: “I Remain A Leader In APM But Would Work For Tinubu, Makinde Legalised Anti-Party In 2023.”
The declaration raises questions about the relationship between party membership, personal political choices and electoral allegiance.
Olopoeyan has previously insisted that he remains committed to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), arguing that he and his supporters helped build the party’s structures in Oyo State and should not be sidelined in its affairs. <escape>"Source: The Sun Nigeria" (https://thesun.ng/olopoeyan-we-built-apm-were-not-abandoning-it/)</escape>
His reported willingness to work for President Bola Tinubu while retaining his APM leadership identity therefore presents a political contradiction worth examining. Supporting a candidate from another political platform does not automatically mean a person has formally defected, but it can raise legitimate questions about political priorities and party discipline.
Olopoeyan’s accusation that Makinde legalised anti-party activities in 2023 is also a political allegation that requires context and a response from the parties concerned. It should not be treated as an established fact merely because it has been asserted.
What Is Their Political Value Ahead of 2027?
Ultimately, the real test of these political manoeuvres will be their electoral consequences.
Who can genuinely mobilise voters? Who commands grassroots support beyond public declarations? Who can deliver votes, influence communities and strengthen a political platform at the ballot box?
As 2027 approaches, the departure of political associates, the appointment of replacements and the shifting positions of party leaders will continue to shape the political conversation in Oyo State.
However, political prominence does not automatically translate into electoral value, and a high-profile defection does not guarantee victory.
For the electorate, the most important question is whether these political calculations will produce better governance or simply serve the personal ambitions of politicians seeking relevance in the next electoral cycle.
So, is it loyalty or treachery?
When political relationships that lasted for years suddenly collapse, suspicion is understandable. Yet genuine disagreements and legitimate changes in political direction must also be distinguished from opportunism.
One thing is certain: as the 2027 elections draw closer, the ballot box will reveal who has genuine political influence and who has merely been enjoying borrowed relevance.
After all, loyalty is easy to profess when interests align. Its true value becomes clearer when those interests diverge.
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