Jubril Dotun Sanusi: The Uniter-in-Chief Oyo State Needs in 2027

By Tunde Adebayo

In the not-too-distant future, Oyo State will need a leader who can stitch together the fabric of its society with threads of harmony, hope, and trust. Among the many aspirants vying for this role is a man whose unique blend of religion, culture, and philanthropy make him a standout candidate. His name is Jubril Dotun Sanusi, the Uniter-in-Chief that Oyo State needs.

Born in a Muslim family but now a Christian, Sanusi is a man of faith who embraces both traditions.

From humble beginnings, Sanusi rose through the ranks to become the Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland, cementing his place in the rich cultural history of his people. But his story doesn’t end there.

As the Chairman and CEO of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Sanusi has showcased his sharp business acumen and leadership skills, transforming the resort into a thriving attraction that brings people from all walks of life together. Perhaps his greatest attribute is his generosity.

Sanusi’s philanthropy knows no bounds, as he tirelessly gives back to the community, lifting up those in need and inspiring others to do the same. But his generosity goes beyond just money. Sanusi is a man who gives of himself, lending his time, expertise, and even his private jet to those in need.

It is this ability to transcend boundaries and bring people together that makes Sanusi such an ideal candidate for the role of Oyo State Governor. He understands the importance of unity, and he is committed to making Oyo State a place where all people can live and thrive in harmony.

As the race for the 2027 will begin to heat up, one name stands out among the rest. Jubril Dotun Sanusi, the Uniter-in-Chief, is the man Oyo State needs to bring about the change it so desperately seeks.

With his roots in both Islam and Christianity, his connection to the cultural heritage of his people, and his proven leadership skills, Sanusi is a force to be reckoned with.

But his most powerful tool is not just what he’s done, but who he is as a person.

In a time where division and discord threaten to tear societies apart, a leader like Sanusi is sorely needed. He is a shining example of what can be accomplished when we set aside our differences and work together for the common good.

Sanusi represents the best of what Oyo State has to offer: a man who is both deeply rooted in tradition and forward-thinking, someone who is not only successful in business but also deeply invested in his community. In a time of uncertainty and division, Sanusi is the beacon of hope that Oyo State needs.

For those who may be weary of politicians who make empty promises, Sanusi is a breath of fresh air. He is a man who has already demonstrated his commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those around him.

As a promising governor of Oyo State, Sanusi will bring his unique blend of skills and experiences to the table, crafting policies and programs that will not only improve the lives of the people of Oyo State but will also set an example for other leaders across Nigeria.

In an age where many politicians seem content to play to their base and stoke the flames of division, Sanusi is a leader who can heal the wounds that divide us.

He understands that Oyo State, like Nigeria as a whole, is made up of many different tribes and religions. But rather than see these differences as a source of conflict, Sanusi sees them as a source of strength.

His message is clear: We are all in this together, and only by working together can we build a brighter future for ourselves and our children.

As Oyo State looks to the future, there are many challenges that lie ahead. But with a leader like Sanusi at the helm, those challenges can be overcome.

Sanusi represents a new generation of leaders in Nigeria, one that is not bound by the old divisions and conflicts of the past. Instead, he is focused on the things that truly matter: education, healthcare, security, and economic opportunity.

In a time of uncertainty, Sanusi’s message is one of hope and possibility. With his trademark smile and unflappable optimism, Sanusi exudes the kind of confidence that can inspire others to believe in a better future.

But more than just a charismatic leader, Sanusi is a man of action. He has proven time and again that he is willing to roll up his sleeves and get to work on the issues that matter most to the people of Oyo State.

Whether it’s working with local leaders to bring new jobs to the region, or investing in education and healthcare, Sanusi is always looking for ways to make a difference.

In the end, Jubril Dotun Sanusi is more than just a candidate for Governor. He is a symbol of what is possible when we come together as a people and strive to create a better tomorrow.

As he transverses Oyo State, his message of unity and hope is resonating with many residents. They see in him a leader who understands their struggles and who is committed to addressing their needs.

In 2027, the people of Oyo State will have a choice to make. They can choose to stay the course, or they can choose to embrace a new vision of what their state can be.

With each passing day, it becomes clearer that something special is about to happen in Oyo State. A movement is growing, and its leader is Jubril Dotun Sanusi.

Lest We forget: With Makinde’s Reform, Pensioners Now Have A New Lease Of Life

by InsideOyo

July 7, 2026

By Sulaimon Olanrewaju On Tuesday, June 26, 2018 in Ibadan, the Oyo State High Court corridors were filled not with lawyers in crisp suits, but with weary and worried pensioners clutching faded documents. Their faces told stories of decades of service in classrooms and council offices, now overshadowed by years of waiting. It was the hearing of a suit filed by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State Council, against the then governor of the state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, and five other top officials of the state. The union had dragged the government before the High Court over ₦42.3 billion unpaid gratuities and pensions for retired primary school teachers and local government pensioners. The figure was staggering, but for the retirees, it was beyond mere numbers; it was meals they couldn’t afford, the medication they couldn’t access, the responsibilities they couldn’t meet, and the dignity they had lost. The union’s counsel, Lasun Sanusi (SAN), painted a grim picture of the pensioners’ plight before Justice Maruf Adegbola. He said: “Primary school teachers and local government pensioners are dying almost daily because they cannot afford medications for their health challenges.” The courtroom fell silent, the words echoing the desperation of thousands of senior citizens. Outside, the pensioners gathered in clusters, some leaning on walking sticks, others supported by their children. They spoke of promises broken, of agreements to pay arrears in instalments that never materialised. Representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress stood with them, amplifying their cries for justice. Speaking at a press conference, the then state chairman of the union, Comrade Gbadegesin Akande, said the decision to institute a suit against the governor and others was a consequence of the roguish disposition of the government towards pensioners’ welfare, which resulted in the hoary heads, who had invested their youthful years in the service of the state, being subjected to agonising hardship and excruciating denigration. He explained that their recourse to the courts became a Hobson’s choice following the failure of the government to attend to the series of letters that had been written, endless pleas that had been made, and even countless protests that the union had embarked upon to get the government to address its plight. But despite their resort to litigation, not much changed for the pensioners; pensions were still owed and gratuities were still unpaid. At another press conference jointly addressed by the Secretary of the NUP, Comrade Segun Abatan, and the Secretary of the Association of Retired Primary School Teachers, Comrade Tunji Ogunwale, on May 4, 2019, the duo lamented the plight of pensioners and accused the outgoing administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of owing N62.5bn in pensions and gratuities. Speaking at the press conference, Comrade Ogunwale said: “Today, Oyo State Government is owing us N62.5billion. That is the amount of gratuities left unpaid. I am personally being owed 35 months pension arrears. They are owing some of us 60 months, some 55 and some 40 months. It varies from eight to 60 months. He (Governor Ajimobi) has never paid anybody any gratuity in the last eight years. If we had not gone to court, that means he would not have deemed it fit to pay a dime for eight years.” So, for pensioners in Oyo State, up to May 2019, life was rough, tough and torturous. It was marked by hardship, uncertainty, and indignity. Many retirees who had served the state faithfully for decades suddenly found themselves struggling to survive, as their pensions and gratuities were either delayed or paid in fractions. The government owed billions in arrears, and the elderly were left to bear the brunt of financial neglect. Their plight became a recurring headline, with protests and court actions reflecting the depth of their suffering. For many of these senior citizens already in the twilight of their lives, with children already grown and independent, there was no steady support system. So, feeding became a major challenge and getting money to buy the needed medication for their ailments became a nightmare. Many retirees sold property to survive, and some even died while waiting for what was theirs. The situation robbed many of them of the dignity and honour of old age. They were forced into begging or, for those of them who could muster enough strength, taking up menial jobs as security guards or gatemen. But when Comrades Abatan and Ogunwale held the press conference in May 2019, little did they realise how close the pensioners were to the change they had always wanted. On the 29th of that month, while being inaugurated as the Executive Governor of Oyo State for the first tenure at the iconic Liberty Stadium, Engineer Seyi Makinde made a promise that no longer would pensions be delayed or paid in percentages in the state. He then donated his entire salary as governor to the state for pension payment. He also promised to clear the backlog of unpaid gratuities. That marked the beginning of the end of the woes that retired civil servants had been subjected to over the years. Governor Makinde kept his promise to the pensioners and began the implementation immediately. While full pensions were paid alongside workers’ salaries, the governor, in 2019, approved the release of ₦500m monthly for gratuity. This was later increased to N1bn monthly in 2024, N1.5bn in 2025, and eventually N3bn monthly in January 2026. Till date, over N25bn gratuity backlog has been cleared with almost 5,000 retirees benefiting. Makinde did not stop at that. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the governor approved the free enrolment of pensioners into the State Health Insurance Scheme, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for senior citizens. The governor also raised the minimum pension in the state to N25,000. In addition, Governor Makinde approved that all pension increases since 2007, such as the 33 percent pension increase of 2010 and the consequential adjustment of 2019, be factored into the pensions of affected pensioners. With that, Oyo State pensioners became the highest paid in the country. The consistency in pension payment and commitment to outstanding gratuity defrayment have transformed the life of many a pensioner. For many retirees, the moment they received their gratuity was life-changing. Mrs Modupe Akinola, a retired teacher said, “The day I got my gratuity, I cried.” She added, “It was like a burden lifted off my shoulders. I could finally repair my leaking roof.” Equally transformative was the prompt payment of monthly pensions. Unlike what it was in the pre-Makinde era, retirees no longer have to wait for months to receive fractions of their pension. Salaries and pensions are paid side by side, restoring confidence and stability. “I can now buy my drugs without borrowing,” said Mr. Adewale Oladipo, a retired civil servant. “Before, I used to skip medication because I couldn’t afford it. That nearly killed me.” To express their gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for his commitment to their welfare, members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oyo State Council, organised an appreciation rally in front of the Governor’s Office, Oyo State Government Secretariat in 2025. Speaking at the rally, the Secretary, Comrade Olusegun Abatan, said: "16 years before you took over the mantle of government in Oyo State, pensioners had no government that was sympathetic and empathetic to their plights. Gratuities were not paid as and when due, pensions of those times were withheld or paid in instalments and all entreaties to the governments fell on deaf ears, resulting in massive deaths of our members. "At one point, Oyo State pensioners were referred to as dead people and in actual fact, we were dying like fowls afflicted by Newcastle disease. When you contested for the first term, we just wanted anybody that would liberate us from the shackles of death and we went ahead to vote en masse for you. We did the same thing when you threw your hat into the ring for a second term....