The Ibarapaland Traditional Council, comprising monarchs from all seven towns in the zone, on Wednesday converged in Eruwa to unanimously endorse the ambition of the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
The endorsement came during a high-level meeting of traditional rulers and stakeholders held in Eruwa, where the monarchs collectively expressed confidence in the Speaker’s leadership credentials, political experience, and capacity to govern the state.
Leading the royal fathers was the Eleruwa of Eruwa, HRM Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola, Akobo Olurin I.
Other prominent monarchs in attendance included the Olu of Igboora, HRM Oba Jimoh Titiloye Ayinla; the Onidere of Idere, HRM Oba Rev. Kingsley Aderoju Onikola; the Asigangan of Iganga, HRM Oba AbdulRafiu Adeniyi Olaniyi; the Asawo of Ayete, HRM Oba Emmanuel Ewuola Okeniyi; the Onilala of Lanlate, HRM Oba Sunday Bolawaye Oladeji; the Elempe of Tapa, HRM Oba Titiloye Sunday Owolabi; and the Oluaso of Iberekodo, HRM Oba Jamiu Badmus Adedamola.
The monarchs, speaking one after the other, described Ogundoyin as a worthy son of Ibarapaland whose political trajectory has demonstrated resilience, competence, and a deep understanding of governance.
They noted that his record of winning three consecutive elections, his emergence as Speaker on two occasions, and being the immediate past Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, place him in a strong position to lead Oyo State.
They further emphasized that his aspiration represents a significant opportunity for Ibarapaland to produce a governor, describing the development as both historic and encouraging.
The royal fathers offered prayers for the success of his ambition and pledged to mobilize sons and daughters of the zone, both at home and in the diaspora, to support his gubernatorial bid.
Earlier in his remarks, Ogundoyin formally informed the traditional rulers of his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election.
He explained that his visit was to seek their endorsement and royal blessings, acknowledging the critical role of traditional institutions in shaping political direction and community support.
The meeting also had in attendance key leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political stakeholders from the zone, who accompanied the Speaker to the engagement.
Among them were the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, Alhaji Aborode Majekodunmi, Hon. Yemi Taiwo, Hon. (Mrs.) Funmilayo Orisadeyi, Hon. John Adeleke, Hon. Dimeji Ladapo, and Prince Wole Opadeye
Also present were local government chairmen including Hon. Kazeem Arogundade, Hon. Sola Adeleke, and Hon. Lateef Akorede, alongside other stakeholders such as Hon. Gbenga Obalowo, Alhaji Kamorudeen Adeyemi, Hon. Yetunde Adebisi, Alhaji Monsoor Oduola, and Chief Oladokun Saobana, Mr. Babatunde Akeem.
Community leaders from Eruwa were also in attendance, led by the immediate past Chairman of the Eruwa Elders Council, Chief J.A. Peluola, which shows the broad based support for the Speaker within the zone.
