By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has met with Oyo State elected councilors, pledging that he will build on the developmental strides of Governor Seyi Makinde.
He described himself as the embodiment of “Omituntun 3.0” which is “continuity without compromise.”
Speaking at the Iseyin City Hall, where members of the Oyo State Councilors Forum converged, Oguntoyinbo said his aspiration to govern Oyo State was driven by a commitment to protect and deepen Makinde’s governance reforms as well as strengthen grassroots participation in decision-making.
“I am here because you are the closest leaders to the people. Governor Seyi Makinde has done exceptionally well; and Oyo State cannot afford to hand over this progress to the wrong hands. That is why I say I represent ‘Omituntun 3.0’ — continuity of good governance,” he said.
The gathering brought together councilors from the state’s 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs), marking the first time, according to participants, that a governorship aspirant officially engaged the Councilors Forum on such a scale.
Oguntoyinbo, who identified himself as “a son of the soil”, and is the son of Ibadan business magnate, Chief Bode Amoo, and hails from Ward 8, Osengere, Egbeda LGA of the state, said his presence at the meeting was rooted in his respect for party loyalty and respect for grassroots leadership.
“We are gathered here today because we are bonafide members of the PDP,” he said.
He later led the meeting in observing a minute’s silence for the departed party members and offered prayers for party leaders and councilors.
The PDP aspirant highlighted his success in the private sector by referencing the successful growth of Bullion Go-Neat Global Limited and its subsidiaries, including Bullion Records, BullionMonie, Bullion Properties, Bullion Automobiles, and Bullion Sports, as proof of his capacity for economic and organisational leadership.
Commending Oguntoyinbo’s engagement, Leader of the House from Egbeda LGA, Hon. Olasukanmi Olusola, described the aspirant as the first to formally recognise the relevance of councilors in the state’s political structure.
“This is the first governorship aspirant to recognise us as stakeholders. Egbeda Local Government is proud to associate with Ambassador Ajadi,” Olusola said.
From Ogbomosho Zone, Hon. Oladeyinde praised the recognition of councilors and urged support for voter registration efforts, while Hon. Lawrence Olubuse Adepoju of Ibarapa Zone emphasised the need for improved inner roads and youth employment.
From Ibadan, Hon. Salewa Taiwo pledged strong women’s support for Oguntoyinbo’s ambition, urging inclusive governance, while Hon. Adeola Sunday called for financial backing for councilors as Ward coordinators and cautioned against political imposition.
In his closing remark, Hon. Salaudeen Abdulkabir disclosed that Oguntoyinbo had approved financial support for all councilors, including the families of deceased members, and also promised five solar streetlights per ward, which Oguntoyinbo immediately affirmed.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Amb. Oguntoyinbo (with both hands raised,in first picture) and other pictures from the event.
