Oyo State Governor’s Advisory Council has concluded its screening and stakeholder engagement exercise directed by Governor Seyi Makinde.
The exercise, chaired by Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), involved meetings and discussions with individuals aspiring to contest the state’s governorship position.
According to the council, the process was designed to promote fairness while evaluating the preparedness and competence of potential candidates.
Ayorinde stated that the council has finished its engagements and submitted a comprehensive report to the governor, describing the findings as both encouraging and insightful.
He noted that several aspirants showed strong capability and a solid grasp of governance issues, adding that this reflects positively on the future leadership prospects of the state.
The committee also observed that many of the aspirants are aligned with the current administration, suggesting that continuity of existing policies may play a key role in the coming political transition.
It further emphasized that the state must not lose the developmental progress already achieved, a statement widely interpreted as support for candidates who align with the administration’s agenda.
Members of the advisory council include former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Monsurat Sunmonu, former Attorney General Michael Lana, former federal lawmaker Babs Oduyoye, and former Senator Gbenga Babalola, among others.
The aspirants engaged include Saheed Akinade Fijabi, Are Isiaka Abiola Olagunju (SAN), Prof. Dahud Sanya Sangodoyin, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, Mr. Adejumibi Samuel Ademola, and Abdulsabul Abiola Olawoore.
The development signals early positioning ahead of the next governorship election, with the advisory council playing a key role in shaping succession discussions.
Political analysts say the focus on continuity and loyalty could influence candidate selection and narrow the field toward those seen as aligned with the current administration’s direction.
With the report now submitted to the governor, attention is expected to shift to its impact on party decisions and the wider political landscape in Oyo State.
