The political landscape in Itesiwaju Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State is currently experiencing a significant shift following the resignation of Senator Hosea Ayoola, popularly known as ‘Alleluyah’, from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Senator Ayoola, who represented the Oyo North Senatorial District in the Red Chamber between 2011 and 2015, had maintained his affiliation with the PDP since its inception in 1998, making his departure a noteworthy event.
While his next political destination has not been officially declared, strong indications suggest a likely alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that is already sending ripples across the local political structure, particularly concerning the existing power brokers.
The potential entry of Senator Ayoola, an influential figure who hails from Igbojaiye in Itesiwaju LGA, brings into sharp focus the existing political heavyweights within the APC in the area. Chief among them are Hon. Kola Olabiyi and Professor Adeolu Akande. The confluence of these three major political gladiators in one party has naturally given rise to speculation about a potential power tussle for supremacy and control within the local chapter.
Crucially, the situation involving Hon. Kola Olabiyi warrants close examination. Olabiyi, currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the FGN Power Company Limited, previously represented the Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives during the same 2011-2015 dispensation as Senator Ayoola. This shared period of service in the National Assembly is a vital point of reference.
Sources close to the APC in Itesiwaju LGA, who spoke with acrossnigerianews.com on the condition of anonymity, emphasized the established relationship between Olabiyi and Ayoola. They contend that the time both men spent concurrently serving in Abuja forged a bond rooted in a mutual commitment to the development and progress of their respective constituents. “It may interest people to find out that there may be good, smooth and cordial relationship between Hon. Kola Olabiyi and Senator Hosea Ayoola Alleluyah,” one respondent noted.
This historical and professional rapport suggests that rather than an immediate conflict, a platform for cooperation and synergy might already exist, mitigating the rumoyrs of an imminent struggle for dominance.
Olabiyi, a seasoned politician with a significant following in the constituency, has continued to be a key player in the federal and state politics concerning the area.
His current high-profile role in the FGN Power Company further burnishes his profile and influence. For the APC, bringing Ayoola on board, especially with the support or cooperation of established figures like Olabiyi, represents a strategic move to consolidate power and present a unified front.
The APC chapter appears to recognize this opportunity, with reports indicating that party members, supporters, and local leaders are already preparing ground to formally welcome Senator Ayoola.
The third key figure in this dynamic is Professor Adeolu Akande, the former Chairman of the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC). The potential alignment of Ayoola, Olabiyi, and Akande, all prominent figures with distinct political bases and experience, has fueled the speculation of an internal conflict.
However, interviews conducted with several local APC respondent who declined to be named for fear of being seen as preempting the party’s official positions consistently countered the idea of an inevitable power tussle. Their collective sentiment suggests that the primary focus for all three leaders, should Ayoola join the party, will be the greater interest of the APC.
“There may not be power tussle among him, Kola Olabiyi and Prof. Adeolu Akande,” a source stated, affirming that the political objective would be to harness the collective strength of their individual influence for the benefit of the party’s future electoral success. The prevailing narrative within the local chapter is one of strategic accommodation and unified purpose, leveraging the diverse experiences and networks of the three heavyweights.
Senator Ayoola’s move, if finalized, is a significant blow to the PDP in the region and a major boost for the APC. His long tenure and deep roots within the area, coupled with his reputation and network, represent a considerable political asset.
For the Itesiwaju LGA APC, the task ahead will be to manage the integration smoothly. The key to maintaining cohesion and preventing internal discord lies in the perceived relationship between Ayoola and Olabiyi. If their past collaboration can be successfully transitioned into a present political alliance, it sets a powerful precedent for the entire local structure. The party leadership will need to ensure that the roles and influence of all major stakeholders—Ayoola, Olabiyi, and Akande—are clearly defined and respected, transforming a potential source of division into a formidable political tripod.
The coming weeks will be crucial as Senator Ayoola makes his final decision and the APC officially finalizes the welcoming process. The focus, especially concerning the highly experienced Kola Olabiyi, will be on how the historical cooperation between the two former National Assembly members is utilized to build a stronger, more unified APC in Itesiwaju LGA, ultimately shaping the future of political competition in the council area and beyond.
