The Forum of Ex-Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, and Former Local Party Chairmen under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oke-Ogun Zone, Oyo State, has condemned in strong terms the recent defection of some former political officeholders from the party, describing their action as an act of betrayal, opportunism, and political desperation.
The Forum made its position known in a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Conference Room of the Local Government Secretariat, Saki.
The meeting, attended by prominent former council chairmen, vice chairmen, and party stalwarts from across Oke-Ogun, deliberated extensively on the current political developments within the zone and the purported defection led by former Senator Hosea Agboola (popularly known as Alleluyah).
Forum Reaffirms Loyalty to Governor Seyi Makinde
In its resolutions, the Forum unequivocally reaffirmed its unalloyed loyalty and unwavering support for the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, describing him as “a visionary, inclusive, and people-oriented leader whose transformative policies have repositioned Oyo State for sustainable development.”
The communiqué emphasized that Governor Makinde’s achievements across Oyo State, and particularly in the Oke-Ogun region, remain unmatched in the political history of the state.
The Forum, on behalf of all genuine PDP stakeholders in Oke-Ogun, reaffirms its total commitment to Governor Makinde’s leadership and vision. His integrity, fairness, and commitment to balanced development continue to endear him to the people of the region.
Defectors Described as Ungrateful Opportunists
The Forum strongly denounced the defection of a few disgruntled elements, led by Senator Agboola, whom it accused of lacking principle and political consistency.
These individuals, who once benefitted immensely from Governor Makinde’s magnanimity, have now chosen to bite the hand that fed them. Their decision is not driven by ideology or public interest but by sheer opportunism and desperation for political survival.
It noted that the defections neither reflect the will of the majority of PDP members in Oke-Ogun nor weaken the strong support base of the party in the region.
Contrary to the false impression being peddled, the overwhelming majority of serving and former council officials, vice chairmen, and party stakeholders in Oke-Ogun remain loyal to the PDP and Governor Makinde’s political philosophy.
Commendation for Governor Makinde’s Landmark Achievements
The Forum lauded Governor Makinde for his unprecedented infrastructural and developmental strides in Oke-Ogun, citing several key achievements as evidence of his balanced governance approach. These include:
The upgrade of The Polytechnic, Saki, to an HND-awarding institution
The establishment of the LAUTECH Campus in Iseyin
The relocation of OYSADEP headquarters to Saki
The ongoing and completed major road projects, including Saki–Ogbooro–Igboho, Iseyin–Saki, Iseyin–Oyo, Iseyin–Ogbomoso, and Iseyin–Ibadan roads
Employment opportunities and political appointments for Oke-Ogun indigenes
Consistent infrastructural renewal and social investment programmes
The annual relocation of the seat of government to Oke-Ogun for four consecutive years
These projects are enduring testimonies to Governor Makinde’s fairness and commitment to inclusive governance.
Forum Calls for Public Disregard of Defectors’ Propaganda
The Forum urged the general public and PDP supporters across Oyo State to disregard what it described as the “political grandstanding and propaganda” of the defectors, asserting that their so-called political gatherings in Saki and Ogbooro were hollow and self-serving.
Their recent outings are nothing but desperate attempts to attract attention and curry favour in their new political enclave. The PDP in Oke-Ogun remains solid, united, and focused under the guidance of Governor Seyi Makinde.
Commitment to Party Cohesion and Discipline
The Forum pledged to intensify grassroots mobilization and internal cohesion within the PDP structure across Oke-Ogun’s ten local governments, while reiterating its belief in loyalty, consistency, and discipline as hallmarks of credible leadership.
We will continue to mobilize massive support for the PDP and the Makinde administration. Our loyalty is not transactional but rooted in shared values of good governance, transparency, and equity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Forum of Ex-Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, and Ex-Local Party Chairmen, Oke-Ogun Zone, reaffirmed its total allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party and the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.
We call on all well-meaning citizens of Oke-Ogun and Oyo State to remain steadfast in their support for Governor Makinde’s transformative vision for a more prosperous, inclusive, and equitable Oyo State.
Signatories
Among those who signed the communiqué were:
Alh. Sulaimon Santana (Former Chairman, Irepo LG), Hon. Raheem Ajibola FM (Former LCDA Chairman, Iseyin), Hon. Tajudeen Olori (Former LCDA Chairman, Iwajowa), Engr. Mudasir Eruobodo (Former Chairman, Saki West), Azeez Jimoh Olaniyi (Former Vice Chairman, Itesiwaju), Hon. Gbenga Akinola (Former Chairman, Saki West), Hon. Kayode Ige (Former Caretaker Chairman, Kajola), Alh. Waheed Oluwakemi (Former PDP Senatorial Chairman, Oyo North), and several others representing the Oke-Ogun axis.
