Some associates of the Ibadan-born billionaire businessman and Chairman of Ilaji Resorts and Hotel, Dotun Sanusi, are pushing for his chance of contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Congress as Oyo State governor in 2027.
Daily Trust Newspaper reports that though Sanusi, who is the Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland, is not a registered member of any party, indications were that the Peoples Democratic Party and the APC were rooting for him to join the contest.
This was against the stance of the businessman, who had earlier warned groups campaigning for him to run for Oyo State governor in 2027 to stop immediately.
In a statement on his verified social media handle, Sanusi expressed his concern over the increasing pressure from supporters.
He stressed that his future was in God’s hands and his service to humanity would continue regardless of political ambitions.
Sanusi, known for his philanthropic efforts and support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde in the 2023 general election, said, “I am not doing what I do for political gains. I am committed to the greater good of our people. Giving is part of my life. Enough is enough, and the supporters should go and rest.”
Also, his wife, Belema, who hails from Rivers State and children were not disposed to politics as they told some of the closest colleagues to ask the businessman to shelve his ambition.
However, the political calculation had been to push the philanthropist into the governorship contest ahead of 2027.
Some of those pushing him said the 56-year-old Sanusi had become a rallying point for the people.
“It is on record that he is the largest single individual who has assisted people of the state. This is even by the side, the Ona-Ara Local Government Area of the state, which used to be seen as the most backwards, is now receiving attention because of Sanusi’s efforts,” they said.
Sanusi, who had invested in the South-South states of Rivers and Akwa-Ibom, set up some ventures primarily to empower the people of the state, especially at the Oloyo village of Akanran, headquarters of Ona-Ara Local Government Area, which now houses Ilaji Farms, Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort; Ilaji Football Clubs which have partnership with Maltese and Spanish club sides and a host of others.
One of the Ibadan mogajis who did not want his name in print said “Oloye Sanusi is without a party for now. And there is a reason for that. He did not have ambition at first. All the noises you have been hearing, some of us are behind it.
“He mobilised all voting population within the state for President Tinubu during the 2023 election. Shortly after, the people of Ibadan asked him to support the reelection of Governor Makinde. He supported the Ibadan agenda and the rest, like they say, is history.
“That is why people think Sanusi is PDP. He isn’t. He has a rainbow-like relationship with people.
“Some of his associates in the private sector especially have taken the bull by the horns by reaching out to the powers that be in the Villa and the feedback has been positive. We are happy.”
When reminded that the businessman had asked supporters to cease canvassing for him, another supporter said “It is not that he doesn’t have ambition again. We are still on his neck.
“We cannot continue to allow just anyone to govern this state again. We have to look for public-spirited individuals and that is what we have done in the case of Sanusi.
“We didn’t want to go further without examining the success we have made in the past month. With the consultation ongoing especially as it regards the APC, you will see us coming out in a few months, more organised and visible.”
