Saheed Oladele, a name increasingly resonating within Oyo State’s political landscape, is rapidly consolidating his position as a leading aspirant for the 2027 gubernatorial election.
Heralded for his intellectual prowess, entrepreneurial success, and deep-rooted community ties, Oladele’s burgeoning campaign is marked by a series of high-profile consultations with key national and regional political figures.
Oladele’s journey is a compelling narrative of resilience and achievement. From his humble beginnings hawking pepper, he rose to become the pioneering Baàmẹ̀kọ́ of Ibadanland and Àmúyangàn Ilẹ Oòduà, traditional titles signifying his contributions to education and culture within the Yoruba kingdom. Once a struggling student, he is now celebrated as a “genius” and has transformed from an underdog into a significant force in Oyo State politics.
In a remarkably short period, Oladele’s “consultative moving train” has engaged with an impressive array of prominent personalities. These include the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje; APC Elder Statesman and former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande; APC Elder Statesman and Chairman of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Tajudeen Olusi; the First Daughter of Nigeria, Mrs. Folasade Tinubu-Ojo; the National Security Council Chairman of APC and former Minister of Defence, General Abdulrahman Danbazzau; the CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; and the first female Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, among other influential stakeholders. These meetings underscore the strategic depth of his outreach and the growing recognition of his candidacy.
Supporters of Oladele point to five compelling reasons why he is the leader Oyo State needs in 2027:
Academic Excellence and Educational Leadership: Saheed Oladele is a first-class graduate of the University of Ibadan, an acclaimed author, and a respected educational consultant. His impact on the education sector is significant, having trained teachers in over 200 schools nationwide. He is also the founder of the Erudite Group of Schools, renowned for achieving a world-record 100% pass rate in Cambridge A’ Level international examinations within the shortest preparatory time.
Strong Ibadanland Roots and Community Ties: As a proud son and prominent chief of Ibadanland, Oloye Saheed Oladele maintains excellent relationships with the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII). Given that Ibadan alone accounts for over 52% of Oyo State’s voting population, his popularity as an “ọmọluabi” (a person of good character) within the city positions him favorably.
Youthful Representation and Fresh Vision: Alhaji Saheed Oladele embodies the vibrant youth population of Oyo State. His candidacy is expected to galvanize the significant youth demographic and appeal to a broader electorate seeking a “breath of fresh air” in the state’s political leadership.
Proven Integrity and Widespread Followership: Chief Saheed Oladele’s integrity is consistently highlighted as a cornerstone of his appeal, drawing substantial followership within and beyond Oyo State. His remarkable track record of receiving 11 prestigious awards within three months, followed by another four within a month, and numerous others, has led a US-based researcher to describe him as “one of the most decorated Ibadan indigenes of all time,” citing his diligence and integrity.
Strategic Political Positioning: Oloye Saheed Oladele is aligned with the APC, a party he and his supporters believe offers him a strong platform for both the primary ticket and the general election. His blend of scholarly depth, boldness, ingenuity, “omoluabiism,” youthfulness, and integrity makes him a highly sought-after candidate. Furthermore, his emergence comes at a crucial time when APC leaders in Oyo State are reportedly seeking a neutral aspirant capable of uniting the party and addressing key leadership criteria.
The Saheed Oladele Support Foundation (SOSF) emphasizes the urgent need for a change in Oyo State, citing “poor educational indices, healthcare crises, infrastructural deficiency, and abject poverty.” They question why a state boasting Nigeria’s premier university should concurrently have the largest percentage of out-of-school children in the Southwestern region. The foundation also advocates for robust local government autonomy as a vital tool for equitable development and poverty alleviation across all 33 local government areas.
Maroof Asudemade, Director of Media and Publicity at the Saheed Oladele Support Foundation (SOSF), and Pastor Kunle Balogun, Chairman, Sensitization and Reorientation Committee of the Foundation, are spearheading the campaign’s communication and grassroots mobilization efforts.
As the 2027 gubernatorial race draws closer, Saheed Oladele’s comprehensive vision, extensive network, and compelling personal story position him as a formidable contender poised to challenge the status quo and potentially reshape the political landscape of Oyo State.
