Media personality, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju has given reasons Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde did not purchase the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential form.

Speaking during an interview programme on TVC, on Thursday, Kolade-Otitoju said Makinde knows he would not be on the ballot if he did not join the Allied Peoples Movement, APM.

He dismissed the noise about merger, saying there is no merger without the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

“Why did Makinde and his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed not get presidential form from the Taminu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP?

“Forget all the noise about the merger, you cannot do a merger without the regulator INEC.

APC had a merger back then, around 2013, but not in this form. “You can’t just wake up one morning and say we’re merging because you lost the power play,” he said.

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Ayo Fayose, who used to be the governor of Ekiti State, says that Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, is still working on plans to remove Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the Olubadan of Ibadan.

On Tuesday, it was reported that Fayose made the new claim on his 𝕏 account.

Fayose had already said that Governor Makinde was going to get rid of Ladoja.

Fayose said this in a post on 𝕏 on Sunday, saying that the supposed move would start with official questions being asked of the monarch.

Fayose says that the supposed plan would start with the government asking the traditional ruler why he didn’t go to a recent coronation ceremony in Ibadan.

Fayose said again on Tuesday that there is still a fight going on between the Governor of Oyo State and Oba Ladoja.

The former governor said that the Olubadan is being accused of trying to impeach Makinde. He also said that the government would soon release statements accusing the Olubadan of being biased.

He said that the new events are part of Governor Makinde’s plan to make it possible for the Olubadan to be questioned for being biased.

He said, “If you still don’t believe that Governor Seyi Makinde is trying to get rid of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rahidi Adewolu Ladoja, just cross your fingers and wait to see what happens.”

“Remember that they said there was no rift between Olubadan and Makinde after I made it public.

“But now they are saying that the Olubadan is trying to get Governor Makinde impeached. They are also making statements that say the Olubadan is biased.

“These are things that Makinde is doing to set the stage for the Olubadan to be asked about being partisan.”

Fayose’s latest statement comes just after Gbenga Oyekola, the Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, denied reports that he was involved in a plan by some lawmakers to impeach Governor Seyi Makinde.

In the meantime, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Olubadan of Ibadanland Rashidi Ladoja have both said that there is no plan to remove the monarch from his position.

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The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has spoken out against former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose for saying that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is trying to get rid of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

According to reports, the council called the claim misleading and a risky attempt to make traditional institutions in the state political.

Ajeniyi Ajewole, the President-General of the CCII, told the council’s position in a statement released in Ibadan on Sunday by its Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide.

Ajewole said that Fayose’s comments were not true and could cause unnecessary stress in Ibadanland.

Fayose had already claimed in a post on his 𝕏 account that Governor Makinde was going to remove the king.

He said, “I heard from a reliable source that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is planning to get rid of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.”

“The plan is to start this week, with the government sending a letter to the Olubadan asking why he wasn’t at the failed coronation of High Chiefs in Ibadanland two weeks ago and other accusations.”

The CCII said in response that the claim was not credible and should be ignored.

“Ibadanland would not put up with careless political speech that tries to upset its peace from the outside.” Ajewole said, “The claim was not credible and should not be taken seriously by the public.”

The council made it clear that things related to the Olubadan stool follow a long-standing traditional process and cannot be changed by political speculation.

Ajewole said, “Things that have to do with the Olubadan stool follow a set process that can’t be changed by political speculation.”

He told the former governor not to say things that could confuse people or make them not trust each other.

Ajewole went on to say, “Fayose should not make reckless and unverified statements that make things worse in Ibadan and the state as a whole.” We tell him to stop talking and take his divisive politics somewhere else so that Ibadan doesn’t get into any more trouble.

CCII: Makinde Will Not Hurt Olubadan
Ajewole also said that Fayose’s involvement was unnecessary because the former governor had nothing to do with the traditional or political structure of Ibadanland.

He said, “Our own Governor Makinde is a true son of Ibadanland who would never do anything to hurt the Olubadan institution.”

“Fayose is not in the same class or mold as him; he is willing to do anything to get ahead in politics.”

He went on to say that bringing the respected Olubadan institution into partisan politics was disrespectful and not okay.

At the same time, Adeola Oloko, a media aide to the Olubadan, also denied Fayose’s claim, saying that the governor and the monarch did not disagree.

“There is no bad blood between the governor and the Olubadan that would make such moves necessary.” “I don’t see what the problem is between them,” he said.

Dotun Oyelade, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, said that the government had not thought about or talked about any plans to remove the traditional ruler either.

The CCII told political leaders all over the country to be careful and not say anything that could threaten public peace. They also said that the people of Ibadan are still committed to protecting their traditional institutions.

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Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, has voiced alarm about what he sees as an increasing danger to Nigeria’s democratic system, cautioning that the nation may be progressively moving toward a one-party state.

Makinde reportedly voiced his concerns in a newsletter titled “The Business of Governance,” in which he considered the consequences of recent political developments for the country’s democratic future.

The governor stated in the newsletter published on Sunday that concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy were being raised by developments within major political parties and the activities of important democratic institutions.

“Despite the difficulties in our dear country, I hope you are well,” Makinde remarked. Important questions are being raised by recent stances taken by INEC and the court, as well as developments inside the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“These are issues that affect everyone who believes in the future of democracy in our nation; they are not just political ones.”

In addition, the governor addressed ongoing conversations regarding Oyo State’s political transition, reassuring citizens that engagements were already in progress to guarantee governance continuity.

“I am also aware that many of you are closely observing as we approach a period of transition in Oyo State and that you have questions about continuity, leadership, and the future direction of our state,” he stated.

“As part of a thoughtful transition process, we have engaged with a number of credible individuals, and I will communicate a decision in due course, one that reflects both the progress we have made and the future we must secure.”

Makinde said that if opposition voices are kept at the margins, the nation’s democratic structure may deteriorate.

“Beyond this, though, I think there is a larger discussion that we cannot afford to ignore—Nigeria turning into a one-party state,” he stated.

He claims that although opposing groups are being marginalized, those who voice concerns about the situation are increasingly being threatened.

Voices opposing Nigeria’s transition to a one-party state are now openly threatened. The governor said, “Opposition is being divided, suppressed, or pushed to the periphery.”

The governor calls on the populace to protect democracy.
Makinde emphasized that diversity of thought and pluralism are essential for democracy to flourish.

He stated that “a healthy democracy depends on balance; on the presence of credible alternatives, strong institutions, and the confidence citizens have in the process.”

He cautioned that democratic accountability can be weakened by inaction and disengagement.

“I do not believe Nigeria has reached a point of no return,” said the governor. However, I think we’ve reached a stage when disengagement, apathy, or quiet could lead us in a route we could find difficult to turn around later.

Makinde continued by saying that citizens must actively participate in order to save democracy.

“Agreement is not the foundation of democracy,” he stated. It is based on diversity and the existence of various voices, including those with which we may disagree, as this is what maintains an open, accountable, and responsive system.

The governor announced that he would soon start meeting with stakeholders from a variety of industries to talk about measures to improve Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“Panic is not warranted. However, this is also not a time to become complacent. He stated, “It is a call for awareness and a call for all of us, leaders and citizens alike, to stay involved in protecting the democratic space that gives meaning to our collective future.”

Nigerians should not lose interest in the country’s political process, he said.

“Nigeria has come too far for us to become apathetic,” Makinde said. Those who remain involved, raise concerns, and demand that our institutions serve the interests of the people will defend our democracy, not those who remain silent.

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Ayodele Fayose, a former governor of Ekiti State, has stated that President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde are not comparable.

Despite being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, or PDP, Fayose stated that supporting President Bola Tinubu does not constitute anti-party action.

Noting that political differences are a typical aspect of democracy, he underlined that national interest should take precedence over party allegiance.

At the PDP’s national convention on Sunday in Abuja, he gave a speech to Channels Television.

“You are an Ekiti man before you become a political party card bearer; Nigeria is for all of us.” The current governor has the support of all previous governors, he declared.

To bolster his claims, he also provided instances from global politics.

“Have they evicted Obama and the former president because they are not endorsing the Democrats or Trump? He said, “No, democracy will have those differences on national issues.”

Fayose went on to say that competence, not party allegiance, should be the basis for support.

“We cannot claim that a member of our party must win when we are aware that they are incapable of doing so. He said, “Would you compare an Asiwaju with a Makinde?”

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike led one group of the PDP, while Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed led the other.

The national convention of the Mohammed and Makinde group was conducted in Ibadan, Oyo State, but the Appeal Court in Abuja declared it to be invalid.

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A former Chief of Staff to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figure, Bisi Ilaka, has formally resigned from the party.

Ilaka praised the PDP for providing him with the chance to serve in a variety of roles at the state and federal levels in a resignation letter dated Tuesday, February 10, which was made available to reporters in Ibadan on Thursday.

Shortly after taking office, Governor Makinde named Ilaka his first Chief of Staff on May 29, 2019.

Prior to Segun Ogunwuyi taking over in 2021 and being reappointed after the general elections in 2023, Ilaka held the position until 2021.

Ilaka wrote the following in his letter, “The Chairman, Ward 5, Oyi East LG: Re: Resignation of Party Membership”:

“It is with utmost humility that I tender my resignation of membership from the PDP.”

“I will always be appreciative of the chances the party has given me and the unwavering support I have received over the years. Until we cross paths again.

His departure occurs months after Senator Agboola Ayoola, widely known as Alleluyah, a former Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate and another well-known PDP member in Oyo State, ended his long-standing association with the party in October 2025.

Former governors Rashidi Ladoja and the late Adebayo Alao-Akala appointed Ayoola, who hails from Itesiwaju Local Government Area, as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs from 2003 to 2011.

As the sole PDP senator elected from the South-West from 2011 to 2015, he also created history.

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Governor Seyi Makinde has been charged by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Oyo State branch for wasting N2.9 billion for the state’s 50th anniversary.

Wasiu Olawale Sadare, the APC’s publicity secretary, signed a statement containing the accusation.

According to reports, Makinde’s administration recently commemorated the state’s 50th anniversary.

However, the APC claims that the governor wasted N2.9 billion on the festivities.

The party reported that N90 million was taken out of each of the 33 local government councils’ federal allotment in order to pay for the anniversary festivities.

“We have it on good authority that a sum of N90 million was deducted from the federal allocation of each of the 33 local government councils ostensibly to fund the anniversary project while another undisclosed amount was taken from the state government’s coffers for the same purpose at the same time and the question now is – what did they do with over N3 billion,” the APC statement stated in part.

“Did the enormous expense of the poorly positioned air show, the uneven award ceremony, the PDP members’ color-riot Ankara uniform, and the one-man show novelty soccer match justify the amount?”

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The assertions made by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde that he conferred with the Alaafin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomoso over the rotation of the chairperson of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs have been denied by the Alaafin of Oyo’s Palace.

The palace insisted that no such meeting ever took place, calling the governor’s claim false in a statement dated January 15, 2026.

Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, signed the statement.

The Alaafin, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, never met with the governor or the other traditional rulers listed about the issue, according to the palace.

Additionally, it rejected claims that the Alaafin endorsed the idea of a rotating chairperson.

According to the statement, “the Alaafin neither met with the governor nor endorsed rotational leadership of the council.”

The palace went on to say that the Alaafin’s stance, which represents the opinions of all Oyo stakeholders, has already been formally conveyed to the state government in a memo filed by the Oyo Council of Elders.

It underlined that the document continues to represent the Alaafin and Oyo communities’ official stance on the State Council of Obas and Chiefs’ leadership structure.

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Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has charged the Oyo State Governor,  Seyi Makinde, to return the N30 billion he admitted was released by the Federal Government as intervention fund for the January 16, 2024, Bodija explosion in Ibadan, since he claimed not to have spent the money.

Fayose said it was funny that the governor did not inform the people of Oyo State of the N30 billion he now admitted to have received and the N20 billion balance, until he blew the whistle on the N50 billion intervention fund.
In a statement on Thursday, by his Spokesperson, Femi Philips, the former governor said “since Governor Makinde has now said that he kept the N30 billion he admitted to have received in a bank since 2024, Oyo State Government should return the money to the Federal Government so it can be used for the people for which the money was meant.

“After all, the Federal Government has mechanisms to reach victims of the explosion since their Governor has chosen to play politics with their welfare.”
Fayose also insisted that “N30 billion in a bank for 18 months would have generated at least,  N4.5 billion at 10 percent interest.

“Therefore, Governor Makinde must return not less than N34.5 billion to the Federal Government.”
Fayose, who said public office demands transparency and accountability, maintained that he had to make the intervention fund public so as to expose the hypocrisy of the Oyo State Governor.
“If he hadn’t go on national television to disclose what happened in a meeting with the President, and concealed the fact that he requested for N50 billion intervention fund for the explosion victims from the president,  and the request was granted, there wouldn’t have been any reason to talk.

“But you can’t tell the public what favours you about a meeting and keep the ones that should favour the other parties. As a Yoruba man, we will not allow you to destroy the President’s name and image because of inordinate Presidential ambition.”

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that Nigerians know where he stands regarding his support for President Bola Tinubu.

Wike said he doesn’t need any form of meeting to confess his support to Tinubu.
He disclosed this during end-of-year media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he dismissed an allegation against him by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

Recall that Makinde recently told journalists that Wike, during a visit to the State House in 2024, promised to “hold PDP” for Tinubu.
Wike dismissed Makinde’s claim, stressing that the meeting they held with the President had nothing to do with PDP, but to show support for his leadership.

“Seyi said I told Tinubu that I will hold PDP for him. Nothing like that happened.
“Everyone knows my stand on Tinubu, I don’t need a meeting to tell him that.
“As a minister, I have a duty to ensure that members of the G-5 benefitted from the Tinubu administration in one way or the other.”

Wike maintained that the Oyo governor owed his people a duty to tell them how the N50 billion intervention funds from Tinubu meant for the January 2024 explosion in Bodija area of the state was spent.
He noted that such money should have been appropriated before spending.

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