The Ibarapaland Traditional Council, comprising monarchs from all seven towns in the zone, have unanimously endorsed the governorship ambition of the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin.
The endorsement came during a high-level meeting of traditional rulers and stakeholders held in Eruwa on Wednesday.
The monarchs collectively expressed confidence in the Speaker’s leadership credentials, political experience, and capacity to govern the state.
Leading the royal fathers was the Eleruwa of Eruwa, HRM Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola, Akobo Olurin I.
Other prominent monarchs in attendance included the Olu of Igboora, HRM Oba Jimoh Titiloye Ayinla; the Onidere of Idere, HRM Oba Rev. Kingsley Aderoju Onikola; the Asigangan of Iganga, HRM Oba AbdulRafiu Adeniyi Olaniyi; the Asawo of Ayete, HRM Oba Emmanuel Ewuola Okeniyi; the Onilala of Lanlate, HRM Oba Sunday Bolawaye Oladeji; the Elempe of Tapa, HRM Oba Titiloye Sunday Owolabi; and the Oluaso of Iberekodo, HRM Oba Jamiu Badmus Adedamola.
The monarchs described Ogundoyin as a worthy son of Ibarapaland whose political trajectory demonstrates resilience, competence, and a deep understanding of governance.
They noted that his record of winning three consecutive elections, his emergence as Speaker on two occasions, and being the immediate past Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, position him strongly to lead Oyo State.
The royal fathers emphasized that his aspiration represents a significant opportunity for Ibarapaland to produce a governor, describing the development as historic and encouraging.
They offered prayers for the success of his ambition and pledged to mobilize sons and daughters of the zone to support his gubernatorial bid.
Ogundoyin formally informed the traditional rulers of his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election, seeking their endorsement and royal blessings.
The meeting had in attendance key PDP leaders and stakeholders from the zone, including Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, and other notable politicians.
Community leaders from Eruwa, led by the immediate past Chairman of the Eruwa Elders Council, Chief J.A. Peluola, also attended, highlighting the broad-based support for the Speaker within the zone.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
