In a bold and unanimous declaration of support, the Forum of Former Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, and Local Party Chairmen in Oke Ogun has reaffirmed its total loyalty to Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing recent defections within the zone as acts of political opportunism and desperation.
The position of the forum was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its strategic meeting held at the Conference Room of Saki West Local Government Secretariat, where the body extensively reviewed the political developments within the Oke Ogun axis and across Oyo State.
According to the communiqué, the forum dismissed the recent defection of a few individuals led by former Senator Hosea Agboola (popularly known as Halleluya) as “sheer opportunism, inconsistency, and political desperation,” insisting that the move in no way represents the collective will or sentiment of the majority of PDP members in Oke Ogun.
“The handful of individuals who chose to abandon the PDP were those rescued from political obscurity by Governor Seyi Makinde,” the communiqué stated. “Their decision to defect is driven purely by personal ambition and not by any genuine ideological conviction or concern for the people.”
The forum praised Governor Makinde’s inclusive governance style, people-oriented policies, and transformational achievements across Oyo State, especially in the Oke Ogun region.
It cited landmark interventions that have brought unprecedented growth and equity to the area; the upgrade of The Polytechnic, Saki, to an HND-awarding institution, the establishment of the LAUTECH campus in Iseyin, bringing tertiary education closer to the people, the relocation of the OYSADEP headquarters to Saki, strengthening agricultural administration in the zone.
Others are ongoing and completed road projects, notably the Saki–Ogbooro–Igboho Road, Iseyin–Saki Road, Iseyin–Ogbomoso Road, Iseyin–Oyo Road, and Iseyin–Ibadan Road, Employment opportunities and key political appointments granted to qualified Oke Ogun indigenes.
“These achievements,” the forum emphasized, “stand as tangible evidence of Governor Makinde’s fairness, visionary leadership, and commitment to balanced regional development, ensuring that Oke Ogun is no longer left behind in the state’s economic and infrastructural renaissance.”
The body further urged the public to disregard the propaganda and theatrics emanating from the defectors’ camp, describing their recent political gatherings in Saki and Ogbooro as “empty displays of relevance-seeking and self-promotion without grassroots substance.”
Reaffirming its steadfast commitment to the PDP and the Omituntun 2.0 administration, the forum pledged to continue promoting party unity, grassroots mobilization, and internal cohesion ahead of future political contests.
“We remain resolute in our conviction that the PDP under Governor Seyi Makinde represents the true path to progress, equity, and sustainable development for Oyo State and Oke Ogun in particular,” the communiqué concluded.
The meeting ended with renewed pledges of solidarity and a shared determination among former local government leaders to defend the integrity of the party, strengthen democratic values, and uphold the legacy of service that defines the Makinde-led administration.
Dignitaries in attendance includes Alh. Sulaimon Santana Fmr. Chairman Irepo L. G, Hon. Raheem Ajibola Fm, Frm LCDA Chairman, Iseyin L. G, Hon. Tajudeen Olori, Fmr LCDA Chairman Iwajowa, Engr. Mudasir Eruobodo, Fmr Chairman Saki West, Azeez Jimoh Olaniyi, Former Vice Chairman Itesiwaju L. G, Makanjuola Joe Ayoola, former LCDA chairman Atisbo, Hon. Gbenga Akinola, former Chairman, Saki West, David Ayankunle Ayandeyi Olorunsogo, among others.
