Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a prominent governorship aspirant in Oyo State, on Monday paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Oladunni Olaoye Orumogege III, to seek the blessings of the monarch ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election.
Ajadi, who was accompanied by political associates and members of his entourage, arrived early at the palace, where he was warmly received by the monarch and traditional chiefs in a brief but symbolic ceremony in line with Ogbomosho’s long tradition of political and cultural consultation.
During the visit, Ajadi said his decision to seek royal blessings was based on deep respect for traditional institutions and the belief that major political aspirations must begin with the advice and prayers of revered leaders.
“This visit is to pay homage to the throne and seek its royal blessings and guidance. It is also to formally extend my goodwill wishes to Kabiyesi as we celebrate the Christmas and New Year holidays.”
He said Oyo State, under the current administration, had made remarkable progress and required continuity that aligned with the leadership philosophy of Governor Seyi Makinde.
“Oyo State needs continuity of good governance through young, vibrant and progressive leadership that shares the same vision and mindset as our leader, Engineer Oluseyi Makinde.
“I have come to seek your leadership, mentorship and fatherly guidance towards my ambition to continue the mandate of good governance in the state.”
Ajadi, a businessman, philanthropist and political figure, reminded the monarch of his political journey, noting that he was once a presidential aspirant on the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) before emerging as the party’s gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State during the 2023 elections.
“I have always stood for good governance and humanitarian service. Through the Ajadi Movement, we have supported the youth, the elderly and the less privileged across the country.”
He also has his roots in Oyo State, describing himself as a son of the soil.
“Kabiyesi Sir, I am from Ward 8, Osengere, Egbeda Local Government in Ibadan. My father was a prominent musician popularly known as Sola West in Ibadan, and he was the younger brother of Chief Bode Amao, who remains the eldest personality in my family to date. Chief Bode Amao is a well-known figure in Oyo State and Nigeria in general.
“I offer to serve and humbly request your prayers, wisdom and blessings as I continue consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Ajadi said.
Responding to a question from the monarch about the internal crisis in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ajadi described the situation as an internal matter that will be resolved.
“The crisis is internal and will be resolved soon. Unfortunately, some people engaging in anti-party activities have created concern among Nigerians. These are politicians who have benefited from the PDP structure but are now undermining it.”
He added that such practices had contributed to instability within the party, highlighting the need for internal discipline and unity.
In his response, the Soun of Ogbomosho commended Ajadi for his humility and adherence to traditional consultations.
“You have wished yourself well with all the good things you have said today. I wish you all the best in your endeavors. Congratulations in advance,” said Oba Ghandi Afolabi Oladunni Olaoye Orumogege III.
Background
Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo is a business executive, philanthropist and political actor known for his youth empowerment initiatives and humanitarian outreach in several states. His interest in the Oyo governorship race comes at a time when Governor Seyi Makinde, a two-term PDP governor, is nearing the end of his constitutionally permitted term in 2027.
Governor Makinde’s administration is widely credited with reforms in infrastructure, education and civil service administration in Oyo State, making succession politics a key issue within the ruling party.
The Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Oladunni Olaoye Orumogege III, ascended the throne in 2023 and has since been noted for encouraging peace, consultation and development-oriented leadership within and outside Ogbomosho land.