Leaders and elders of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, from the five local government areas in Ogbomoso zone have unanimously pledged their full support for the government of Gov. Seyi Makinde.
They also expressed appreciation to the party leadership for nominating one of their own, Engr. Muftau Open Salawu, FNSE, as the party’s deputy governorship candidate.
According to them, Open Salawu, the Babalaje of Ogbomosoland, and Giwa Adinni of Oyo state, is a well known figure in the zone.
The pledge came during a statewide thank-you tour embarked upon by the APM governorship candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, and his running mate, Open Salawu, across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State.
Recall that Adekanmbi and Open Salawu visited the Ogbomoso zone on Monday and Tuesday for a thank-you tour of Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Oriire, Surulere and Ogo-Oluwa local government areas.
During the visits, the candidates reaffirmed their commitment to inclusive governance, grassroots-driven development, and policies that will directly impact rural communities.
They were received to warm receptions by party faithful, community leaders, market women, youth groups and residents who trooped out in large numbers to welcome the APM delegation.
Addressing stakeholders during the tour, Adekanmbi expressed gratitude for the confidence and support shown to him by party members and the electorate across the state.
He assured that an APM-led administration would prioritize infrastructure, agriculture, education, health care and security, with special attention to the needs of communities in Ogbomoso and other zones.
He said: “We are here to say thank you for your support, and to assure you that your voice will not be lost in government.
“APM is building a government that will work for all, from the grassroots to the state capital. Ogbomoso zone has a critical role to play in the development of Oyo State, and we will not take that for granted.”
Speaking with our correspondent, several leaders and members of the party in the five local governments who were present at his residence this morning however described Open Salawu as “a round peg in a round hole.”
They noted that his experience as an engineer, community leader and title holder would complement Adekanmbi’s vision for the state.
According to them, the nomination of Open Salawu has further strengthened the party’s acceptance in Ogbomoso zone and across Oyo State.
One of the elders said the choice of the Babalaje of Ogbomosoland reflects APM’s commitment to rewarding loyalty, competence and grassroots connection. “Engr. Open Salawu understands our challenges.
He is one of us and he will ensure that Ogbomoso gets its fair share,” he said.
Another leader however praised the party for balancing the ticket and for recognizing the contributions of Ogbomoso to the political landscape of Oyo State.
The leaders added that the zone remains open to collaboration with the Makinde administration on projects that will benefit the people, while also working to mobilize support for APM ahead of future elections.
Notable among the leaders and stakeholders across the five local government areas were Hon. Adebayo Bankole, Hon. Oyedepo Ezekiel, Hon. Ogundele Johnson, Hon. Oyelade Tunde, Hon. Olateju Michael, Hon. Laaro Ganiyu, Hon. Hammed Hassan I, Hon. Saliu Alao Jimoh, Alh. Owonikoko Isiaka, Hon. Adekunle Kayode, Mrs. Ajao Victoria, Hon. Timothy Adekunle, Hon. Owonikoko Oladejo, Hon. Ojetunde Oluwole, Hon. Ogunniran Adewole, Hon. Folaranmi Oyebanji, Hon. Isaiah Adegbite, Hon. Rasak Mustapha, Hon. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, Hon. Agbebi Sola, Hon. Afolabi Sanjo, Hon. Aworinde Lasisi, Hon. Gbadamosi Morufu, Hon. Ezekiel Abisoye, Hon. Adeyeye Adebayo, Hon. Okesanjo Adeeyo, Hon. Felicia Areo, Mrs. Sayo Alagbe, Hon. Makanjuola Ojo Sunday, Hon. Ramon Okunlola, Hon. Ogundiran Israel Akinwumi, Jimoh Sikiru Idowu, Hon. George Ogunlade, Hon. Lanre Oladeji, Hon. Sunday Bankole, Hon. Jide Oketunbi, Hon. Akinwale Akinwole, Pa Amos Ayoola, Hon. Akanji Kabir, Hon. Olaniyi Bolanle, Alh. Ibrahim Hamzat, Prof. Abdulrahamon Afonja, Engr. Abu Salam, Engr. Rabiu Bello, Alh. Garuba Edison, Hon. Bisi Oluranti, Hon. Taiwo Alagbe, Hon. Timothy Oyeniyi, Hon. Rasheed Jimoh, Hon. Oguntoye Michael, Hon. Olajide Isaac, Mr. Segun Ajao, Hon. Toyin Olaniran, Hon. Taiwo Akano, Hon. Dr. Amunsan, Mrs. Rebecca Agbejinmi, Hon. Tunji Alao, Oladipupo Rotimi, Dn. Niyi Gbadebo, Olamoyegun Moses, and Emmanuel Oladejo.
Others were Dr. Adekunle Onile, former Executive Chairman; Hon. Seun Ojo, Chairman; Hon. Simon Oyeleke, Special Adviser to the Governor; Hon. Abideen Ogundare, House of Assembly member; Hon. Sanjo Akintola, Special Adviser on Ogo-Oluwa/Surulere to the Governor; Hon. Babarinde Olatunbosun, member, Oyo State Persons with Disabilities Board and former Caretaker Chairman; Hon. Oyegbami Oyewale, member, Oyo State CTCT; Hon. Solomon Ajadi, former Caretaker Chairman; Oyeleye Gideon, former PDP Chairman; John Famakin, former PDP Chairman; James Alamu Aberuagba, Leader; Ademaster, Leader; Hon. Adeyemi Oyeleke James, PDP Ward Chairman; Adediran Onipele, PDP Chairman, Zone 2; and Oladosu Akanbi, APM Ward Chairman, Ogo-Oluwa LGA.
Also in attendance were Hon. Seun Ojo, Hon. Sanjo Akintola, Mr. John Famakin, Hon. Simeon Oyeleke, Hon. Abideen Ogundare, Hon. Ajala Onaolapo, Hon. Akinsola Akinboro, Baba Onipele, Hon. Sunday Oladapo, Alh. Rasak Ayoola, and Mr. Ezekiel Adetunji, and a host of others.
The thank-you tour, according to the party, is aimed at consolidating support, appreciating voters, and deepening engagement with communities ahead of the next election cycle.
Party officials said the delegation would continue the tour to other zones, with a focus on listening to the people and presenting APM’s blueprint for jobs, security and economic growth.
The Ogbomoso visit ended with prayers for peace, unity and progress in Oyo State, as party leaders urged members to remain united and committed to the ideals of the Allied Peoples Movement.
