Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin is currently at the center of attention in Oyo State, especially as the 2027 gubernatorial race heats up. The youngest Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, at 38 years old, is facing mounting pressure regarding his potential candidacy and his affiliation with Igbo.
The speculation about him running for governor intensified after he attended the coronation of the new Alaafin, HIM Oba Akeem Owoade, a few weeks ago. Ogundoyin, who represents the Ibarapa East State Constituency—one of the largest constituencies in Oyo—has been considering a bid for the state’s top position following Governor Seyi Makinde’s term, which ends in 2027.
The controversy erupted after the Speaker shared a photo with a prominent Igbo leader at the coronation. Although, he later deleted the post, it attracted scrutiny and led to backlash from some members of the youth community. Critics began to emphasize his Igbo heritage, particularly focusing on the fact that his mother is from Imo State, arguing that he should not run for governor of Oyo because they believe he represents Igbo interests rather than those of the Yoruba people.
This situation developed further when Yoruba youths on social media expressed their opposition to Ogundoyin’s potential governorship candidacy. Like we have earlier stated, drama escalated after he posted a picture with a man who introduced himself as the Eze Ndigbo 1 of Yorubaland during the Alaafin’s coronation. In his caption, Ogundoyin stated that the legislative arm of the Oyo State Government under his leadership is dedicated to creating laws that benefit everyone, regardless of their background or tribe.
Many Yoruba youths voiced their discontent regarding his association with the Eze, especially at such an important event as the Alaafin’s coronation. They also accused him of inviting the Eze to the event and began to investigate his background, discovering that he admitted in a previous post to not being fluent in Yoruba—the language spoken by the people he represents. This further aggravated concerns, especially with reports suggesting he is being groomed to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde.
In response, Ogundoyin deleted the controversial post and issued a statement on social media asserting his identity as a Yoruba man. He declared, “I am a proud Yoruba man from Eruwa. I speak Yoruba with pride and conduct plenary sessions in Yoruba. I speak fluent Yoruba and English. I cherish and promote our rich cultural heritage. My wife is Yoruba and shares my passion for our roots. My late mother, Chief Mrs. Justina Iyabo Ogundoyin, who was born and raised in Ibadan, embraced Yoruba culture and virtues. This earned her several Yoruba traditional titles, including Yeyeluwa of Ibadanland, Iyaloja of Ibarapaland, and acting Iyaloja General of Oyo State before her passing. As Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, my loyalty and commitment are unwavering in my service to my people in Oyo State.”
Despite his attempts to reassure the community, the youths, fueled by a new wave of Yoruba conservatism, warned that he risked losing his re-election to the Oyo Assembly. In a bid to gauge public opinion, a news media platform ran a campaign on social media with the caption, “Who Should Succeed Seyi Makinde in 2027? Series 6: Meet Eruwa-Born 38-Year-Old Adebo Ogundoyin.” However, the campaign was met with resentment from many Yoruba youths who stated they would prefer to vote for the opposition if Ogundoyin were to be the gubernatorial candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2027.
Comments from users on social media reflected widespread hostility toward Ogundoyin’s candidacy. One user, @Asakemijimi, stated, “Lol. Field him, and PDP is gone in Oyo State. We will be waiting for you people. We are even tired of PDP and their anti-Yoruba and pro-Igbo policies.” Another user, @Kilabake, commented, “If PDP wants continuity in Oyo State, they should look for a proper Yoruba candidate void of offense.” A third user, @MichaelAkinsuyi, added, “If the opposition presents a full-blooded Yoruba candidate, we will go for it. Yoruba first in everything. Enough of half-baked Yoruba politicians in our system.” Additionally, @Novelgreen1 remarked, “This one won’t even get close to the position. Never again will his likes be allowed to represent Yoruba people.”
Despite this opposition, City People findings revealed that the Speaker has strong support from the Igbo community in the state. In the recent elections that brought Governor Makinde to power, the Igbo community played a crucial role in his success, largely due to Rt. Hon. Adebo’s influence. Currently, there are voices in the Igbo community backing him for a gubernatorial run after Governor Seyi Makinde’s tenure ends in 2027.
A few months ago, he attended an Igbo town hall meeting where he promised to ensure equal opportunities within the state. The Speaker highlighted the need for a united front to promote rapid development for future generations. He stressed that community leaders in Oyo State must focus on reconciliation and conflict management.
“I was honored to attend the Igbo town hall meeting convened by Hon. Tallest Innocent. This gathering brought Igbo leaders together to foster peace and unity in Oyo State. As Speaker, I emphasized our legislature’s commitment to creating laws that benefit all citizens, irrespective of their tribe or culture. My personal connection to the Igbo community, through my late mother, Yeye Justina Ogundoyin, who was from Imo State, makes this mission even more important.”
The Speaker recognized the state government’s acknowledgment of the Igbo people’s significant contributions to the economy’s growth. He encouraged unity among Igbo leaders and other tribes, urging them to set aside personal ego to reap the benefits of democracy from the state government.
The convener of the peace meeting, Innocent Tallest, who is the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on community relations (Igbo Community), described the event as a significant step towards overcoming longstanding factionalism within the Igbo communities in the state.
Adebo Edward Ogundoyin (born February 17, 1987) is a Nigerian politician. He serves as the current Speaker of the Ninth Oyo State House of Assembly and represents the Ibarapa East constituency under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Adebo Edward Ogundoyin is from Ibarapa East constituency, Oyo State. He is a graduate of Babcock University. He was elected to the House to represent the Ibarapa East State Constituency and became Speaker of the House without opposition on June 10, 2019. A second-term member, he was first elected to the 8th House of Assembly in 2018 after winning a bye-election following the death of the previous Speaker, Rt. Hon. Michael Adeyemo, on April 27, 2018.
Adebo Ogundoyin is one of the sons of the late prominent philanthropist and industrialist, Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin. He lost his father in 1991, at the age of four. Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin, along with Alhaji Arisekola Alao and Chief Akanni Aluko, dominated the social scene in Ibadan during their time.
Isaac Abimbade
08155107955
