Home NewsWill IBADAN Big Boy, BIMBO ADEKANMBI Run?

Will IBADAN Big Boy, BIMBO ADEKANMBI Run?

by City People
  • For Oyo Governorship In 2027

  • Why All Eyes Are On Him

As the Oyo governorship race gets hotter and hotter by the day, many names are being mentioned as possible aspirants.

One of them is former Oyo Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi. He once contested for the Senate.

Right now, all eyes are on him as a possible successor to Gov. Seyi Makinde, who likes Bimbo a lot. Don’t forget that Bimbo has been quite visible in his administration.

Adekanmbi is a distinguished politician and Chartered Accountant who has held notable positions, in Oyo State. He was Deputy Chief of Staff and Commissioner of Finance in Oyo State, under Governor Abiola Ajimobi. He’s known for his exceptional financial acumen, humility and commitment to public service.

And of recent, he was made to chair the Chairman, Ibadan Airport Upgrade Project. He has received The Man of Honour Award from Solutions FM. He was honoured for his contributions to society and development.

He recently resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) after a long-standing membership. He has received solidarity visits from prominent figures, including Oyo Governor, Engr. Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, who encouraged him to continue serving the state.

He contested as a senatorial aspirant under APC in the 2023 general elections. He merged structures with other aspirants to support his candidacy in the Oyo South senatorial district.

Adekanmbi is widely respected for his integrity, business acumen and dedication to the development of Oyo State.

So, what’s next for him? Is he going to the Senate or for governorship?

Opinion is divided. Some analysts say considering Hon. Bimbo Adekanbi’s recent resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his impressive track record as a public servant and chartered accountant, there is a strong feeling that he might join the guber race.

Already there’s been a solidarity visit from the Ibadan North East Like Minds Integrity Group, urging him to join the PDP. Given the warm reception, this possibility seems likely they say.

With his merged structures with other aspirants, including Chief Fola Akinosun and Asatola Asanike, he might pursue the Oyo South senatorial seat. His experience and financial acumen could give him an edge.

As a seasoned politician, he might focus on constituency projects, leveraging his experience as a former Commissioner for Finance and Deputy Chief of Staff to drive development in his community.

With his exceptional financial expertise and Chartered Accountant background, he might attract opportunities in the private sector, potentially in leadership roles or as a consultant.

He recently resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has been receiving attention from various groups.

Expectedly Adekanmbi’s impressive background as a chartered accountant and his experience in public service have earned him recognition and admiration. He’s also garnered support from notable figures, including Governor Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, who has tasked him with handling sensitive projects.

With his recent resignation and the merger of structures Adekanmbi’s political future looks promising, particularly in the Oyo South senatorial district.

Is he qualified to be Governor? Of course Yes his loyalists say.

Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi’s qualifications and experience make him a strong contender for the governorship position.

He served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Commissioner of Finance in Oyo State, demonstrating his ability to handle high-level responsibilities and make impactful decisions.

He has a proven track record as a superb administrator, capable of handling sensitive tasks and projects, which could be beneficial in overseeing government projects and initiatives.

He has a strong background in public service, with a focus on serving his community and driving development, which aligns with the role of a governor.

While it’s ultimately up to the electorate to decide, Hon. Bimbo Adekanbi’s experience, skills, and commitment to public service make him a qualified and credible candidate for the governor position revealed a political analyst.

Is he close to Gov Seyi Makinde? Yes, we gathered.

His relationship with Governor Seyi Makinde is strong, with indications of mutual respect and trust.

Governor Makinde appointed Adekanmbi the Chairman of the Ibadan Airport Upgrade Committee in 2024, a high-stakes project that showcases Adekanmbi’s capabilities and Makinde’s trust in him.

Despite their party differences, Makinde’s appointment of Adekanmbi suggests a level of bipartisan cooperation and acceptance, which could be beneficial for Adekanbi’s future political aspirations.

After Adekanbi’s resignation from the APC, various groups have paid him solidarity visits, indicating his strong connections within Oyo State’s political landscape, including potential support from Governor Makinde’s camp.

Some sources speculate that Adekanmbi might be considered for the governor’s seat in 2027, with Makinde’s backing, potentially playing a significant role in his candidacy.

Overall, Adekanmbi’s relationship with Governor Makinde seems to be built on mutual respect, trust, and potentially shared goals for Oyo State’s development.

It appears Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi might be joining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) soon. The Ibadan North East Like Minds Integrity Group encouraged him to join PDP after he recently left the All Progressives Congress (APC). During the visit, they praised his credentials, describing him as humble, intelligent, and a symbol of loyalty. Adekanbi’s impressive background as a Chartered Accountant and his experience as Deputy Chief of Staff and Commissioner of Finance in Oyo State likely make him an attractive asset to any party.

 

Let’s tell you more. He was a member of the Oyo State Executive Council from 2011 to 2019. He served as the Commissioner For Finance, Budget and Planning.

He contested for Oyo South Senatorial District in 2023 on the platform of the APC.

He is a sound Business Engineer & Administrator who runs a consultancy that provided Management Consulting and Business Solutions across Fortune 500 companies, the Public Sector, the academic and professional community.

Adekanmbi’s biggest strength is human relationships observed one of his loyalists. He has a unique way of connecting with the least of his would-be constituents in the most applaudable way. His brand of politics relate to solutions. In 2019, he had a first ever collaboration with the Technical University Ibadan and sponsored 100 Beneficiaries on Youth Empowerment and Contract Recruitment Programme, providing seed funding at the end. He also recently introduced a Bursary Scheme for Students in Tertiary Institutions in Ibadan.

All Adekanmbi’s Youth Programmes are targeted at brilliant, but indigent students. His core objective is to build a pool of youth that can face the challenges of the current times.

In 2022, Bimbo Adekanmbi empowered 700 Oyo State indigene. Over 700 people of Oyo South Senatorial District comprising 9 LGA in Oyo State were empowered with skills.

That Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi is trusted by Gov. Makinde became clear in July 2024 when he made Adekanmbi the head of an 11-man Committees to make recommendations and submit a white paper that will aid the expansion of Alakia Airport in Ibadan to international standard.

The committee is made up of others like Alhaji Kabir Yusuf, former MD of FAAN, Dr. Wale Babalakin, 3 Officers from Nigeria Airforce, Engr. Ayo Opesanya, Arc. Wale Okubadejo, Arc Oluyomi Onilude, Seyi Akinbohun, Ademola Aderinto.

He called it The Ibadan Airport Upgrade Committee.

Mogaji Wole Arisekola an Ibadan stakeholder, wrote this about him.

“In every generation, there emerges a man whose brilliance speaks louder than his words. From the heart of Ibadanland comes one such man — Bimbo Adekanbi — a symbol of loyalty, humility, and quiet intelligence.

Those who know him will tell you he carries himself with the grace of good upbringing and the confidence of deep knowledge. I know his roots — his father, mother, and every member of that noble family. No one within the Arisekola Alao dynasty can deny the bond that once flourished between Bimbo’s father and the late Aare Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao.

Bimbo is a true product of Aare Arisekola’s benevolent legacy. Unlike others who bit the hand that once fed them, he has remained grateful, humble, and loyal. Never once has he looked down on anyone introduced to him through Aare Arisekola. That is the true mark of a man raised with integrity.

May the gentle souls of Papa Adekanbi and Aare Arisekola Alao continue to rest in perfect peace. Their good deeds still live through men like Bimbo.

I remember vividly when His Excellency asked me, half-jokingly last year, “Do you know Bimbo?”

I smiled and replied, “Know him? He’s like a younger brother to me — just like Musa and Khadijat Arisekola Alao.”

Those were the golden days at Obafemi Awolowo University — my house in Ife was their home away from home. We shared laughter, meals, and memories that time itself cannot erase.

If you are ever in search of a capable, trustworthy hand to handle a sensitive task, take my word for it — Bimbo Adekanbi will never fail you. Let’s leave sentiments aside: the man is an encyclopedia of wisdom, refined by solid home training and life experience”.

 

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