Fresh cracks have emerged within Governor Seyi Makinde’s political family following the resignation of one of his long-time allies and respected political strategists, Chief Babatunde Oduyoye, from the Oyo State Government, further fuelling speculation over the realignment of forces ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Oduyoye, who served as Special Adviser on Strategy and Political Matters, reportedly tendered his resignation after months of intense political consultations across the state.
Although he has stepped aside from government, the veteran politician has deliberately kept his next political destination away from public glare, leaving political observers guessing whether he will remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), join another platform or align with an emerging coalition.
His exit is regarded in many political circles as another significant loss for Governor Makinde, coming at a time when the battle to succeed the outgoing governor is gathering momentum and alliances are being reshaped across Oyo State.
A politician with decades of experience, Oduyoye is widely respected beyond partisan politics.
His exit is regarded in many political circles as another significant loss for Governor Makinde, coming at a time when the battle to succeed the outgoing governor is gathering momentum and alliances are being reshaped across Oyo State.
A politician with decades of experience, Oduyoye is widely respected beyond partisan politics.
He rose to prominence as President of the Students’ Union Government of the University of Ibadan before becoming a two-term member of the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2007, where he served as Minority Whip under the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
He also held influential positions within Afenifere and has remained one of Ibadan’s most experienced political tacticians.
Over the years, Oduyoye built a reputation as a bridge-builder and strategist whose political calculations often attract attention across party lines.
Over the years, Oduyoye built a reputation as a bridge-builder and strategist whose political calculations often attract attention across party lines.
His appointment by Makinde as Special Adviser on Strategy and Political Matters was itself seen as an effort by the governor to leverage his vast grassroots network and over three decades of political experience.
His resignation now adds to a growing list of influential figures who have distanced themselves from Makinde’s political structure in recent months.
Former Oyo PDP Deputy Chairman Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja had earlier exited the governor’s political camp, while former Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan had long parted ways with Makinde after a bitter fallout before joining the APC.
His resignation now adds to a growing list of influential figures who have distanced themselves from Makinde’s political structure in recent months.
Former Oyo PDP Deputy Chairman Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja had earlier exited the governor’s political camp, while former Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan had long parted ways with Makinde after a bitter fallout before joining the APC.
Other notable political figures, including former Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni (retd.) and several political associates, have also disengaged from Makinde’s political movement amid growing permutations ahead of 2027.
Political analysts believe the latest resignation further underscores the growing contest over who will inherit Makinde’s political structure after his constitutionally permitted second term expires.
Despite mounting speculation linking Oduyoye with various political camps, the former federal lawmaker has not publicly declared where he is headed or which political tendency he intends to identify with.
That silence has only heightened interest in his next move, with many observers convinced that his eventual political destination could significantly influence the balance of power in the state as preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace.
For now, Oduyoye appears content to keep political actors and supporters guessing, even as his resignation becomes the latest reminder that the scramble for Oyo’s next governorship has entered a decisive phase.
Political analysts believe the latest resignation further underscores the growing contest over who will inherit Makinde’s political structure after his constitutionally permitted second term expires.
Despite mounting speculation linking Oduyoye with various political camps, the former federal lawmaker has not publicly declared where he is headed or which political tendency he intends to identify with.
That silence has only heightened interest in his next move, with many observers convinced that his eventual political destination could significantly influence the balance of power in the state as preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace.
For now, Oduyoye appears content to keep political actors and supporters guessing, even as his resignation becomes the latest reminder that the scramble for Oyo’s next governorship has entered a decisive phase.
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