The Praise, The Criticism And The Road Ahead
What began largely as speculation surrounding a possible political ambition by broadcaster Alhaji Oriyomi Hamsat has gradually developed into a subject of intense discussion across Oyo State.
Hamsat, owner of Agidigbo 88.7 FM in Ibadan, has in recent months attracted growing attention over reports that he may seek the governorship of Oyo State in the 2027 elections.
Although he had yet to publicly disclose the political platform on which he intended to contest at the time, groups and individuals sympathetic to his aspiration had already begun mobilising support for the project.
One of the developments that fuelled the speculation was a gathering of fish sellers at his radio station, where the group expressed support for his reported political ambition and pledged their backing.
Similar expressions of support had also been coming from different market groups and associations, adding to the growing conversation around Hamsat and his possible entry into the 2027 governorship race.
‘Oyo N Pe O’ Campaign
Interest in Hamsat’s political ambition became more pronounced after billboards bearing the slogan “Oyo N Pe O”, meaning “Oyo Is Calling You”, appeared at strategic locations in Ibadan and other parts of the state.
The billboards initially generated curiosity because the identity behind the campaign was not immediately obvious.
The face eventually associated with the message was revealed to be that of Hamsat, triggering discussions among residents and political observers about whether the popular broadcaster was preparing to make a formal entry into partisan politics.
The development also generated differing reactions, with supporters describing the campaign as a grassroots movement while critics questioned whether public popularity could automatically translate into electoral success.
‘You May Be The One To Push Me’
Hamsat himself has spoken publicly about his ambition during a broadcast on his radio station.
During one such programme, a caller reportedly cautioned him against assuming that his popularity among listeners and beneficiaries of his interventions would necessarily translate into votes at the polls.
The caller suggested that some of the people Hamsat had supported over the years might not reciprocate the gesture politically.
Rather than being discouraged, Hamsat responded confidently, insisting that he was capable of making his own political decisions.
“Don’t say they will not vote for me. You might even be the one that will push me to contest. I have my own brain,” he said.
“If I contest, nothing will happen. I will contest, and I will win. Don’t tell me that.”
His comments further fuelled speculation that the broadcaster was seriously considering a governorship bid.
Growing Grassroots Support
The development has since been associated with the “Oyo N Pe O 2027” movement, which supporters say has established structures in different parts of the state.
Among those reported to have expressed interest in the movement are market groups, youth organisations and other community-based supporters.
The campaign has also attracted attention online. A Facebook page associated with the movement had reportedly amassed more than 23,000 followers at the time, reflecting the level of interest generated by the project on social media.
However, the size of an online following remains different from an established electoral structure, and the extent to which the enthusiasm would translate into votes was still a matter for the political process to determine.
Praise And Criticism
While Hamsat’s supporters have praised his grassroots connections and his record of using broadcasting to highlight the concerns of ordinary residents, his reported political ambition has also attracted criticism.
One of the major questions raised by some political observers is whether he would enjoy the support of established political structures in the state.
Some critics have also questioned his relationship with Governor Seyi Makinde, given Hamsat’s previous support for Makinde’s 2019 election campaign.
For some observers, the broadcaster’s reported ambition could create political complications if it eventually puts him on a different path from established political interests in the state.
Hamsat, however, has consistently presented his ambition as being driven by a desire to serve rather than simply by the pursuit of political office.
He has spoken of his interest in rebuilding, renewing and repositioning Oyo State, while portraying himself as someone motivated by service and concern for ordinary people.
From Journalism To Broadcasting
Hamsat is not new to public attention.
Born and raised in Ibadan, he followed his father’s footsteps into journalism. He attended Iroko Community Grammar School before obtaining a diploma in Geology from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and later studying Mass Communication.
His journalism career began in the print media, including a stint with The Guardian, before he moved into broadcasting.
He subsequently worked with organisations including the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.
Hamsat later established Agidigbo 88.7 FM, which has grown into a prominent radio platform in Ibadan, particularly for programmes that focus on social issues and give members of the public an opportunity to air their views.
Programmes such as “Kokoro Alate” and “So Kan Wa” have contributed to his popularity among grassroots audiences.
A Controversial Chapter
Hamsat’s public career has also had its difficult moments.
In 2017, he was arrested and detained in connection with the death of a 17-year-old boy associated with his NGO, Make A Future Alive Initiative.
After years of legal proceedings, Hamsat and the other defendants were acquitted in 2022.
Hamsat subsequently maintained that the case was politically motivated and intended to silence him. Such claims represented his position on the matter and were not treated as findings of the court.
From Makinde Supporter To Potential Challenger
Hamsat’s growing political profile can also be traced to his active support for Seyi Makinde during the 2019 governorship election.
His involvement at the time was linked to his stated interest in challenging perceived injustices and advocating for people he believed were marginalised.
Six years later, the political landscape has changed considerably, with Hamsat himself emerging as a potential contender for the same office.
Whether the reported ambition will eventually become a formal candidacy remains dependent on the decisions he makes, the political platform he chooses and the support he is able to build across Oyo State.
For now, the “Oyo N Pe O” campaign has succeeded in putting Oriyomi Hamsat at the centre of the conversation about the 2027 governorship race.
As political alignments continue to take shape ahead of the election, the coming months will determine whether the broadcaster’s growing popularity can be transformed into a serious political movement capable of competing for the state’s highest elective office.
Credit: City People
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