Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a leading governorship aspirant in Oyo State, on Monday paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Oladunni Olaoye Orumogege III, to seek the monarch’s blessings ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election.
Ajadi, who was accompanied by political associates and members of his entourage, arrived early at the palace, where he was warmly received by the monarch and traditional chiefs in a brief but symbolic ceremony in line with Ogbomosho’s long-standing tradition of political and cultural consultation.
Speaking during the visit, Ajadi said his decision to seek royal blessings was informed by deep respect for traditional institutions and the belief that major political aspirations should begin with the counsel and prayers of revered leaders.
“This visit is first to pay homage to the throne and seek your royal blessings and guidance,” Ajadi said. “It is also to formally extend my goodwill wishes to Kabiyesi as we celebrate the Christmas and New Year festivities.”
He said Oyo State, under the current administration, had made notable progress and required continuity that aligns with the leadership philosophy of Governor Seyi Makinde.
Oyo State needs continuity of good governance through a young, vibrant and progressive leadership that shares the same vision and mindset as our leader, Engineer Oluseyi Makinde,” Ajadi stated.
“I have come to seek your leadership, mentorship and fatherly guidance towards my ambition to continue the mandate of good governance in the state.”
Ajadi, an entrepreneur, philanthropist and political figure, reminded the monarch of his political journey, noting that he was once a presidential aspirant on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) before emerging as the party’s governorship candidate in Ogun State during the 2023 elections.
“I have always stood for good governance and humanitarian service,” he said. “Through the Ajadi Movement, we have supported youths, the elderly and the less privileged across the country.”
He also traced his roots in Oyo State, describing himself as a son of the soil.
“Kabiyesi, sir, I am from Ward 8, Osengere, Egbeda Local Government in Ibadan. My father was a prominent musician popularly known as Sola West in Ibadan, and he was a younger brother of Chief Bode Amao, who remains the eldest personality in my family to date. Chief Bode Amao is a well-known figure in Oyo State and Nigeria at large,” Ajadi said.
I am offering myself for service and humbly request your prayers, wisdom and blessings as I continue consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
Responding to a question by the monarch on the internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ajadi described the situation as an internal matter that would be resolved.
“The crisis is internal, and it will be resolved soon,” he said. “Unfortunately, some individuals engaging in anti-party activities have created concern for Nigerians. These are politicians who have benefited from the PDP structure but are now undermining it.”
He added that such practices had contributed to instability within the party, stressing the need for internal discipline and unity.
In his response, the Soun of Ogbomosho commended Ajadi for his humility and adherence to traditional consultation.
“You have wished yourself well with all the good things you have spoken today,” Oba Ghandi Afolabi Oladunni Olaoye Orumogege III said.
“I wish you all the best in your endeavours. Congratulations in advance.”
Background
Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo is a business executive, philanthropist and political actor known for youth empowerment initiatives and humanitarian outreach across several states. His interest in the Oyo governorship race comes at a time when Governor Seyi Makinde, a two-term PDP governor, is nearing the end of his constitutionally allowed tenure in 2027.
Governor Makinde’s administration has been widely credited with reforms in infrastructure, education and civil service administration in Oyo State, making succession politics a key subject within the ruling party.
The Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Oladunni Olaoye Orumogege III, ascended the throne in 2023 and has since been noted for encouraging peace, consultation and development-oriented leadership within and beyond Ogbomosho land.
