By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Former Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Alhaja Monsurat Olajumoke Sunmonu, has expressed confidence in the 2027 senatorial ambition of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate for Oyo Central, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, describing him as a capable politician with the experience, commitment and determination required to serve the people effectively.
Sunmonu stated this on Monday, August 24, 2026, when Ajadi paid a courtesy visit to her residence in London, United Kingdom. The meeting provided an opportunity for the two political figures to exchange views on the political future of Oyo State, effective representation and the expectations of the people ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also in attendance was the APM candidate for the Oyo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, Barrister Seun Ashamu.
Sunmonu, who represented Oyo Central in the Senate from 2015 to 2019, wished Ajadi success in the forthcoming election and urged him to remain focused, accessible and committed to the interests of his constituents.
“I sincerely wish Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo success in the 2027 election. I believe he has the capacity and commitment to represent the people of Oyo Central effectively. Politics should be about service, and I pray that God grants him the wisdom, strength and understanding to serve the people if elected,” Sunmonu said.
She further advised Ajadi to approach his political journey with humility, sincerity and a strong sense of responsibility, stressing that electoral victory should not be regarded merely as an achievement but as a mandate to serve the people.
She said the electorate would expect him to speak for them, defend their interests and contribute meaningfully to the development of the senatorial district.
Sunmonu, who became the first female Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly in 2011 before her election to the Senate in 2015, also prayed for Ajadi’s success, urging him to remain guided by integrity, service and the fear of God. Her experience in both the state legislature and the National Assembly, she noted, had exposed her to the responsibilities and challenges associated with public office.
She equally extended her prayers and goodwill to Barrister Seun Ashamu, urging both candidates to work together, remain close to the people and remember that public office is fundamentally a responsibility to the electorate. She prayed that God would guide them, grant them victory and give them the wisdom to serve effectively if elected.
Responding, Ajadi expressed appreciation to Senator Sunmonu for receiving him and for her words of encouragement and prayers. He described the former senator as an accomplished daughter of Oyo State and a respected public servant whose political experience and contributions to governance remained valuable to the state.
“I am deeply honoured to have visited Alhaja Monsurat Olajumoke Sunmonu. She is a woman of great experience and an important voice in the political history of Oyo State. I sincerely appreciate her wisdom, prayers and encouragement,” Ajadi said.
The APM candidate said his ambition to represent Oyo Central in the Senate was motivated by his desire to provide purposeful representation and contribute to the socio-economic development of the people. He added that, if elected, he would prioritise the interests of his constituents and ensure that their voices received meaningful representation at the national level.
Ajadi, who emerged as the APM consensus candidate for Oyo Central, also assured the people of his continued engagement with political stakeholders and communities across the senatorial district.
