By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Saturday commenced an extensive ward-to-ward consultation and appreciation tour across the ten wards of Oluyole Local Government Area, declaring that sustained engagement with the grassroots remains the foundation of responsive leadership and effective representation.
Ajadi embarked on the tour alongside the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government and the APM candidate for Oluyole Federal Constituency, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, beginning with Ward 7, where party leaders, stakeholders, and residents converged at Olomi Community Primary School 1, Olomi, for the official flag-off of the exercise.
The delegation also inspected the ongoing Taska–Olugbemi Road project, described as a strategic infrastructure initiative aimed at improving transportation and stimulating economic activities in communities within the council area.
Addressing party faithful and residents, Ajadi said the ward tour was designed to deepen interactions with the people and provide the party leadership with first-hand knowledge of the needs and aspirations of communities.
According to him, meaningful governance can only be achieved when leaders remain connected to the people at the grassroots.
“We are here to appreciate our people and to listen to them. Politics should not be about appearing only during elections; it should be about continuous engagement and partnership with the people,” Ajadi said.
He added, “The strength of any democracy lies at the grassroots. When leaders understand the needs and priorities of the people directly, they are better positioned to formulate policies and provide representation that truly addresses those concerns.”
Ajadi noted that the initiative mirrors Governor Seyi Makinde’s participatory style of governance through pre-budget consultations across Oyo State, saying the approach has demonstrated the importance of involving citizens in governance.
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“Governor Seyi Makinde’s consultation process before the annual budget has shown that governance becomes more impactful when people are carried along. We believe in that philosophy, and we are committed to sustaining a people-centred approach that prioritises inclusiveness and development,” he stated.
The businessman and philanthropist urged members of the APM to remain united and focused as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Our party must continue to place the interest of the people above every other consideration. Unity among members and commitment to service are essential if we are to deliver quality representation and sustainable development to our people,” he added.
Speaking earlier, Engr. Olatunji described the exercise as an appreciation visit to residents and party supporters for their unwavering support and commitment to grassroots development.
He explained that Ward 7 was deliberately chosen as the starting point because it is his home ward.
“As the saying goes, charity begins at home. This tour is about gratitude, accountability and renewed commitment to the welfare of our people,” Olatunji said.
Residents and party members commended the local government chairman for maintaining close ties with the grassroots and for initiating developmental projects, particularly in road infrastructure and community development.
The Taska–Olugbemi Road project formed a major highlight of the day’s activities, with Ajadi and Olatunji expressing satisfaction with the level of work done and assuring residents that efforts would continue towards addressing other infrastructural challenges across the local government.
Political observers believe the tour represents one of the earliest grassroots mobilization efforts ahead of the 2027 elections in Oyo State and reflects the increasing emphasis political actors are placing on community engagement and direct interaction with voters.
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The Merit Newspaper acknowledges the high-powered delegation included the Oyo State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola; former Oluyole Local Government Chairman, Hon. Olaide Settle; Alhaji Mukaila Adegbola; former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Lukman Salawu; former council chairman, Hon. Kehinde Abore; Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Oluyole Federal Constituency, Hon. Olumide Okelawa; Hon. Akin Ajao, ward chairmen, supervisory councillors and other party stakeholders.
The ward-to-ward consultation is expected to continue across the remaining nine wards of Oluyole Local Government in the coming days as the APM intensifies grassroots mobilization and consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
