By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The leading gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, held a strategic meeting with prominent Ibadan businessman, Chief Akinade Ismail Fijabi, and his son, Hon. Saheed Akinade Fijabi, at the elder statesman’s residence in Ibadan.
Though details of the closed-door meeting were not disclosed to journalists, Ambassador Ajadi described the engagement as a crucial step toward strengthening internal cohesion within the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking shortly after the meeting, Ajadi stressed the importance of unity among party stakeholders, noting that only a united front would position the PDP for victory in the state.
“Our discussion centered on unity, collaboration, and the need to build a formidable structure that will guarantee victory for the PDP in 2027. We must work together as one family if we truly desire progress for Oyo State,” he said.
Ajadi further stressed that consultations with influential stakeholders across the state remain a key component of his political strategy, adding that inclusive dialogue would help consolidate support across party lines and communities.
“This is not about individual ambition; it is about collective responsibility. We are engaging leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots actors to ensure that our party remains strong, focused, and people-oriented,” he added.
Chief Akinade Ismail Fijabi, widely known as the Agba-Akin of Ibadanland, is regarded as a respected figure in business and social circles within the state. His influence, alongside that of his son, Hon. Saheed Akinade Fijabi, underscores the political significance of the meeting.
Hon. Saheed Fijabi, a former two-term member of the House of Representatives representing Ibadan North West/South West under the All Progressives Congress (APC), recently aligned with the PDP and has remained an active player in the state’s political landscape. He notably served as chairman of the Oyo State @50 Committee, inaugurated by Governor Seyi Makinde to oversee the state’s golden jubilee celebrations.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the political observers believe the meeting may not be unconnected with ongoing realignments and consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Oyo State, where key actors are already positioning and building alliances.
While neither Chief Fijabi nor his son spoke publicly on the outcome of the meeting, sources within the PDP suggest that such high-level engagements are part of broader efforts to reconcile interests and strengthen the party’s electoral prospects.
As the countdown to 2027 continues, Ajadi’s sustained consultations with influential stakeholders signal an intensifying political landscape in Oyo State, where unity, strategy, and grassroots connection are expected to play decisive roles.
