Political commentator Sola Abegunde has launched a scathing attack on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and his preferred successor, Bimbo Adekanmbi, arguing that the governor’s political disagreements, policy controversies and strained relationships with influential stakeholders could become major obstacles to the APM candidate’s ambition in the 2027 governorship election.

In a strongly worded commentary titled “Oyo 2027: Makinde Eat Sour Grapes, Adekambi’s Teeth Must Be Set On Edge,” Abegunde argued that Adekanmbi had underestimated the political burden attached to accepting Makinde’s endorsement.

He maintained that the former commissioner for finance would inherit not only the governor’s political structure but also the disagreements and unresolved controversies accumulated by the outgoing administration.

Abegunde recalled that he had predicted Adekanmbi’s emergence as Makinde’s preferred successor before the announcement was made public, insisting that the decision could eventually damage the political fortunes of both men.

Makinde publicly endorsed Adekanmbi in May 2026, when the former commissioner emerged as the consensus governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). At the unveiling, the governor described him as his preferred successor and urged him to build on the achievements of the administration while charting his own path.

Adekanmbi subsequently embraced the administration’s Omituntun agenda, describing his proposed programme as Omituntun 3.0.

However, Abegunde questioned how the candidate could distance himself from the controversies surrounding Makinde’s administration while campaigning on continuity.

He listed disagreements involving prominent political figures, traditional rulers and former allies, including Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Bisi Olopoeyan, Senator Hosea Agboola, Gbolarunmi Hazeem, Jumoke Akinjide, Mulikat Adeola Akande, Rauf Olaniyan, Diran Odeyemi, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

He also raised questions about the relationship between Makinde’s succession arrangement and the interests of political stakeholders who reportedly felt sidelined during the process.

Beyond political alliances, Abegunde identified local government financial autonomy, the Circular Road project, the proposed transfer of farm settlements to private investors and the state’s debt profile as issues that could shape public assessment of Adekanmbi’s candidacy.

He accused Makinde of resisting genuine local government autonomy and argued that Adekanmbi’s apparent willingness to continue the administration’s policies could expose him to criticism from communities demanding greater control over council resources.

The Supreme Court had ruled in July 2024 that local governments should receive their allocations directly, subject to constitutional provisions. The implementation of that judgment and the financial relationship between state and local governments have remained important governance issues nationally.

Abegunde also questioned the handling of agricultural settlements in Ogbomoso, Saki and Eruwa, alleging that the proposed arrangements with investors had generated public concern. He specifically questioned the reported investment commitments involving the 4,000-hectare Eruwa Farm Settlement and called for greater transparency over the projects.

He further challenged the state government to explain expenditure on the upgrade of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, alleging that the project cost had risen substantially from its initial estimate.

The commentator also questioned expenditure on renovations at the Government House, alleging that more than ₦60 billion had been approved and demanding a public breakdown of the amount released and the work completed.

These financial allegations and figures were presented by Abegunde and require official documentation and responses from the Oyo State Government for independent verification.

Education was another major area of his criticism. Abegunde argued that congestion in public school classrooms and the state’s examination performance should become central issues in the 2027 campaign.

He contrasted the situation with the education proposals of Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, who has promised to reduce classroom population to a maximum of 30 pupils and improve teaching and learning conditions.

Alli unveiled his Oyo AHEAD manifesto in November, outlining proposals covering local government autonomy, infrastructure, healthcare, education, economic development, agriculture and security. His education proposals include reducing classroom congestion, recruiting more teachers and expanding school facilities.

Abegunde also cited Osun State’s fifth-place performance in the 2026 NECO ranking, where 74.31 per cent of candidates reportedly obtained at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, as a comparison in his criticism of Oyo’s education sector.

The commentary comes amid an increasingly competitive political contest in Oyo State, with Makinde’s preferred successor campaigning under the APM while Alli seeks to return the APC to power in the state.

Abegunde concluded that Adekanmbi’s decision to accept Makinde’s endorsement could make it difficult for him to escape the political consequences of the governor’s record.

He argued that the former commissioner would have to answer questions about the policies, projects and controversies of the outgoing administration, regardless of whether he personally initiated them.

His central message was that political succession comes with consequences: a candidate who campaigns on continuity must also be prepared to defend the record of the administration he promises to continue.

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