The former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Rauf Olaniyan, has declared his intention to succeed his former boss, Governor Seyi Makinde.

Olaniyan said he would run for the Oyo State governorship seat in the 2027 general election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He made the declaration during the Oorelope Local Council chapter of the APC general meeting held at Baptist High School, Igboho, Oke-Ogun axis of the state.

The former deputy governor lamented the struggles of notable Oke-Ogun’s sons who had attempted to govern the state without success, attributing their failures to the geography of their birth rather than lack of capacity or credibility.

He, however, emphasised the need for balance, equity, and fairness in power sharing and opportunity distribution.

Olaniyan, who said that his ambition was driven by a passion for service, social reengineering, development, and prosperity for all in Oyo State, expressed his desire to leverage his expertise, professionalism, and experience in human and resource management to position the state for greater heights.

The APC members in attendance at the meeting, including the Oyo State APC Legal Adviser, Deji Mohammed; former local council chairmen, and other party executives, welcomed Olaniyan’s declaration with enthusiasm, pledging their support and solidarity.

IN a similar vein, the posters of a popular Ibadan-based broadcaster, Hamzat Oriyomi, have flooded the streets of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in the build-up to the forthcoming 2027 general election.

The posters, with the tag, “2027 Oyo n pe o,” have portraits of the veteran Yoruba broadcaster in black colour, raising awareness for his preparation for the anticipated election without an indication of the office he is contesting for.

Also, in a video posted by a support group of the broadcaster, cited by The Guardian, yesterday, the founder of Agidigbo FM was seen jeering to the cheers of the masses at the event he attended, where he was constantly being told that the people of the state are calling him and that he has to answer the call.

Besides, a statement on the official page of the ‘Oyo n pe o read in part: “The claim that ‘governance is more than speaking into a microphone’ reflects a misunderstanding of leadership. Broadcasting is rooted in communication, empathy, and connection—traits that are fundamental to good governance.

“Those who reduce Oriyomi Hamzat’s potential to his profession are either misinformed or biased. Leadership is not defined by profession but by vision, courage, and commitment to service.

“We call on Dr Oriyomi Hamzat to respond to this clarion call to serve.”