If Not Ogunwuyi, Who Else? The Question Shaping the Agodi 2027 Race

During the breaking of fast with the Muslim faithful at the Agodi Government House, the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, gave his permission for members of his cabinet who intend to contest for elective positions to do so, while also directing them to boldly display the umbrella logo of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on their IECs. The statement which has rocked the political foundation of the state has seen many political gladiators throwing their hats into the ring.

A day after the Governor’s pronouncement, the billboards of Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, a former commissioner of finance and deputy chief of staff to the late former governor, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi and that of the Executive Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Nurein Aderemi Adeniran were strategically mounted across the metropolitan city of Ibadan, boldly announcing their intentions to succeed the Governor in 2027, after he must have completed his eight-year pact with the people of Oyo State.

As the race to Agodi 2027 heats up, there is a man whose deafening silence has not gone unnoticed by political watchers in the State. His silence towards the race to #Agodi2027 has continued to surprise keen political watchers. Of all the people who have shown interest in taking over the Agodi Government House from His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde, no one beats his experience; here is a man who combines both legislative and executive expertise.

Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, PhD is a household name in Oyo State politics. Ogunwuyi is a recurring name in the Oyo State political arena, largely due to the offices he has held and his notable achievements. As a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly between 2011-2015, Otunba Mayeloye of Ijeru kingdom did not only bring dividends of democracy to his constituents, he performed excellently well that he was rewarded with another electoral victory to the Federal House of Representatives in 2015, where he laid a solid foundation which set the bar higher so much those who succeeded him have not been able to surpass till date.

Shortly after the electoral victory and inauguration of Engr. Seyi Makinde, as the governor of Oyo State, announced the appointment of Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi as his Executive Assistant on Investment, a position for which he distinguished himself as a seasoned accountant and an investment guru. He was then elevated to the position of Director-General of Oyo State Investment and Public-Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPPA). Ogunwuyi, on his appointment as the DG of the State’s investment-driven agency revived the moribund Pace Setter Quarry and Asphalt Plant, Ijaiye. He went on to prove himself worthy of his new job through many laudable initiatives.

In 2017, his appointment as the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Oyo State was announced after Chief Bisi Ilaka took a bow from the same office. Ogunwuyi has gone on to become the longest-serving Chief of Staff in the history of the Pace Setter State. He remains the engine room of the state government, coordinating the affairs of governance while also balancing political interests both in and out of government.

Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, in his capacity as the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Oyo has chaired numerous committees which include the Commissioning of Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba; Oyo State Road Safety Advisory Council; Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER); Transition & Inauguration Committee for His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde; State Committee on the Review of Contract Prices (Road & Building Projects), State Action Committee on Strategic Interventions; Oyo State International Business Summit 2023;
14th Biennial Police Games Planning Committee (Oluyole 2024); State Special Committee on Engagement with Miners and Quarry Operators and amongst others.

It is worth noting that the Ògbómọ̀sọ́-born politician is not just a seasoned administrator but a devoted family man who has continued to balance family time with the demands of his office. Otunba Ogunwuyi Segun Ebenezer who’s fondly called OSE by his admirers has proven to be a loyal disciple of Engr Seyi Makinde, the only one who knows what and where wires are drawn to light up the paths of this current state government is best suited to carry on the Seyi Makinde legacy.

The Seyi Makinde legacy deserves to be protected, preserved and continued and the only man who can ensure this, is Segun Ebenezer Ogunwuyi, PhD and the people of Oyo State will be better for it.

Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, PhD is not a vision on the line but a vision alive so if not Ogunwuyi, who else?

Taofeek Mariam writes from Okelerin, Ogbomoso.