Exclusive: Race to succeed Makinde thickens as Oyo Water Corporation chair, Elias Adeojo set to join guber race

Indications have emerged that the Chairman of the Oyo State Water Corporation, Elias Adeojo, is set to formally join the race to succeed incumbent governor Seyi Makinde, ahead of the 2027 governorship race.

Though Adeojo has yet to publicly declare his intention, an insider familiar with the unfolding political consultations confirmed exclusively to Westernmirror.com.ng on Saturday, March 14, that discussions surrounding his possible governorship bid have intensified among influential political figures and traditional power brokers in Ibadan.

According to the source, a series of quiet consultations is currently ongoing within key political circles in the Ibadan with several Ibadan political kingmakers said to be weighing the implications of Adeojo’s potential entry into the race.

“Discussions are ongoing. Stakeholders are looking at the possibilities and the strength he brings to the table. Nothing has been announced yet, but consultations are advancing steadily,” the source disclosed.

The source noted that Adeojo’s potential governorship ambition is already drawing attention largely because of his roots in both political and religious networks within the state.

He comes from a political family in Ibadan, with longstanding influence in the state’s political landscape.

The Adeojo name has remained visible in Oyo politics for decades through his father, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, the late Ibadan-based respected Islamic leader whose influence once cut across politics, commerce and religious institutions in the South-West.

Chief Adeojo, one of the founding members of the PDP in Oyo state, was also the former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and held the title of Seriki Musulumi of Yorubaland.

Elias’s current role as chairman of the state’s water corporation placed him within the administrative structure of the Makinde-led government, giving him visibility in governance and public service.

However, it remains unclear which political platform he may eventually adopt should he formally declare his ambition.