Gbolarunmi Lacks Structure, Relevance – Olopoeyan

A former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Alhaji Adebisi Olopoeyan, has launched a scathing criticism of former Deputy Governor of the state, Barrister Hazeem Gbolarunmi, describing him as politically irrelevant and incapable of advancing the interests of the party, particularly within the faction aligned with Nyesom Wike.

Olopoeyan, in a statement made available to journalists, alleged that Gbolarunmi lacks the political strength and grassroots appeal required to sustain any meaningful opposition within the PDP in Oyo State.

He claimed that efforts by Wike’s faction to position Gbolarunmi as a rallying point in the state were misplaced, insisting that such moves amount to a waste of time and resources.

According to him, Gbolarunmi has made no significant contribution to the growth or electoral successes of the PDP over the years, despite what he described as attempts to associate himself with the achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde. Olopoeyan further argued that the former deputy governor holds little or no political relevance within the state, contrary to perceptions held by some observers outside Oyo.

He maintained that Governor Makinde retains full control of the PDP structure in the state, stressing that no aspirant or serious contender for elective office would align with Gbolarunmi’s camp. Olopoeyan urged members of Wike’s faction to reconsider their strategy, noting that the political landscape in Oyo does not support their current alignment.

Drawing a comparison, Olopoeyan likened Gbolarunmi’s political standing to that of Nafiu Bala of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), whose alleged inability to mobilise support for a planned national convention reportedly resulted in low turnout. He said the incident underscored what he described as a pattern of leadership claims lacking corresponding grassroots backing.

Olopoeyan added that Gbolarunmi’s alignment with Wike’s camp has failed to attract key stakeholders, elected officials, or grassroots politicians in Oyo State. He noted that most party members have either remained loyal to Governor Makinde or opted to stay neutral, distancing themselves from a faction he characterised as lacking cohesion and direction.