Inside the battle for Agodi as Oyo’s political heavyweights and rising technocrats jostle for power
As the 2027 governorship race gathers steam, Oyo State is once again becoming the theatre of political recalibration where legacy, loyalty, and new ideas will determine who occupies Agodi Government House. Within the All Progressives Congress (APC), a constellation of aspirants has emerged each armed with political pedigree, regional influence, or strategic networks. But the question remains: who among them has the real shot?
Dr. Wasiu Abiola
A project management professional and a Strategist, Bridging Tradition and Renewal
Among the new generation of aspirants, Dr. Wasiu Abiola stands out for his hybrid credentials technocratic, diplomatic, and deeply rooted in the Asiwaju political family. As the Country Director of the Nigerian Diaspora for Asiwaju (NDA), he has been quietly cultivating a formidable national and international network that aligns directly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
Dr. Abiola’s vision blends reform and realism. His message is simple: translate federal reforms into local impact. He has anchored himself as a bridge between tradition, governance, and development leveraging his relationship with the presidency, the diaspora, and traditional rulers. His visibility at the Olubadan coronation where he lauded President Tinubu’s historic attendance underscored this alignment of culture and politics.
Unlike some aspirants chasing familiar political routes, Abiola’s pitch rests on carrying out people oriented projects, unifying his political party, bringing diaspora investment, youth inclusion, and cultural diplomacy into the Oyo development equation. His ongoing consultations with traditional rulers and diaspora stakeholders reveal a candidate thinking beyond slogans one building a serious roadmap around power, jobs, and infrastructure.
If he can consolidate grassroots presence and sustain his reform message, insiders say he could become the face of modern APC politics in Oyo a unifier who speaks both the language of tradition and the grammar of governance. His youthful look, age, likeable disposition, stature, and high education seem to be great positive factors that may sway the party ticket in his favour.
Senator Fatai Buhari
The Steady Hand
A consistent political player from Oyo North, Senator Fatai Buhari brings legislative experience and loyalty to the APC structure. His advantage lies in his long tenure at the National Assembly, where he’s cultivated strong relationships within the party hierarchy. However, his challenge remains image renewal projecting himself beyond his senatorial district and appealing to a younger demographic eager for fresh energy.
Barrister Akeem Agbaje
The Gentleman Lawyer
Barr. Akeem Agbaje commands respect among Ibadan elites and the legal community. His civility, oratory, and heritage make him a natural bridge between technocrats and conservatives within the APC. Yet, his campaigns in previous cycles revealed gaps in ground mobilization. For 2027, he needs stronger grassroots machinery to transform elite admiration into actual votes.
Mr. Bayo Adelabu
The Familiar Face
Bayo Adelabu, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and 2019 APC candidate, remains a known figure across Oyo. His technocratic background and strong Ibadan base give him clout, but the shadow of past electoral outcomes lingers. Still, Adelabu’s connection to business circles and his record in public finance could make him a relevant voice if APC prioritizes experience over novelty. His defection to Accord Party during 2023 election when he lost APC ticket to Sen. Teslim Folarin is his greatest undoing. APC state assembly candidates lost election due to Adelabu lack of tact. His defection cost these candidates chances of winning. Many of them have vowed to pay him back.
Hon. Remi Oseni The Grassroots Mobilizer
A current House Representative member, Popular among youth and market women, Hon. Remi Oseni has earned a reputation as a loyal party man. His strength lies in retail politics visibility at the ward level and an ability to mobilize ordinary voters. But the question remains whether his structure can scale statewide. Many view his gubernatorial ambition as hasty. Chance of him returning to the house is brighter than winning the guber race but he seems to have deep pockets.
Senator Adesoji Rilwan
The Statesman in Waiting
Soft-spoken but strategic, Senator Rilwan is respected for his calm disposition and commitment to party unity. His strength is his acceptability he rarely makes enemies. However, in a race that will likely demand visibility and media drive, his understated style may need a stronger campaign narrative.
Barrister Shittu Adebayo The Legal Reformer
A former minister and activist lawyer, Barr. Shittu Adebayo brings gravitas, intellect, and ideological clarity. His emphasis on justice and rule of law resonates with policy thinkers but sometimes falls flat with grassroots mobilizers. Still, in the right coalition, his experience could make him an influential ally or kingmaker.
The Verdict: Momentum Meets Machinery
As 2027 approaches, the contest for Oyo’s soul will likely come down to momentum versus machinery. The old guard controls the structures, but the electorate especially the youth and diaspora community are looking for a bridge-builder who can interpret federal reform into real, visible local progress.
At this point, Dr. Wasiu Abiola appears to be that emerging bridge an aspirant connecting Asiwaju’s national vision with Oyo’s grassroots realities. His business and entrepreneurship credentials, reformist tone, and alignment with traditional institutions could make him a serious contender if he sustains the tempo.
In Oyo politics, where perception shapes power and loyalty wins delegates, 2027 may no longer just be about who has the loudest crowd but who has the clearer plan for a modern, united Oyo State.
Obasola wrote from Ibadan