Ibarapa East State Constituency 2027: After Adebo Ogundoyin, Who’s Next? By Aborode Oyeniyi

The big question on everyone’s mind in Eruwa and Lanlate, which make up the Ibarapa East State Constituency, is who will succeed Adebo Ogundoyin as their representative in 2027. Adebo Ogundoyin first emerged as the representative of Ibarapa East in a 2018 bye-election and went on to win the 2019 election, becoming Speaker of the 9th State Assembly. He secured the same seat again in the 2023 election and retained his position as Speaker. With Ogundoyin’s impressive track record, it is no surprise that he is being considered for a bigger role in the 2027 election. As the political landscape in Ibarapa East continues to evolve, it is likely that potential candidates will emerge in the coming months. At the moment, it is anyone’s guess who will be the next representative of the Ibarapa East State Constituency, but a few faces are already showing up, along with the perceptions surrounding them.

1. Bayo Aderounmu, Lanlate APC: He was the first runner-up in the 2023 House of Assembly election, loved by his people and party members. He has a political structure inherited from his father, which is an advantage. He recently hosted a family party that brought together people from different parties and locations within Eruwa and Lanlate. He is always available to the people at the grassroots level and is also a prominent member of the elites with access to the top. Learning from the 2023 election, he is a candidate to beat in the 2027 election if he gets the APC ticket again.

2. Adegoke Wasilat, Lanlate PDP: A young lady in her early 30s and the incumbent Oyo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports. Beyond being a commissioner, she has built a good political career. She was a former PDP state executive member. With the party having produced an Eruwa indigene in the state assembly over the years, it’s possible the ticket will be zoned to Lanlate, and she may get the ticket due to the alliances she has built at the state and local levels. However, it’s unlikely she will emerge victorious in the general election. People complain that her impact as a commissioner is not felt at home. Allegedly, there are no visible projects facilitated or executed by her, and no community-based programs for either Eruwa or Lanlate. Her presence is also not vocal, as she doesn’t regularly headline events in the constituency. Perhaps the Seyi Makinde effect can help her win against all odds if she gets the ticket.

3. Seyi Oladeji, Lanlate PDP: He is a successful businessman and estate surveyor, valuer, and developer. After showing interest in positions several times and being denied the ticket, he has remained loyal to the party, supporting candidates year in and year out. With the party possibly zoning the state assembly ticket to Lanlate in 2027, he is a favorite for the ticket and stands a good chance of emerging victorious in the general election. He is loved by both the people of Lanlate and Eruwa and is highly accessible to the people, both young and old. He supports youth events and participates visibly. He is a candidate to beat if given the PDP ticket.

4. Bayo Olaniyan, Eruwa: He is the son of the popular past Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Bolanle Olaniyan. Bayo Olaniyan was the first runner-up in the state assembly election in 2019, a fierce battle with Adebo Ogundoyin. He worked as the PA to the late Oyo State Speaker, Rt Hon Adeyemo, and is presently the Chief of Staff to the Oyo State Speaker. He has a strong supporter base and is highly loved by the people. The Ajimobi syndrome affected his 2019 election, but it won’t happen in 2027. If he decides to contest the state assembly seat, it may be a straight win for him.

5. Barrister Babarinde Samson, Eruwa ADC: A successful lawyer in his early 30s, he has proven to be a useful and known personality in the constituency. He has handled numerous pro bono cases and has participated in countless events, providing immense support for both youths and the elderly. This is his first appearance in politics, and if permutations favor him with the recent upsurge of the ADC, he might pull off a surprise win in the 2027 assembly election. He is highly accessible and has been involved in numerous community projects.

As the 2027 election draws near, the people of Ibarapa East State Constituency are eagerly waiting to see who will succeed Adebo Ogundoyin as their representative. With several potential candidates emerging, the race is expected to be highly competitive. From Bayo Aderounmu’s strong grassroots support to Adegoke Wasilat’s political experience, Seyi Oladeji’s popularity, Bayo Olaniyan’s royal lineage, staunch grassroot base and Barrister Babarinde Samson’s community involvement, each candidate brings unique strengths to the table. As the political landscape continues to evolve, one thing is certain, the people of Ibarapa East State Constituency will be watching closely, eager to choose a leader who will represent their interests and propel the constituency forward.

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