There is a growing call for ‘Seye Famojuro, the number one man of ‘Seye Makinde, governor of Oyo State, to contest the 2026 gubernatorial election in neighboring Osun State, OYOINSIGHT.COM can report.
The development became necessary following last week’s defection of Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, incumbent governor of the state from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Though he hasn’t announced his new party, Adeleke, citing the crisis in the party, had announced his exit on the eve of the primaries later won by Adebayo Adedamola. Fryo, as Adedamola who hails from Ile-Ife is fondly called, is seen as a placeholder for the eventual person who will be announced by the party. He is also a close ally of Otunba, as Famojuro is widely known.
Famojuro, who hails Ilare-Ijesha town of Obokun local government area, has always been present in the politics of Makinde.
Part of the arguments by those calling on Famojuro to contest the seat was that having been with Makinde, he has garnered enough experience which will help him navigate the politics and governance of Osun.
“Now that Governor Adeleke has left us and someone like me wouldn’t leave this party for anything, it now behoves on us to choose someone who can slug it out not only with the incumbent but the would be candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Otunba fits the bill. He is highly networked and I don’t think there is anything Governor Makinde has done that Otunba is not enough. Like the governor, he is calm, unassuming and qualified.
“Moreover, he has undergone what I will call the Makinde’s school of politics which has endeared the governor to the people of Oyo State. On several occasions and till now, he runs special duties for the governor. This, without necessarily being an appointee. So for me, there is nothing we can do than to quickly substitute Adedamola for Famojuro and start the campaign immediately,” another leader said.
Some other leaders who expressed concerns said that it would be hard for Makinde to release Famojuro who many see as his political son. “They have been through thick and thin together. They do virtually everything, including golfing and traveling together. Except when one is not in town, they see everyday and communicate as and when due. So I feel it may be difficult for Governor Makinde to release him. But for me, we need someone like him to contest Osun. Governor Makinde can muster enough support for PDP to retain Osun,” one of the excos of the party in Oyo State who didn’t want names mentioned told OYOINSIGHT.COM.
