Hazeem Gbolarumi attributes fallout with Governor Seyi Makinde to his unilateral choice of successor in Oyo State PDP politics
Former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Hazeem Gbolarumi, has attributed his political fallout with Governor Seyi Makinde to the governor’s unilateral decision to select a successor without consulting party leaders.
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Gbolarumi made the remarks while hosting members of the Oyo State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, led by Yinka Adeniran, at an Iftar gathering in Ibadan.
The PDP stalwart, aligned with the faction loyal to former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, said the relationship with Makinde had previously been cordial.
He noted that many residents were surprised by the rift and curious about its origins.
According to Gbolarumi, tensions escalated when the governor indicated plans to announce a successor despite his own declared interest in contesting and without consulting party stakeholders.
He also criticised Makinde for sidelining party leaders in appointments of commissioners, special advisers, and local government chairmen.
Describing himself as one of the founding members of the PDP in Oyo State, Gbolarumi stressed the party’s instrumental role in Makinde’s rise to power in 2019.
He warned that imposing a successor could alienate key stakeholders.
Gbolarumi further questioned Makinde’s repeated claim of having no political godfather, asserting that several individuals played significant roles in the governor’s political journey.
“It would be wrong before God for me not to speak the truth,” he said.
He emphasised that the dispute should not be seen as personal but as a clash of political interests, expressing optimism that the PDP would reunite.
“For now, our faction is in control of the party structure in the state,” he added.
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During the gathering, NUJ leader Yinka Adeniran commended Gbolarumi for his continued support for journalists and assured him of fair and accurate reporting of developments in Oyo State.
