Defection Rocks Ona-Ara PDP as Bisi Ilaka Loyalists, Fashola (BIG FASH), Leaders and Wards Executives Dump Party
In a devastating blow to the fragile cohesion of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, the political structure of Oloye Oyebisi Ilaka, the immediate past Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde, has officially collapsed in Ona-Ara Local Government. The defection, which saw the exit of many Ward Executives from all eleven wards, leaders and loyalists of Oloye Luqman Oyebisi Ilaka from all eleven wards signals a dangerous fracture within the Governor’s backyard and raises critical questions about the party’s grip on the grassroots ahead of future political battles.
2027 Elections: INEC to Unveil New Timetable Over Ramadan Considerations
This mass movement, led by Hon. Babatunde Fashola (popularly known as BIG FASH), is not merely a change of allegiance but a thunderous vote of no confidence in the current state of the party(PDP), threatening to redraw the political map of the region.
Leading the exodus, Hon. Babatunde Fashola (BIG FASH) and Ward Executives from all eleven wards officially dumped the party, dealing a massive blow to the PDP structure in the area.
Announcing their departure to Egalitarian Voice, Fashola declared: “This is the appropriate time to dump the PDP and follow the footsteps of our leader. Our principal, Oloye Bisi Ilaka is our leader, and we are ready to follow his paths.”
LÀDÌLÚ (BÀBÁ ONÍ IRUNGBÒN FUNFUN) By Kehinde Owolabi // Part 1
Fashola was keen to highlight the historical context and the quality of leadership that binds them to Oloye Luqman Oyebisi Ilaka. “It’s Oloye that led all of us to PDP then from Accord party. He is a trustworthy leader that lead with fear of God. Throughout his time in Accord and even after we joined the PDP together, he has always been a good leader. People naturally admire him for his integrity and commitment, and that is why wherever he goes, the people follow. We are demonstrating that loyalty again today.”
JDS Endorsement Sparks Wave of Support for OTOPE Across Egbeda/Ona-Ara
The defection of BIG FASH and his people across Ward one to eleven known for robust grassroots mobilization and organizational acumen, represents a significant operational loss for the PDP in Ona-Ara Local Government. The mass resignation of the ward executives leaves a leadership vacuum that will be difficult to fill, suggesting that the enduring loyalty to Ilaka’s brand of politics—forged during his days in Accord and maintained through his principled leadership—far outweighs the party’s institutional pull.
