In a landmark gathering at the historic Apex Hall in Ibadan, the political landscape of Oyo State shifted significantly on Thursday, April 9, 2026. All 12 clusters of market and trader associations, alongside the Iyalojas and Babalojas representing the 33 Local Government Areas, converged to formally endorse the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, for the office of Executive Governor.
The atmosphere was one of cultural pride and political resolve as the “Oyo State Endorsement Roadmap” was unveiled. The endorsement serves as a powerful tribute to the Speaker’s late mother, the Acting Iyaloja-General of Oyo State and Iyaloja of Ibarapaland, whose legacy of service loomed large over the proceedings.
The event opened with a poignant reminder of the Speaker’s roots. Addressing the crowd, stakeholders emphasized the familiar connection of the Ogundoyins to the market, symbolizing a “return home” for the traders.
Alhaja Odunayo Kayode Danjuma, National Women Leader of the National Association of Nigeria Traders, delivered a stirring speech, highlighting the Speaker’s accessibility and his history of advocating for the common trader.
“He is one of ours,” she remarked, leading the assembly in a song of faith and progress. “If he weren’t our son, could we have stood by him through our struggles? Keep moving forward, son of Ogundoyin.”
The formal endorsement was grounded in the Speaker’s track record. Speaker after speaker praised Ogundoyin’s tenure in the House of Assembly, citing his humility, calm demeanor, and “immense wisdom” as the primary qualifications for the state’s highest office.
The group’s leaders made a direct appeal to the electorate and the incumbent administration.
“We appeal to all politicians, especially our current Governor, to look favorably upon the son of Ogundoyin. By God’s grace, he will be the chosen one to lead us next.”
The emotional peak of the event came during a tribute by Miss Remi Ogundoyin, who represented the family and the Speaker. She reflected on the selfless life of their mother, Chief Mrs. Justina Ogundoyin, noting that the Speaker was “raised to serve.”
“Everything that he’s doing in office now is not for eye service or to be performative,” she stated. “It is who he is. With Adebo Ogundoyin on your side, the Traders’ Union and the whole association will know their person is in office.”
The endorsement carries substantial weight, backed by a coalition of the state’s most influential economic blocks, including The Oyo State Joint Traders Association, The National Association of Nigerian Traders (Oyo Chapter), The Food Canteen Union, The Progressive Traders and Artisans and Ibadan Joint Traders.
As the meeting concluded with chants and songs of support, the message to the people of Oyo State was clear: the market community, often considered the heartbeat of the state’s economy, has found its candidate. With this “Endorsement Roadmap” now in motion, the race for the Agodi Government House enters a high-stakes new chapter.
List of endorsing groups as provided:
· Twelve Registered Traders/Artisans Clusters under Oyo State Government
· The Oyo State Markets men and Women
· The Oyo State Joint Traders Association
· The NATMAC, Oyo State
· The Progressive Traders and Artisans
· The NYTACHAI, Oyo State Chapter
· The National Association of Nigerian Traders Oyo State Chapter
· The Associated Commodity
· The Food Canteen Union Oyo State
· Companion Traders Association
· OSARTRA in Oyo State
· Ibadan Joint Traders
