Who Should Succeed Seyi Makinde in 2027
Again, as Seyi Makinde’s tenure rapidly moves toward its final stretch, the ever interesting political scenery of Oyo State is already stirring with speculation, anticipation, permutations and even strategic positioning. The question on everyone’s mind is still clear: Who will take over Agodi in 2027? And to contribute to this crucial and pressing discussion, Oyo Affairs has embarked on a meticulous survey of the individuals whose names roll in the corridors of power and among the ever anxious voters, those seen as the most “credentialed contenders” for Oyo state’s number one seat. In previous Series, we aired intentional and promising figures such as Bolanle Sarumi, Beulah Adeoye, Akin Alabi and Oluseun Onigbinde.
Today, we turn our focus to another heavyweight in Oyo politics, a man whose major intention have long been obvious and whose name continues to echo in the room filled with potential successors, Chief Adebayo Adelabu. With a career spanning high finance, public administration, and now, a critical ministerial position in the President Tinubu administration, could Bayo Adelabu finally be at the nick of fulfilling his long-held dream of governing Oyo State?
True, many of his supporters and longtime political observers believe he is one of the most “eligible” successors, not just because of his past attempts but because of his professional pedigree, political experience, and a family legacy in South-west politics. However, those familiar with Oyo’s political history also understand that succession is never a straightforward affair; it is a game of influence, wealth, propagandas, experience, and, most importantly, public perception. For a State that has seen both career politicians and technocrats at the helm, Adelabu stands at the intersection of both important worlds.
Obviously, Adelabu’s journey to elevation did not start in politics. His foundation was built on academic excellence, a popular trait that would later define his career. He earned a first-class degree in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ife, a distinction that set him apart early in his professional life. Not stopping there, he expanded his mastery by attending some of the world’s most consequential business schools, including Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Columbia, and Kellogg, where he gained advanced knowledge in leadership, strategic management, and economic policy.
Hence, his professional career took off at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where he sharpened his skills in auditing and financial consultancy. His work there involved taking charge of major projects for banks and financial institutions, granting him the popular reputation in Nigeria’s financial sector. His exceptional performance at PwC led to his move to First Atlantic Bank, where he served as Financial Controller before climbing to the position of Chief Inspector. His mastery of financial management and leadership later saw him join Standard Chartered Bank, where he chaired finance and strategy operations for West Africa, splitting his time between Lagos and Accra.
Meanwhile, his entree into public service came when former President Jonathan appointed him as Deputy Governor of Operations at the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2014. In that capacity, he played a consequential role in financial regulation, banking stability, and monetary policy implementation. He was tasked with key national responsibilities, heading the board of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) and serving on the boards of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC), and AMCON. Evidently, his work at the CBN rewarded him with that credibility in governance and policy formulation, skills he would later attempt to leverage in his political career.
Politics, however, is rarely as straightforward as professional success. The Ibadan-born financial expert contested the 2019 Oyo governorship election under the All Progressive Congress (APC) after overcoming intense internal battles. However, despite his efforts he was ultimately defeated by Seyi Makinde in the general election. Undaunted, he sought the governorship ambition again in 2023, but after failing to secure the APC ticket, he defected to the ever-accommodating Accord Party. Despite his efforts, he was again unsuccessful. Many people agreed that political miscalculations, internal party divisions, and perhaps a misreading of the voters contributed to his predicted losses. However, instead of leaving the public sphere, he repositioned himself by returning to the APC, a move widely observed as a calculated step towards another attempt at the governorship in 2027.
Ideally, his current role as Minister of Power under President Tinubu’s administration presents both an opportunity and a challenge. The power sector in Nigeria is one of the most difficult to reform, with years of inefficiencies, infrastructural decay, and policy inconsistencies. Hence, If he succeeds in implementing tangible improvements and navigating the ongoing challenges surrounding Nigeria’s National Grid, who knows, it could significantly enhance his credibility among Oyo unpredictable voters. However, failure or a lack of visible progress could serve as a major setback, reinforcing skepticism about his ability to handle governance at the state level. His performance as minister will likely play a crucial role in shaping public perception ahead of the next election.
Funnily enough, beyond his professional and political journey, one of the most interesting factors in Adelabu’s public identity is his family legacy. He is the grandson of Adegoke Adelabu, one of Oyo’s most revered politicians. Known for his fiery speeches and populist appeal, Adegoke Adelabu was a key figure in Nigeria’s early political history. His political influence in the highly referred Western Region was profound, and his name still commands respect, particularly in Ibadan. The phrase “Penkelemesi”, a mispronunciation of “peculiar mess,” which Adegoke Adelabu famously used in a political debate, still remains a part of Yoruba political lexicon.
Yes, the legacy is both a blessing and a burden for Bayo Adelabu. On one hand, his grandfather’s name provides him with an automatic regular political recognition that many others have to work decades to build. Among the older generation in Ibadan and beyond, the Adelabu name still evokes that nostalgia and a sense of unfinished political destiny. But in modern Oyo politics, where elections are determined by grassroots engagement, economic realities, and shifting voter behavior, name recognition alone is not enough. While his grandfather was a charismatic political fighter who echoes passionately with the Ibadan people, ambitious Bayo Adelabu has struggled to establish the same level of grassroots connection. His background in banking and policy-making, while impressive, does not automatically translate into political popularity. To win in 2027, he must go beyond relying on the Adelabu name and build genuine and regular relationships with the ever demanding voters at all levels.
Again, his quick return to the APC is a tactical move that could either make or break his 2027 ambitions. The APC remains a strong force in Oyo politics, and if properly managed, the party could provide him with the platform he needs to finally clinch the governorship. However, he must tactically navigate internal party politics carefully. The APC in Oyo has a history of factional struggles controlled from the headquarters to the local level, and earning the trust of party leaders and stakeholders will be critical. If he fails to consolidate his position within the party and seek the necessary backings and finance, he may face the same internal challenges that contributed to his 2019 and 2023 losses.
Beyond party politics, Adelabu must also prove that he is more than just a technocrat with an impressive resume. Oyo voters have always shown preference for leaders who engage directly with their needs, who understand the grassroots, and who demonstrate practical governance. The incumbent Governor Makinde’s ability to speak the language of market women, artisans, students, and traditional leaders played consequential role in his two-term electoral victories. Adelabu, on the other hand, has often been seen as more corporate than political. To change this perception, he must immerse himself in the realities of everyday Oyo and Ibadan life, addressing local concerns, participating in community development projects, and showing that he is not just another elite looking for “political power”.
Finally, the road to 2027 will not be easy, and Adelabu faces a very difficult task in proving that he is the right man to lead Oyo people. His mix of financial expertise, political experience, and historical legacy makes him a compelling candidate, but Oyo voters will demand more than just credentials. His success as Minister of Power, his ability to manage internal party politics, and his willingness to build a stronger grassroots presence will determine whether he finally realizes his long-standing ambition.
Everybody knows, Oyo politics is notoriously unpredictable. While Adelabu remains one of the most talked-about contenders, the real test lies in his ability to turn eligibility into electoral success.
Having suffered back-to-back defeats to Governor Seyi Makinde in 2019 and 2023, can he finally break the cycle in 2027? Will this be the moment he turns the tide, or will history repeat itself? What are your thoughts.
Ogungbile Emmanuel Oludotun for Oyo Affairs.
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