Palpable tension is gripping Oyo State’s political space as the 2027 general elections approach, following allegations of billboard destruction, forceful takeover of advertising spaces, and threats against a youth leader.
Reports allege that Hon. Stanley Olajide Odidiomo flared up and threatened the Oyo State APC Youth League Coordinator, Engr. Ayobami Dagilogba, after Dagilogba persistently accused an APM Senatorial candidate of destroying and dominating strategic billboard spaces across Ibadan. The said billboards were allegedly occupying spaces previously displaying the banners of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli and Engr. Aderemi Oseni.
Party stakeholders describe the alleged action as more than a poster battle, but a deliberate agenda by APM elements to erase the visibility of APC’s most accepted figures and stifle the opposition’s presence in the state.
Reacting swiftly, APC stakeholders and the 9 Local Government Youth Leaders of the Remi Oseni Committee of Friends (ROCOF) have condemned the act, describing it as undemocratic, provocative and dangerous for Oyo’s peace.
The youth leaders linked the development to Governor Seyi Makinde’s controversial “Operation Wet E” pronouncement made months ago, where the Governor was quoted as saying his camp was ready to employ such riot route to secure victory ahead of 2027 against the will of the people.
It will be recalled that “Operation Wet E” was a dark chapter of violent political arson and killings in Western Nigeria around 1962 that claimed thousands of lives.
The ROCOF youth are now asking; Is this alleged billboard war and intimidation of Engr. Dagilogba the beginning of the political riot hinted at by Governor Makinde, now being executed by his APM allies?
They, however, vowed that no amount of intimidation will dim the rising acceptance of the APC. The group reaffirmed its total support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli for Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni for Oyo South, and the two other APC Senatorial candidates in Oyo Central and Oyo North.
They called on security agencies to intervene urgently to prevent Oyo from sliding back into political violence.
