A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Hazeem Gbolarumi, has attributed his rift with Governor Seyi Makinde to the governor’s decision to single-handedly choose a successor.
Gbolarumi made this known 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 Nyesom Wike, said his relationship with Makinde had previously been cordial, noting that many residents were surprised by the fallout and curious about its origin.
According to him, the disagreement began when the governor indicated plans to announce a successor without consulting party leaders, despite his own declared interest in contesting.
“He is expected to engage PDP leaders in the state before making such a decision,” Gbolarumi said, adding that party stakeholders were also sidelined in the appointment of commissioners, special advisers, and local government chairmen.
Describing himself as one of the founding members of the PDP in Oyo State, Gbolarumi noted that the party was instrumental in Makinde’s emergence as governor in 2019, a development party leaders accepted in good faith.
He, however, warned that imposing a successor could alienate key stakeholders. “Does he want to shut us out politically?” he asked.
Gbolarumi also took issue with Makinde’s repeated claim of having no political godfather, arguing that certain individuals played significant roles in his rise to power.
“It would be wrong before God for me not to speak the truth,” he said, stressing his responsibility as a party leader.
He clarified that the situation should not be seen as a personal feud but rather a clash of political interests, expressing optimism that the PDP would soon reunite.
“For now, our faction is in control of the party structure in the state,” he added.
In his remarks, Adeniran commended Gbolarumi for his continued support for journalists and assured him of fair and accurate reporting of developments in the state.
