A coalition of market leaders and artisan groups across Oyo State has thrown its weight behind the governorship ambition of Adebo Ogundoyin, urging Seyi Makinde and the Peoples Democratic Party leadership to consider him as the party’s candidate in the 2027 election.
The endorsement came during a stakeholders’ convergence of 12 recognised market associations, signalling growing grassroots momentum for the Speaker’s bid.
The meeting, held in Ibadan, attracted Babalojas, Iyalojas, and representatives of traders’ bodies from all 33 local government areas of the state. Participants emphasised Ogundoyin’s legislative experience and long-standing engagement with grassroots economic players as key factors behind their collective decision to back his aspiration.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, Chief (Mrs.) Odunayo Kayode Danjuma of the National Association of Nigerian Traders described the endorsement as both symbolic and rooted in history. She linked the move to the legacy of the late Justina Iyabo Ogundoyin, whose contributions to the organisation and unity of market groups across Oyo State were widely acknowledged. According to her, supporting Ogundoyin represents a gesture of appreciation and continuity of that legacy.
Other market leaders, including officials from NYTACHAI and NATMALC, reaffirmed their readiness to mobilise support across the state should Ogundoyin secure the PDP ticket. They highlighted the extensive grassroots structure of market associations as a strong political base, noting that Oyo’s political history reflects a close connection between governance and the trading community.
