A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Alhaji Bisi Olopoeyan, has dismissed recent criticisms of Governor Seyi Makinde by former Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, and party stalwart, Diran Odeyemi, describing both men as “mere social media content creators.”
Speaking during a Live radio programme on current affairs in Ibadan on Friday, Olopoeyan said that while he shares a longstanding political relationship with Fayose as a friend, the former governor’s recent conduct suggests a shift away from serious political engagement.
“Fayose is my friend because we have come a long way together as politicians, but he is now a social media content creator, same as Diran Odeyemi.
They should take it more seriously as an occupation and make money from it,” Olopoeyan said.
He specifically faulted Fayose over claims of an alleged impeachment plot involving Governor Makinde, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, insisting that no such communication exists.
“Nobody wrote to anyone about any impeachment, not the Olubadan nor Makinde or even the Speaker, yet it was Fayose, who neither lives nor is based in Ibadan, that came up with such a story,” he said.
On the controversy surrounding the reported N30 billion Federal Government intervention fund for the Bodija explosion disaster, Olopoeyan accused Fayose of misrepresenting facts.
He argued that Fayose selectively disclosed information. He alleged that the former governor only highlighted Oyo State’s allocation while omitting details of what other beneficiary states received.
“He clearly knows what he is doing. This is not about transparency but a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and malign Seyi Makinde,” he asserted.
He added that Fayose’s actions point to “ulterior motives aimed at smearing the governor’s image for political gains by his financiers.”
The PDP chieftain further accused Fayose of meddling in Oyo State affairs while neglecting issues in his home state of Ekiti, questioning his sustained focus on Makinde’s administration.
Olopoeyan also linked Fayose’s actions to the crisis within the PDP, suggesting that the former governor’s posture reflects political desperation to remain relevant following his exit from public office.
“There have been former governors and deputy governors who have returned to private life after service. It is curious why Fayose, who holds no stake in Oyo politics, appears consumed by Makinde’s administration,” he said.
On the issue of political godfatherism, Olopoeyan defended Makinde’s stance, rejecting claims that the governor operates under any godfather influence.
He maintained that the era of political godfatherism in Oyo State has long ended.
According to him, the late Lamidi Adedibu, popularly known as the “Molete warlord,” was the last true political godfather in the state, while former governor Rasheed Ladoja also wielded significant influence during his time.
“After the passing of Baba Adedibu, what we have now are political leaders, not godfathers. There are many of us, including myself,” he said.
He urged proponents of the godfather narrative to desist.
Reacting to allegations by Odeyemi, Olopoeyan questioned why the Osun-born politician has focused criticism on Makinde instead of addressing governance issues in his home state under Governor Ademola Adeleke.
He described Makinde as a visionary leader whose policies and governance style have continued to earn public approval in Oyo State.
Odeyemi, a PDP chieftain, has in recent months levelled several accusations against Makinde, including claims of anti-party activities, arrogance, imposition of candidates, and running the state as a private enterprise.
However, Olopoeyan dismissed the allegations as unfounded, insisting they are politically motivated and aimed at discrediting governor Makinde ahead of future elections.
