The Supervisory Councillor for Information in Ibadan Northeast Local Government and Allied People’s Movement (APM) councillorship candidate for Ward 7, Hon. Ibrahim Jinadu,
has felicitated with Alhaji AbdulRasheed Adebisi Olopoeyan on his 65th birthday, describing him as a “Destiny Helper” whose impact transcends ethnicity, religion and party lines.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, Jinadu praised Olopoeyan as an exemplary leader, philanthropist, mentor and “Political Generalissimo,” crediting him with playing a decisive role in the personal and political advancement of many individuals across Oyo State. The statement said Olopoeyan has supported people “irrespective of tribes, religion, political affiliations nor their societal status” in achieving their dreams.
Olopoeyan’s influence in Oyo politics has been widely reported in recent weeks, with media accounts linking him to factional dynamics within APM over local government candidate selection. Some chairmanship and councillorship aspirants in Oyo have reportedly aligned with candidates “backed by one of the party chieftains in Oyo State, Alhaji Bisi Olopoeyan,” even as parallel primaries triggered legal action by aggrieved aspirants.
Within Ibadan Northeast, Jinadu occupies a strategic position as both a sitting local government supervisor and an APM ward candidate, making his public endorsement of Olopoeyan particularly significant. His statement, signed as “Supervisory Councillor for Information, Ibadan Northeast,” ties Olopoeyan’s community stature to the ongoing political mobilization ahead of local government elections in the area.
The felicitation emphasized Olopoeyan’s role as a unifying figure in a politically competitive environment, portraying him as a bridge-builder who has helped individuals from diverse backgrounds access opportunities they might otherwise have missed. This narrative aligns with earlier reports that positioned him as a close associate of prominent political leaders and a key organizer within APM’s grassroots network.
Jinadu’s message included fervent prayers for Olopoeyan, asking for “more fruitful years of service to humanity, sound health, abundant wealth, long life and prosperity bijahi Muhammad (S.A.W).” The wording underscores both personal affection and an expectation that Olopoeyan will continue to deploy his resources and influence for public benefit in the years ahead.
The timing of the statement coincides with heightened APM activity across Ibadan and wider Oyo State, as the party consolidates its structures ahead of the 2027 general elections. Recent defections to APM in neighbouring Ido Local Government and intensified outreach to various communities suggest that figures like Olopoeyan are viewed as strategic assets in expanding the party’s base.
For Ibadan Northeast specifically, the public alignment of a sitting information supervisor and ward candidate with Olopoeyan may influence local political calculations, especially as APM seeks to expand its footprint against more established parties. The image of a benevolent, cross-cutting patron could help the party present itself as a vehicle for inclusive development rather than narrow partisan gain in tightly contested wards.
Community observers say the 65th birthday is being framed not as a winding-down point but as a milestone affirming Olopoeyan’s ongoing relevance in Oyo’s socio-political landscape. With endorsements from elected officials like Jinadu and visible support from APM structures, his “Destiny Helper” brand is likely to remain a reference point for community mobilization and political strategy in Ibadan Northeast and adjoining local governments.
As celebrations continue, the underlying message from allies is clear: Olopoeyan’s next chapter is expected to feature even more structured interventions in education, livelihood support and political mentorship for younger leaders, reinforcing his status as a key kingmaker and community benefactor in Ibadan and beyond.
