The Oyo south senatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) and member representing Ibadan North-west/Ibadan South-west federal constituency of Oyo state in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, on saturday held a town hall meeting with residents of Anfaani and adjoining communities, where he rendered an account of his stewardship over the last seven years and unveiled his vision for Oyo south senatorial district ahead of the 2027 general election.
The interactive forum, tagged “Community Parley: Bridging the Gap Between Representation and the People,” attracted political leaders, community elders, youths, women, market leaders, religious leaders, party executives and residents, who engaged the federal lawmaker on governance, constituency development, security, empowerment and the political future of Oyo state.
Addressing the gathering at the Odidiomo Eid prayer ground, Anfaani, Ibadan, Olajide described the meeting as a homecoming, saying his relationship with the Anfaani community transcends politics.
According to him, he was born, raised and nurtured within the community, stressing that the people have remained part of his personal and political journey.
“I am a son of this soil. I grew up here in Anfaani. This community made me who I am today. Long before politics, you knew me and my family. In fact, many of you approached my late father and encouraged him to allow me venture into politics because you believed in my capacity to serve. Today, I have returned home to give an account of my stewardship over the last seven years,” he said.
The federal lawmaker said public office must be accompanied by accountability, explaining that the town hall meeting was convened to provide constituents with the opportunity to assess his performance and make recommendations on areas requiring greater attention.
Olajide disclosed that despite funding constraints affecting constituency intervention projects, particularly since 2024, he had continued to pursue initiatives in education, youth empowerment, digital inclusion, security and infrastructure within available resources.
“My duty is to remain accountable to the people. Whatever we have achieved belongs to all of us and where there are gaps, we shall continue to work harder to bridge them,” he stated.
Speaking on the 2027 political landscape, the lawmaker called on residents to remain united behind Governor Seyi Makinde, describing him as a leader whose contributions to the development of Oyo state deserve continued support.
“By 2027, Governor Seyi Makinde remains our collective project. He is our own and we must continue to support every effort capable of sustaining the development and progress of Oyo state,” he said.
Olajide also appealed to constituents to support his senatorial aspiration, noting that his transition from the House of Representatives to the Senate would ensure continuity of experienced and effective legislative representation.
“I am going to the Senate with the benefit of legislative experience as a ranking member of the House of Representatives. This is about continuity of quality representation. We should not lose the experience and relationships we have built over the years,” he added.
The Oyo south senatorial candidate reaffirmed that he is contesting the election on the platform of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), urging supporters to remain focused and avoid confusion over party affiliation.
“Our party is the Allied Peoples’ Movement. There should be no doubt, no mistake and no confusion about that. I urge all our supporters to remain steadfast and continue to identify with the APM,” he said.
He also encouraged eligible residents to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise, stressing that electoral participation remains the foundation of democratic governance.
During the interactive session, residents commended Olajide for sustaining regular engagement with constituents and applauded his contributions to grassroots development. They, however, appealed for increased empowerment programmes, particularly for Anfaani residents, while calling for a more equitable distribution of empowerment opportunities across communities within the federal constituency. Youth representatives also urged the lawmaker to intensify mobilization for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise ahead of the 2027 general election, just as representatives of the Irepo Zone appealed for greater constituency engagement and expanded developmental interventions in their communities, assuring him of their unwavering support.
Chairman of Ibadan south-west local government, Hon. Kehinde Akande, urged residents to embrace the digital transformation agenda championed by Olajide, describing technology as a critical driver of economic growth, youth empowerment and improved governance.
Responding, Olajide assured every segment of the constituency of inclusive representation, stressing that no community would be neglected.
“Do not allow your opportunity to be taken elsewhere. charity begins at home, but development must reach every part of our constituency and by the grace of God, every part of Oyo south senatorial district,” he said.
To strengthen communication between his office and residents, the lawmaker proposed the nomination of community representatives who would serve as liaison officers to facilitate regular interaction, monitor ongoing interventions and communicate emerging needs.
The town hall meeting was attended by the chairman of Ibadan south-west local government, Hon. Kehinde Akande; chairman of the Oyo state gaming and lottery Board, Hon. Jide Boladuro; Executive Adviser to the Oyo state Governor on Intra-Party Affairs, Hon. Isola Abiodun Baruwa; Elder Adesina (Ward 11); party leaders, community stakeholders, religious leaders, women groups, youth associations and hundreds of party faithful from across the federal constituency.
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