_…As Benedict Akika Dismisses Defection Rumours_
Hundreds of widows on Sunday converged on Omituntun House, Akobo–Olorunda, Ibadan, to celebrate the New Year under the Omituntun Benedict 2.0 platform, where they openly declared their support for Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, applauding his administration for what they described as people-centred governance and economic transformation.
The widows, who gathered for the 2026 New Year Party organised by their benefactor, Chief (Agba’Akin) Benedict Akika, showered praises on Governor Makinde through songs, chants, and coordinated displays of solidarity, describing him as a “people’s governor” and “one of the best-performing governors in Nigeria.”
Speaking in unison, the women said although many of them do not enjoy direct access to the governor, they have continued to benefit from the dividends of democracy through the interventions and humanitarian gestures of Chief Akika, whom they described as a loyal ally of the governor and a man endowed with uncommon compassion.
They hailed Akika as an extraordinary grassroots mobiliser and politician with “the milk of human kindness,” noting that his passion for uplifting widows, the vulnerable, and the downtrodden remains unmatched. The women pledged their continued support for Governor Makinde’s administration and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State.
Meanwhile, a prominent PDP chieftain in the state and close ally of the governor, Chief Benedict Akika—popularly known as Benee—used the occasion to firmly dismiss rumours suggesting that Governor Makinde is planning to defect from the PDP to another political party.
Akika described the speculation as baseless, misleading, and the handiwork of political opponents bent on distracting the party, urging PDP members and the general public to disregard such claims.
He made this clarification while addressing party faithful and members of the Omituntun Benedict Forum (OBF) during the well-attended New Year Get-Together held at Omituntun House in Lagelu Local Government Area.
According to Akika, Governor Makinde remains firmly rooted in the PDP and fully committed to its ideals, principles, and progressive agenda, stressing that the governor continues to be the backbone of the party in Oyo State.
“Governor Seyi Makinde has not only strengthened the PDP structure across Oyo State, but has also deepened its popularity through transparent governance, infrastructural development, and inclusive leadership,” Akika said.
He added that the PDP in Oyo State remains united, focused, and strategically positioned ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that there is no leadership crisis within the party in the state.
In a further demonstration of his commitment to grassroots mobilisation and democratic participation, Akika announced that he would personally sponsor the daily transportation of 20 members of the Omituntun Benedict Forum to participate in the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
He explained that the initiative is aimed at encouraging eligible citizens—particularly party members—to register and be adequately prepared to exercise their civic responsibilities in future elections.
Akika also urged OBF members to remain active and visible within the PDP by attending ward meetings and official party activities, emphasising that sustained grassroots engagement remains the foundation of electoral success.
The event attracted notable political figures, including the Executive Chairman of Lagelu Local Government Area, Hon. Mudashiru Kamorudeen, and Hon. Adebayo Babajide Gabriel, the member representing Ibadan North II Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly.
Other prominent PDP leaders and stakeholders were also in attendance, alongside thousands of enthusiastic members of the Omituntun Benedict Forum, who turned out in large numbers to usher in the New Year.
The colourful celebration featured goodwill messages, music, dance, and various forms of entertainment, as well as sumptuous meals and side attractions, creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflected unity, celebration, and renewed commitment to the PDP’s vision for Oyo State.
