The political controversy surrounding Dr. Olusola Ayandele, popularly known as Eruobodo, has intensified following his reported claim that he could deliver Ibarapaland for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections and his remarks challenging claims of the Allied Peoples Movement’s (APM) political dominance in the area.
Concerned youths in Ibarapa Central have now challenged Eruobodo to demonstrate his grassroots political strength in his immediate constituency before claiming he can deliver Ibarapaland for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
The youths argued that political influence cannot be established through public declarations alone, insisting that claims of electoral strength should be backed by verifiable grassroots support, an established political structure and a record of engagement with the people.
They urged Ayandele to provide evidence of his political influence in his ward and the wider Idere community where he is politically half-live, maintaining that predictions about future electoral victories are not substitutes for a demonstrable record of political support.
The group also questioned the basis for comparing Ayandele’s political standing with that of Hon. Dr. Ademola Obafemi Ojo, popularly known as Ijaya, citing Ojo’s years of public service and grassroots political engagement.
Ojo has served two terms as Executive Chairman of Ibarapa Central Local Government and as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Oyo State Governor. He currently serves as Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
According to the youths, Ojo’s political journey reflects years of community engagement, political organisation and relationships built across Ibarapaland. They maintained that anyone seeking to compare their political influence with his should be prepared to present a similarly verifiable record of public service and grassroots mobilisation.
They further argued that Ayandele’s declaration that he could deliver Ibarapaland for the APC remained a political claim whose credibility would ultimately be tested by voters in the 2027 elections.
The youths also expressed concern that personal political ambition could overshadow broader community interests, stressing that anyone seeking public recognition should be able to point to tangible contributions to their community and efforts to strengthen the people they claim to represent.
They insisted that political leadership is not conferred by self-proclamation but earned through consistent engagement, organisational capacity and the confidence of the electorate.
“Before you promise to deliver Ibarapaland, show the people what you have delivered politically in your own backyard. You cannot substitute grand declarations for grassroots credibility, and you cannot establish your political stature simply by comparing yourself with another man,” the group said.
The youths challenged Ayandele to back his political claims with evidence of grassroots acceptance, insisting that the strength of any political figure should be measured by the support they can demonstrate among voters rather than by public boasts.
