A socio-political group, Democracy Defenders has raised important questions about the political influence, family connections, party loyalty, and the struggle for political power ahead of the 2027 general elections over the candidature of Akinloye AbdulRazak Abiola, son of Chief Judge of Oyo State.
The group through the statement issued on Thursday queried the process that produced Akinloye AbduRazak Abiola as the Allied People’s Movement, APM candidate for Ibadan North East Constituency 2 whether it was transparent or reflected the wishes of the political stakeholders in the LG. The group raised further if Hon. Akinloye, the son of Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima will represent the interests of the constituent in Ibadan North East Constituency 2 rather than serving a privileged political circle.
The group said the circumstances surrounding the emergence of Hon. Akinloye deserves scrutiny, particularly regarding the interests that influenced the process. The group recalled that during the regime of former late President Muhammadu Buhari, comments in circulation alleged that people sought her interventions through third-part.
“There are allegations of abuse of power allegedly linked to way contracts for the renovations of court buildings and other related projects were awarded under the watch of Chief Judge. The said contracts were given to Iyabo Yerima’s son. While the investigation was ongoing, it also surfaced that the last born of the Chief Judge was nominated by the APM as the candidate for Ibadan North East Constituency 2 ahead of the 2027 general elections”.
The group strongly observed that there would be conflict of interests with Oyo Chief Judge who is expected to administer justice without fear or favour where her son was alleged to have been involved and now APM candidate.
