Makinde’s Exodus: Five Notable Allies Who Have Walked Away Since 2019
By RoundOyo Features Desk
June 13, 2025
Since taking office in 2019, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has maintained a strong political presence in the state and beyond. But behind his steady rise, a growing list of one-time allies and loyal appointees have either fallen out with him, exited the PDP, or completely switched camps.
Here, RoundOyo chronicles five notable figures who have publicly or quietly distanced themselves from Makinde’s political orbit since 2019:
1. Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola
Once one of Governor Makinde’s top political allies in Oyo North, the former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives played a vital role in the 2019 PDP victory. However, cracks began to show as she repeatedly accused the governor of undermining her political relevance. In 2022, she defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and contested for Senate under the party, officially ending her ties with Makinde’s PDP.
2. Engr. Rauf Olaniyan
Makinde’s 2019 running mate and former Deputy Governor, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan’s fallout with the governor remains one of the most dramatic political breakups in recent Oyo history. By mid-2022, Olaniyan had defected to the APC, leading to a swift impeachment by the State Assembly. His exit underscored deep political and administrative differences with the governor.
3. Barr. Lowo Obisesan
A former youth mobilizer and grassroots force behind Makinde’s early campaigns, Lowo Obisesan held influential roles and was seen as a bridge between the party and Oyo youths. However, by 2023, he had become visibly alienated from the core PDP structure. He quietly exited the party, citing internal sidelining and a failure to carry early loyalists along in governance.
4. Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi (Auxiliary)
Known for his street influence, Auxiliary served as the Chairman of the Oyo State Park Management System (PMS) and was controversially linked to transport union politics. While initially defended by the governor, he was later sacked, allegedly over rising insecurity and public backlash. Since his removal, Auxiliary has turned vocal against the Makinde government, accusing it of betrayal and mismanagement of the PMS structure.
5. Bolanle Sarumi BASA
In June 2025, BASA — the former Senior Special Adviser on Diaspora Matters — became the latest high-profile exit from Makinde’s PDP fold. Known for her humanitarian efforts, especially in repatriating 400 trafficked Nigerians, she resigned from the party with a gracious public letter. While her tone remained respectful, her departure adds to the list of significant PDP losses under Makinde.
A Growing List of Exits
From party chieftains to local influencers and former appointees, the pattern of resignations and defections under Governor Makinde’s administration reflects ongoing tensions within Oyo PDP. Whether these exits signal vulnerability or are simply part of political realignment remains to be seen, especially as 2027 approaches.
But one thing is clear — the governor’s political journey has not been without casualties.
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