Otunba Olujobi Ajibola formally resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) o
n May 2, 2025, by submitting a letter addressed to the party chairman of Ward 04 in Obokun Local Government Area.
Otunba Olujobi’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on May 2, 2025, marks a significant and deeply felt loss for the party, especially as the party grapples with internal challenges and leadership at a critical juncture in its political journey. Otunba Ajibola is not just any member; he is a versatile grassroots politician, an astute financier, a mobiliser, and a vital bridge across political demographics in Ijesa North and Osun. His close alliance with Hon. Oluwole Oke further underscores his strategic importance within the party’s local and regional dynamics.
This is a loss too many for the PDP at this trying period for the party. Until his resignation, he was a bedroom ally of Hon. Wole Oke; he has been a major force in PDP success in Obokun and Ijesa North as a federal constituency.
Otunba OJ, as he is friendly called by his numerous senior and young admirers, has dealt a huge blow to the party. Jibola, a major stakeholder in the party, held no appointment in the party yet spent fortunes to continually oil the wheel of the progress of the political machinery across the state.
He will be sorely missed. His new abode will be taking a big fish who will advance the course of the platform.
Otunba Jibola, a well-travelled entrepreneur, philanthropist and politician, is not the kind of serious political party seeking reelection that should lose.
It is not surprising anyway; just as Hon. Wole resigned from the PDP, insinuations have rent the air for days, suggesting that Otunba is off the radar of the PDP.
Despite holding no formal appointment, Otunba Jibola – affectionately known by his admirers – has been a major force behind the PDP’s successes in Obokun and the broader Ijesa North federal constituency. He has invested considerable personal resources to keep the party’s machinery well-oiled and progressive across the state. His departure, therefore, is not just the loss of a member but the loss of a key stakeholder and a political heavyweight whose influence and financial backing have been instrumental to the PDP’s grassroots strength.
This resignation comes shortly after Hon. Wole Oke’s exit from the party, signalling a troubling trend of defections that threaten to weaken the PDP’s cohesion and electoral prospects. Otunba Jibola’s defection is likely to trigger a cascade of followership, as many of his supporters and political allies may also reconsider their allegiance. His new political home will gain a significant advantage by acquiring a seasoned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and politician of his calibre – someone any serious political party aiming for reelection cannot afford to lose.
In sum, Otunba Jibola’s resignation delivers a devastating blow to the PDP at a time when unity and strong leadership are most needed. His departure exemplifies the internal challenges and leadership crises that have plagued the party, as seen in other recent resignations across various states. The PDP now faces the urgent task of rebuilding trust and re-strategising to prevent further erosion of its ranks and influence.
