Multiple Obedient movement support groups across Oyo State have formally rejected the leadership of Ayo Akinyemi, citing concerns over legitimacy and past political allegiances that contradict the movement’s core principles.
The controversy stems from competing leadership structures that emerged during the 2023 electoral campaign. Two parallel organizations claiming to represent the Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO) operated simultaneously in the state, creating confusion and division among supporters.
Pastor Oaks originally led the grassroots effort, organizing what became the first one-million-man march in Oyo State. This demonstration significantly raised the Labour Party’s profile in the region and established early momentum for Peter Obi’s presidential campaign.
However, Akinyemi allegedly undermined this original structure by exploiting ethnic divisions and securing backing from the Labour Party’s state chairman. This maneuvering allowed him to assume control of the organization despite Pastor Oaks’ foundational work.
The leadership dispute reignited in 2025 following a Southwest regional conference in Lagos. Dr. Tanko Yunusa, the movement’s Global Director, appeared to recognize various regional leaders during this gathering, including Akinyemi’s claim to represent Oyo State.
The situation became more contentious when Akinyemi sponsored a candidate, Dr. Dexter Akin Alamu, in a recent bye-election. The candidate’s poor performance, receiving only 256 votes, has been cited as evidence of Akinyemi’s limited grassroots support.
Local supporters have raised serious questions about Akinyemi’s methods and motivations. They allege that he funded Dr. Tanko’s travel expenses and accommodation to secure official recognition as the state leader, despite an existing appointment letter from the National Directorate that designated a different leadership structure.
More damaging to Akinyemi’s credibility are accusations of political opportunism. Critics point to his public support for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 elections and his opposition to Peter Obi’s birthday rally, despite claiming to lead Obi’s supporters in the state.
The coalition of support groups has expressed particular frustration with recent events, including what they describe as a secret meeting between their principal and Akinyemi’s faction in Ibadan. They claim to have been deliberately excluded from this gathering, despite their years of dedicated work for the movement.
“It’s disappointing that our principal, whom we have supported tirelessly since 2023, came to Ibadan without our knowledge, only to meet with those who have undermined our efforts,” stated representatives of the aggrieved groups.
The dispute centers on conflicting interpretations of legitimate authority within the movement. The grassroots coalition points to an earlier appointment letter signed by Dr. Tanko Yunusa that designated Dele Abiola, described as a neutral figure representing both original coalitions, as the state leader.
In contrast, Akinyemi’s supporters argue that recent developments at the Southwest conference supersede previous arrangements and that Dr. Tanko has the authority to restructure state leadership as needed.
The controversy highlights broader tensions between local autonomy and centralized control within political movements. The Oyo groups have explicitly stated that “politics is local” and that Dr. Tanko, residing outside the state, cannot effectively determine local leadership without input from grassroots activists.
“Dr. Tanko doesn’t reside in Oyo and can’t dictate who should lead us,” the groups declared, emphasizing their commitment to democratic principles within the movement.
The coalition of support groups has issued clear demands and consequences if their concerns are not addressed. They insist on recognition of the original appointment structure and warn of withdrawing support if Akinyemi’s leadership is imposed without proper consultation.
Their primary demand is for the national leadership to create “a level playing ground” that would allow competing factions to demonstrate their actual support through transparent processes, including votes from genuine grassroots members.
This internal conflict reflects broader challenges facing political movements as they transition from campaign organizations to permanent structures. Questions of accountability, democratic governance, and authentic representation become increasingly important as these groups seek to maintain relevance between election cycles.
The outcome of this dispute may set important precedents for how the Obedient movement handles similar leadership challenges in other states and whether it can maintain unity while respecting local democratic input.
The situation remains unresolved, with both sides maintaining their positions and the national leadership yet to provide a definitive response to the growing controversy in one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states.
