2027: Oyo APM Inaugurates Traders, Artisans Mobilisation Committee, Appoints Akika Coordinator

….Oloye Benedict Akika Receives Appointment Letter as Coordinator of Traders/Artisans Mobilisation Committee

The Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), under the Makinde/Adekanmbi Campaign Council in Oyo State, has taken another significant step towards strengthening its grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections with the inauguration of Traders/Artisans Mobilisation Committee, making it the first political party in the state to establish a dedicated mobilisation structure for traders and artisans.

The committee which is to be coordinated by the Founder of Omituntun Benedict Forum (OBF), Oloye Benedict Akika JP, who formally received his appointment letter as Coordinator, Traders/Artisans Mobilisation Committee of the APM Makinde/Adekanmbi Campaign Council, Oyo State. His appointment is widely regarded as a strategic move to connect the party with traders, artisans, professional associations and other grassroots stakeholders across the state.

Oloye Akika, who holds several traditional and community titles, is the Agbaakin of Olorunda-Abaa, Mayegun of Akoboland, Grand Life Patron of the Nigeria Beautician/Hairdresser Association (NBHA) and Patron of the Shoemakers Association of Oyo State. Through his Omituntun Benedict Forum/Foundation, he has established relationships with diverse groups, including elders, widows, teachers, traders, artisans and various ethnic community associations, providing him with an extensive grassroots network for effective political mobilisation.

The inauguration of the committee further reinforces APM’s determination to distinguish itself through inclusive participation and deliberate engagement with critical segments of society. By creating a platform specifically dedicated to traders and artisans, the party is demonstrating its commitment to recognising the economic and political importance of these groups in grassroots development and nation-building. This development also aligns with the party’s broader Reset Nigeria Mission.

The message of the Makinde/Adekanmbi ticket is further strengthened by the administration and governance experience associated with Governor Seyi Makinde’s Omituntun 1.0 and 2.0 programmes in Oyo State. His administration’s governance approach has continued to feature prominently in discussions about the state’s development trajectory, while Bimbo Adekanmbi brings additional experience from previous governance engagements and personal exposure to public administration.

With Oloye Benedict Akika leading the Traders/Artisans Mobilisation Committee, the APM campaign council is positioning itself to deepen its engagement with market leaders, trade associations, artisans and other organised grassroots groups across Oyo State.