Prince Kolade Afeez Siyanbola Oladigbolu has called on residents of Oyo Town to rally behind the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanbi, in the forthcoming Oyo State governorship election.

Speaking with journalists in Ibadan over the weekend, Prince Oladigbolu urged voters to prioritise the interest and heritage of Oyo Town above partisan politics.

He described Oyo Town as the cradle of Yorubaland, lamenting what he called its poor infrastructural development and neglect over the years.

“Oyo Town is the soul and historical foundation of Yorubaland. Its legacy is too significant to be monopolised by any political party,” he said.

“It is unfortunate that the level of infrastructural development in Oyo Town today is nothing to celebrate. We deserve much better.”

Prince Oladigbolu, who said he is a first cousin to the current Alaafin, Abimbola Owoade, said the coming election presents an opportunity for indigenes of Oyo to support one of their own.

According to him, voters should look beyond party affiliation and support Adekanbi based on his roots and capacity to lead.

“This election is an opportunity for the people of Oyo to rise above partisan politics and support one of our own. Bimbo Adekanbi is a gift to the people of Oyo Town,” he said.

“For generations, an indigene of Oyo Town has not had the opportunity to become governor of Oyo State. The governorship has largely remained within Ibadan political circles through political arrangements. This time, our son, who also has maternal roots in Oyo, has been presented by the APM to contest the office.”

He described Adekanbi as a seasoned technocrat with competence, integrity and leadership experience.

“He has demonstrated the capacity to deliver good governance. He deserves the support of the people of Oyo State,” he added.

Prince Oladigbolu urged residents to seize what he described as a rare opportunity to promote development in Oyo Town while strengthening representation at the state level.