What began as the 58th birthday celebration of Chief (Engr.) Jubril Dotun Sanusi, the Okanlomo Oodua, became a major political gathering at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resorts as thousands converged for an event christened Tinubu Day.
The celebration drew political leaders, traditional rulers, traders, artisans, labour unions, religious groups, political associations and other supporters who gathered to honour Sanusi and express support for President Bola Tinubu, Senator Sharafadeen Alli and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in Oyo State.
Addressing the crowd, Sanusi urged Oyo voters to support Tinubu, Alli and all APC candidates, saying the state needed leaders who would remain faithful to the people and accountable for their promises.
He accused the governor he supported in the 2023 governorship election of betraying their trust.
“Someone who failed in Oyo State now wants to reset Nigeria. We have seen what happened here, and we do not want a repeat of that experience at the national level.
“Today, we want people who will not betray the people of Oyo State. I assure you that all the APC candidates will not betray us,” Sanusi added.
Sanusi described the gathering as more than a birthday celebration, calling it a demonstration of political consciousness and a platform for engagement and APC mobilisation.
He contrasted the turnout at Ilaji with what he described as the mere assembly of people at a tennis court, saying the size and diversity of the crowd showed the event’s significance.
Recalling that Tinubu won approximately 60 per cent of the votes cast in Oyo State in the 2023 presidential election, Sanusi expressed confidence that the President would secure more than 80 per cent in the next election.
“In the last election, President Tinubu got 60 per cent of the votes in Oyo State. This time, we are going to give him over 80 per cent,” he said.
He said Tinubu deserved another term to complete his programmes and reforms, adding, “He has done well in his first term and deserves to finish the good works he has started in Nigeria.”
Sanusi also endorsed Alli, describing the senator as experienced, tested and known for integrity.
“Senator Sharafadeen Alli is someone whose antecedents we know. He is experienced, tested and has proven himself to be a man of integrity. We know the kind of person he is, and we believe he will not betray the confidence of the people,” he said.
Urging voters to use their ballots to reject betrayal and failed promises, Sanusi declared: “Let us sweep away betrayers and failures from Oyo State with our votes. The power belongs to the people, and they must use it wisely.”
The turnout was particularly notable amid reports that commercial drivers had been directed not to convey people to the venue.
Attendees reportedly hired vehicles and made alternative transport arrangements, a strong display of their determination to attend.
The event attracted Senator Sharafadeen Alli; Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Ogunesan; Senator Hosea Agboola; Hon. Akin Alabi; Chief Mutalubi Ojo; Mogaji Abass Oloko; Hon. Bosun Oladele; Asiwaju Mutiu Oladejo; Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe; Hon. Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye; Chief Shina Alabi; and Tunji Olanipekun, alongside other political stakeholders and supporters.
Traditional rulers, community representatives, traders, artisans, religious organisations, labour groups and political associations also attended, giving the gathering a broad-based character.
The celebration ultimately combined Sanusi’s birthday with a clear political message: support for Tinubu, Alli and other APC candidates, and a demand that leaders be judged by their performance at the ballot box.
