Ila-Orangun witnessed a major political realignment on Saturday, 22nd November, 2025, as Senator Ajagunnla Olubiyi Fadeyi formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading a wave of over 200 party members into the ruling party. The mass defection marks one of the most significant political shifts in the ancient town in recent years, signalling a growing momentum for the APC ahead of the 2026 Osun gubernatorial election and 2027 general polls.
The ceremony—colourful, symbolic, and charged with enthusiasm—drew an impressive crowd of APC loyalists and new entrants. Prominent political actors such as Hon. Akin Titiloye, a former Chairman of Ila Local Government, former Secretary of Osun State PDP, former Chairman, Governing Council of Osun State College of Education and immediate Senior Special Assistant to Governor of Osun State, Asiwaju Sen. (Dr) Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke on Assets Management and Hon.Temitayo Kayode, aka Turaya, joined Senator Fadeyi in making the transition, further amplifying the event’s impact.
Alhaji Rasheed Adeniji, the APC State Officer from Ila Local Government, celebrated the development as a landmark victory for the party. Describing Senator Fadeyi and his fellow defectors as “political caterpillars,” Adeniji noted that their experience, popularity, and political capital would significantly strengthen the APC’s grassroots structure.
According to him:
“Today, in Ila-Orangun, there is only one political party. If you are not in APC, you are not in politics. With this structure, Ila will deliver President Tinubu in 2027, and all federal and state positions will be APC.”
The new entrants were formally received with party symbols—APC flags and the iconic broom—signifying their full integration into the party. Although Chief Bisi Akande, a former Chairman of APC and former Osun State governor, was unavoidably absent, he was ably represented. His message to the defectors reaffirmed the APC’s tradition of equal opportunity, assuring them that they would enjoy the same rights and privileges as long-standing members.
Senator Fadeyi, in his maiden speech as an APC stalwart, expressed deep appreciation to Chief Akande, The Asiwaju of Ila-Orangun, for his guidance and moral influence. He described his move as a strategic decision rooted in service delivery and political effectiveness:
“Being a member of the ruling party makes things easier for Senators at the National Assembly. Any Senator who prioritizes the interests of their constituents will choose to engage in mainstream politics for their benefit.”
He acknowledged the immense support he has received since emerging as a Senator, attributing much of his progress to the foundations laid by Chief Akande, an elder statesman who hails from the same senatorial district. He also reaffirmed his dedication to implementing people-focused programs that will benefit party members from the ward level to the senatorial district.
The mass defection not only underscores Senator Fadeyi’s influence but also reflects the APC’s growing dominance in Ila-Orangun’s political terrain. Analysts say the event has reshaped existing political alignments and may further tilt the balance of power in favour of the APC as the election season approaches.
With this bold move, the APC appears poised to consolidate its hold on Ila-Orangun, projecting strength and unity as the town steps into a new phase of political engagement.
