The 58th birthday celebration of Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, popularly known as Okanlomo Oodua, turned into a major political gathering at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resorts, Ibadan, as thousands of supporters converged for an event tagged Tinubu Day.
The gathering brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, traders, artisans, labour unions, religious groups and political associations to celebrate Sanusi while declaring support for President Bola Tinubu, Senator Sharafadeen Alli and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in Oyo State.
Speaking at the event, Sanusi urged residents of the state to support Tinubu and APC candidates in the forthcoming elections, arguing that voters should choose leaders who would remain accountable and fulfil their promises.
He also criticised the governor he supported in the 2023 governorship election, accusing him 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,” Sanusi said.
He expressed confidence in the APC candidates, adding that he believed they would not disappoint the people of the state.
Sanusi described the gathering as more than a birthday celebration, saying it represented political awareness, engagement and mobilisation ahead of future elections.
Recalling Tinubu’s performance in Oyo State during the 2023 presidential election, he predicted that the President would receive more than 80 per cent of the votes in the state 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 maintained that Tinubu deserved another term to complete his programmes and reforms, declaring that the President had performed well in his first term.
Sanusi also threw his weight behind Senator Sharafadeen Alli, describing the Oyo South senator as experienced, tested and a man of integrity.
“Senator Sharafadeen Alli is someone whose antecedents we know. He is experienced, tested and has proven himself to be a man of integrity,” he said.
Urging voters to hold political leaders accountable through their ballots, Sanusi said the people had the power to reject those they believed had failed them.
“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,” he added.
The turnout was notable amid reports that commercial drivers had been directed not to convey people to the venue. According to the account of the event, some attendees hired vehicles and made alternative transport arrangements to attend the celebration.
Among the dignitaries present were Senator Alli, Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Ogunesan, 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.
Traditional rulers, community representatives, traders, artisans, religious organisations, labour groups and political associations also attended.
The celebration combined a personal milestone for Sanusi with a strong political message, as he called on Oyo voters to support Tinubu, Alli and other APC candidates while judging political leaders by their performance and promises.
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