AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Architect Olufunke Olunloyo, daughter of former Oyo State Governor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, has dismissed as false the rumour circulating in traditional and social media that she intends to contest for a Senate seat in the 2027 general elections.
The speculation followed her public call for support for Prof. Oluwamuyiwa Favour Ayodele’s presidential ambition at an event held last Saturday at the Governor’s Apartment, Omole Estate Phase 1, Ojodu Berger, Lagos.
In a personally signed statement released in Ibadan on Wednesday through media consultant Akinwale Aboluwade, Olunloyo described the claim as “fake, gullible and badly intended,” alleging that it was being circulated by third columnists pursuing selfish agendas.
The statement, titled, “Viral claim about my running for Senate untrue,” emphasised that her political focus at the moment is solely on supporting Prof. Ayodele, a two-time presidential candidate, ahead of the 2027 election.
The statement read, “It was recently noticed that a claim was made of my intentions to run for a seat in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the next election cycle.”
“This is quite far from the truth as my focus, alongside a carefully curated team of concerned and committed individuals, is to support the bid of Prof. Oluwamuyiwa Favour Ayodele for the Presidency of our beloved nation, Nigeria.”
Olunloyo said she was not surprised that such misinformation had gained traction, given the long-standing reputation and public prominence of the Olunloyo family. However, she cautioned Nigerians to be more discerning and avoid being misled by deliberate falsehoods.
“Rightly noting the pedigree of the Olunloyo family and their sterling reputation in various fields, especially education and public service, it is not entirely surprising that such a claim could be thrown in the media space,” she said.
She urged Nigerians to evaluate Prof. Ayodele’s presidential bid with sincerity and patriotism. “This comes as a clarion call to every Nigerian who must stand to be counted, to carefully examine our candidate, Prof. Favour Ayodele, let each speak their truth to him, hear his intentions, and support him in this noble quest to forge a new path for the best Nigeria ever.”
At the Lagos event, held at the instance of Prof. Ayodele, Olunloyo had urged citizens not to be passive in political matters. She warned that political apathy leaves room for manipulation by individuals who do not prioritise national interest.
Using the biblical story of Esau and Jacob as illustration, she stressed that politics is intrinsic to human existence and that failure to engage leaves citizens vulnerable to exploitation by “the greedy lot who are currently calling the shot.”
Olunloyo called on Nigerians to approach the coming election cycle with courage, creativity and optimism, insisting that active civic participation is key to redirecting the nation’s trajectory.
