The Amazon’s Call: Rescuing the Soul of Oyo South || Seye Akanmu-Bode
The Molete Declaration: A Covenant of Service, A Movement of Destiny
The Molete Declaration was not merely a political gathering; it was a profound moment of reckoning for Oyo South. In the historic Olunloyo house, where the echoes of past political giants still linger, Hon. Bolanle Aminat Sarumi-Aliyu—BASA—stood before her people and offered not just a candidacy, but a covenant. Her words carried the weight of lived sacrifice, reminding all present that leadership is not a privilege to be enjoyed but a debt to be repaid in service.
She spoke as one who has been tested by storms and refined by duty. From rescuing over 400 trafficked daughters in Lebanon to reuniting a lost indigene with mental illness in Istanbul with his family here in Nigeria, BASA’s journey has been defined by compassion in action. Her declaration was not the rhetoric of ambition but the philosophy of responsibility. She insisted that 2027 is not simply an election—it is a rescue mission, a moral call to restore dignity, inclusion, and hope to Oyo South.
The declaration, held at her campaign office, drew a large crowd of party faithful, including all PDP Local Government Chairmen from Oyo South, members of the State Executive Committee, and party leaders from across the 33 local government areas of the state. The wide turnout was seen by political observers as a sign of growing unity within the party and early alignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
The response was overwhelming. Farmers, market women, persons with disabilities, students and youths, party leaders, and academics did not merely attend; they embraced her vision as their own. Agro-Allied Farmers saw in her promise of economic inclusion a chance to empower the artisans and traders who form the backbone of the district’s economy. People with disabilities found in her BASA-CARE initiative a rare recognition of their humanity and a pledge of health coverage that affirms their place in society. Market women rallied with conviction, declaring that BASA is one of them, a daughter of Ibadan who understands the rhythm of their daily struggles. Students and youths, energized by her call, saw in her candidacy a pathway to empowerment, opportunity, and a future where their voices would no longer be silenced.
Speaking on behalf of the Oyo State PDP Chairman, Prof. Abdulrahman Akinosun, the PDP Youth Leader, Hon. Akeem Adeleke, congratulated BASA for taking what he described as a timely and important step. He assured party members that the PDP is well-positioned to win elections at all levels in 2027 and urged members to complete their party registration as preparations intensify.
Leaders at the local government level also showed strong support. The PDP Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Mr. Owolabi Olufemi, praised her loyalty and commitment, describing her as a dedicated member whose contributions have strengthened the party. In the same vein, the PDP Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government, Alhaji Salami Akeem, commended her courage and expressed confidence in her chances. The PDP Women Leader in Oyo State, Alhaja Latifa Lateef, described BASA’s decision to contest as bold and encouraging, urging women across the state to rally behind her, noting that she has the capacity to represent women effectively.
In Molete, it became clear that this was more than a declaration; it was the birth of a movement. The chants of “BASA! BASA!!” were not mere slogans but affirmations of faith in a woman who has lived her philosophy of service. Her closing words—“I am BASA. I am your daughter. I am your Amazon.”—were not just self-identification but a reminder that she carries the collective spirit of Oyo South within her.
The Molete Declaration was a moment where politics transcended ambition and became a philosophy of duty. It was a reminder that leadership is not about occupying a seat in Abuja but about carrying the burdens of the people with courage, compassion, and sacrifice. In BASA, Oyo South has found not just a candidate, but a covenant.
Seye Akanmu-Bode, is Special Assistant, Media and Strategy to Hon. Bolanle Aminat Sarumi-Aliyu