A former student activist and politician, Bayo Adekanle (a.k.a.) Jay-Jay got another crucial endorsement of a grassroots politician in his hometown, Ode Irele early in the New Year when former senator, Chief Yele Omogunwa endorsed him to bid for the ticket of the PDP (People’s Democratic Party) in the 2023 House of Representatives elections.

Sources close to the Adekanle’s campaign coordinator for Okitipupa Local Government Area said the Senator endorsed him because of “loyalty to the party, excellent ideas and wide acceptance across Ikaleland”

“We have done the best we could. What we can do now is to encourage and support the younger generation who are bubbling with fresh ideas. We must allow the younger ones to take over the leadership mantle and I think Bayo Adekanle fits perfectly,” Senator Yele was quoted as saying.

The Coordinator also stressed that Bayo Adekanle has what he called “cross-over appeal” in both the PDP and the All Progressive Congress (APC), apart from being an Irele prince from the Lijoka Ruling House, which all put him at advantage.

There are rumours that Hon Abayomi Sheba, who represented Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency in the National Assembly thirty years ago may also run for the coveted position.

If the rumours gain ground and become real, then Bayo Adekanle will be squaring up in the primaries with formidable lawyers and veteran administrators. It is not clear so far if the incumbent, Hon. Gboluga Ikengboju will bid again for the PDP ticket. Political pundits predict he would not, given his level of performance so far but that as an incumbent he could not be easily written off.