Nigeria, April 20 -- The succession battle in Oyo State has become a high-wired political drama with all the major contenders going for one another's jugular in a bid to influence who takes over from Governor Seyi Makinde in next year's governorship election. At the heart of the roforofo fight is the incumbent Governor himself, Makinde, who is determined to have a say in who succeeds him in 2027. In doing so, he is bent on single-handedly choosing who becomes the gubernatorial candidate in his now almost dead People's Democratic Party (PDP), as well as having an input in the rival All Progressives Congress (APC).

Those bent on ensuring that he has no such power and influence in both parties include his former friend-turned-foe, Nyesom W...