IRI FM INTERVIEW: Big Daddy Sugar Speaks on APM’s Growing Popularity, Backs Makinde’s Presidential Ambition

The Director-General of the Lagelu Local Government APM Campaign Council, Mogaji (Hon.) Olajide Olatoye, popularly known as Big Daddy Sugar, has attributed the growing popularity of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State and Nigeria to the performance of Governor Seyi Makinde.

Big Daddy Sugar stated this during a radio programme on IRI FM, where he discussed the origin of the name Ijaya Lagelu, the achievements of Governor Makinde, the political relevance of Otunba Seye Famojuro, and the preparations of the APM for the forthcoming elections.

Speaking on how the name Ijaya Lagelu became popular, he explained that the nickname was given to him by a journalist at an event he attended alongside Hon. Adeaga.
According to him, the name has since gained recognition among residents and political stakeholders in Lagelu Local Government and beyond.

Makinde’s Performance and Presidential Ambition
Speaking on the growing acceptance of the APM, Big Daddy Sugar attributed the development to Governor Makinde’s performance in Oyo State, noting that many people appreciate the governor’s leadership and are willing to follow his political direction.

He acknowledged that no leader is perfect but maintained that Governor Makinde had performed creditably, scoring his administration 85 per cent based on his assessment of achievements in infrastructure, agriculture, employment, education, commerce and road construction.

He also highlighted the governor’s approach to inherited projects, stating that the administration had continued and completed projects initiated by previous administrations rather than abandoning them.

“Governor Makinde has done well in Oyo State, and that is why people appreciate and love him. His commitment to development has earned him the support of many people,” he said.

Big Daddy Sugar expressed confidence in Governor Makinde’s presidential ambition, arguing that his experience in governing Oyo State could serve as a foundation for leadership at the national level.

He further contrasted the challenges facing Nigeria, including insecurity, unemployment, poverty and inflation, with what he described as the need for effective leadership and sustained development.

According to him, the governor’s frequently expressed commitment to putting Oyo State first reflects his development philosophy.
APM Campaign Council Targets Massive Votes in Lagelu

Speaking on the party’s preparations for the forthcoming elections, Big Daddy Sugar said the APM campaign structure in Lagelu was working in unity to mobilise support for Governor Makinde and other candidates of the party.

He explained that the campaign council was collaborating with the local government campaign leadership to ensure effective coordination and mobilisation across the area.

“As the Director-General of the Lagelu APM Campaign Council, we are working together in unity with the local government campaign leadership to achieve our objective of mobilising massive support for Governor Makinde and all our candidates,” he stated.
He called on party members and supporters to remain committed to the collective goal of strengthening the party’s presence in the local government and across Oyo State.

Tinubu Support: Big Daddy Sugar Says Mogajis Are Free to Choose
Reacting to reports that some Mogajis had declared support for President Bola Tinubu, Big Daddy Sugar clarified that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, had not directed the Mogajis to support any particular political party or candidate.

He maintained that the Mogajis were adults who could independently decide whom to support politically.

According to him, anyone claiming that Oba Ladoja had instructed them to support President Tinubu was expressing a personal position rather than acting on an official directive from the traditional ruler.

Big Daddy Sugar reiterated that he and several other Mogajis had chosen to support Governor Makinde, expressing confidence in their ability to mobilise support for him.

He added that the political choices of individual Mogajis should be respected, noting that traditional institutions should not be unnecessarily drawn into partisan political disagreements.

Famojuro Remains an APM Chieftain, Says Big Daddy Sugar
On the role of Otunba Seye Famojuro in the APM, Big Daddy Sugar described him as a prominent party member and chieftain who had contributed to the growth of many individuals within the political space.

He portrayed Famojuro as a humble and influential political figure who had supported numerous people and earned recognition among his associates.

Big Daddy Sugar also dismissed claims by some individuals that they left the APM because of Famojuro, arguing that such claims were inconsistent with their prolonged association with the party.

He maintained that Famojuro had remained humble despite his political influence and urged people to acknowledge individual contributions to the development of the party.

Respects Party Supremacy Over Political Ambition
Addressing questions about his personal political ambitions and the party ticket he was unable to secure, Big Daddy Sugar said he respected the decision of the party.

He stressed that party supremacy must be upheld and that individual ambitions should not override the collective decisions of the political organisation.

According to him, accepting the party’s decision demonstrates commitment to its principles and the broader political objectives of the APM.

Big Daddy Sugar Pays Tribute to Late Sugar
The APM chieftain also paid tribute to his late blood brother, Hon. Temitope Olatoye Sugar, describing him as a political figure whose contributions and legacies would remain relevant.

He recalled the late lawmaker’s achievements, the employment opportunities he facilitated and his role in establishing the Olatoye Sugar political dynasty.

Big Daddy Sugar said his relationship with the late politician went beyond family ties, describing him as his political boss and mentor.

He maintained that the late lawmaker’s impact on the political landscape and the lives of many people would ensure that his memory remained alive.

Calls for Support for All APM Candidates
Concluding his remarks, Big Daddy Sugar urged eligible voters and party supporters to consider the APM candidates across the different elective positions in the forthcoming elections.

He listed the presidential, senatorial, House of Representatives, governorship, State House of Assembly and local government chairmanship positions as areas where the party was seeking support.

He expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would work towards delivering democratic dividends if elected.

Big Daddy Sugar reiterated the need for unity among party members, stating that cooperation, effective mobilisation and commitment to the party’s objectives would be essential to its campaign activities in Lagelu and across Oyo State.