A Ramadan public lecture in Oyo took on added political significance this week after Fuji music icon King (Dr.) Saheed Osupa Akorede (Olufimo I) used the gathering to publicly announce the political ambition of Fountain Busari Basit Babatunde, popularly known as Orisun Ayo, ahead of the 2027 Oyo State House of Assembly elections.
The announcement came during the 2026 Ramadan Public Lecture organized by the Orisun Ayo Concerned Movement, held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Atiba Hall in Oyo, Oyo State. Although Osupa—who served as the event’s Chief Host—was unable to attend physically due to his ongoing trip to the United States, he joined the event through a video call that was broadcast to attendees inside the hall.
During the call, the Fuji star addressed the audience and formally declared Orisun Ayo’s intention to contest a seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly in 2027, drawing applause from participants gathered for the Ramadan program.
A Ramadan Lecture With Political Undertones :
The event itself was structured as a faith-based public lecture designed to encourage reflection during the holy month of Ramadan. This year’s theme, *“Youths, Political Participation and Decision Making,”* reflected growing conversations across Nigeria about youth involvement in governance and civic leadership.
The lecture was hosted by Fountain Busari Basit Babatunde (Orisun Ayo), who currently serves as the *Personal Assistant to King Saheed Osupa*. Through his Orisun Ayo Concerned Movement, Babatunde has been building a grassroots presence in Oyo, organizing community engagements that blend social advocacy with youth mobilization.
While the lecture focused on religious reflection and civic responsibility, Osupa’s remote appearance introduced a political dimension that immediately became the day’s most talked-about moment.
Speaking through the live video call, the musician acknowledged the significance of youth participation in politics and used the opportunity to publicly affirm Babatunde’s political ambitions.
Scholars Lead Conversations On Youth And Governance :
Beyond the announcement, the lecture featured Islamic scholars and community leaders who addressed the relationship between faith, leadership, and civic duty.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Fodilat Sheikh Abdulafeez Sarumi, the Al-Mufty of Oyo Land, who served as the Host Lecturer for the event. His address centered on the responsibilities of young Muslims to engage constructively in political processes while maintaining ethical and moral standards.
Another featured speaker was Sheikh Yusfau Ibrahim Adebayo Ebunoluwaapo*, an Al-Hareery scholar, who joined the program as Guest Lecturer. He expanded on the theme by emphasizing the role of education, discipline, and community responsibility in preparing young people for leadership.
Together, the speakers framed political participation not simply as an ambition for power, but as a duty tied to community development and responsible governance.
A Platform For Community Engagement :
The program was presided over by *His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I*, the Alaafin of Oyo, who served as the Royal Father of the Day. His presence added traditional authority to the gathering and underscored the event’s broader community significance.
Also contributing to the program were the event’s masters of ceremony, *Yusuff Olatunji (Teejay)* and *Abd. Rahman Olawale (Joy)*, who guided the proceedings and facilitated interactions between speakers and attendees.
The lecture drew a diverse audience of religious leaders, youth groups, community stakeholders, and political observers from across Oyo and neighboring areas.
From Community Organizing To Political Ambition :
For Babatunde—widely known in local circles as Orisun Ayo—the event also highlighted a transition from community activism to formal political participation.
Through initiatives tied to the Orisun Ayo Concerned Movement, he has increasingly positioned himself within youth mobilization spaces in Oyo. The Ramadan lecture, particularly with its focus on youth participation in governance, appeared to align with the broader narrative surrounding his emerging political aspirations.
Osupa’s public endorsement during the program adds another layer to that trajectory. As a highly respected Fuji musician with deep roots in Oyo State, the entertainer’s support may carry cultural and political weight among segments of the electorate.
Looking Ahead To 2027 :
With the 2027 election cycle still some distance away, Babatunde’s declaration signals an early start to political positioning in the state. Events like the Ramadan lecture demonstrate how religious and community gatherings can double as platforms for civic dialogue and political signaling.
For attendees at Atiba Hall, the program ultimately blended spiritual reflection with conversations about leadership and the future of youth participation in governance.
As discussions around the next electoral cycle gradually begin across Oyo State, the moment captured during the Ramadan lecture—Osupa’s remote announcement and Orisun Ayo’s emerging candidacy—may prove to be an early marker in what could become a closely watched political journey.
