A Ramadan public lecture in Oyo took on added political significance this week after Fuji music icon Saheed Osupa publicly announced the political ambition of Fountain Busari Basit Babatunde, popularly known as Orisun Ayo, ahead of the 2027 elections to the Oyo State House of Assembly.
The announcement came during the 2026 Ramadan Public Lecture organised by the Orisun Ayo Concerned Movement, held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Atiba Hall in Oyo.
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 programme through a live video call that was broadcast to attendees inside the hall.
During the call, the Fuji star addressed the audience and formally declared Babatunde’s intention to contest a seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly in 2027, drawing applause from participants gathered for the Ramadan programme.
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, who currently serves as the Personal Assistant to Saheed Osupa. Through the Orisun Ayo Concerned Movement, Babatunde has been building a grassroots presence in Oyo, organising community engagements that combine social advocacy with youth mobilisation.
While the lecture focused on religious reflection and civic responsibility, Osupa’s remote appearance introduced a political dimension that quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the programme.
Speaking through the live video call, the musician acknowledged the importance of youth participation in politics and used the opportunity to publicly affirm Babatunde’s political aspiration.
Scholars Discuss Youth and Governance
Beyond the political announcement, the lecture featured Islamic scholars and community leaders who spoke on the relationship between faith, leadership, and civic responsibility.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Sheikh Abdulafeez Sarumi, who served as the host lecturer for the event. His address focused on the responsibilities of young Muslims to participate constructively in political processes while maintaining ethical values.
Another featured speaker, Sheikh Yusfau Ibrahim Adebayo, joined the programme as guest lecturer. He highlighted the importance of education, discipline, and community responsibility in preparing young people for leadership roles.
Together, the scholars emphasised that political participation should not merely be seen as a quest for power but as a responsibility tied to community development and good governance.
Community and Traditional Presence
The programme was presided over by Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, who served as the Royal Father of the Day.
His presence added traditional authority to the gathering and underscored the broader community significance of the event.
Also contributing to the programme were the event’s masters of ceremony, Yusuff Olatunji, popularly known as Teejay, and Abd. Rahman Olawale, known as Joy, who guided the proceedings and facilitated interactions between speakers and participants.
The lecture drew a diverse audience including religious leaders, youth groups, community stakeholders, and political observers from across Oyo and neighbouring communities.
From Community Engagement to Political Ambition
For Babatunde, widely known locally as Orisun Ayo, the event also highlighted a gradual transition from community activism to formal political participation.
Through initiatives linked to the Orisun Ayo Concerned Movement, he has increasingly positioned himself within youth mobilisation 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 ambition.
Osupa’s public endorsement during the programme adds another dimension to that journey. As one of Nigeria’s most respected Fuji musicians with deep cultural influence in Oyo State, his support may carry both cultural and political weight among sections of the electorate.
Looking Ahead to 2027
With the 2027 election cycle still some distance away, Babatunde’s declaration signals an early stage of political positioning in the state.
Events such as the Ramadan lecture demonstrate how religious and community gatherings can also serve as platforms for civic dialogue and political signalling.
For attendees at Atiba Hall, the programme blended spiritual reflection with discussions about leadership and the future of youth participation in governance.
As conversations around the next electoral cycle gradually begin across Oyo State, the moment captured during the lecture—Osupa’s remote announcement and Orisun Ayo’s emerging candidacy—may represent an early marker in what could become a closely watched political journey.