ONDO SOUTH 2027: HOW MATO BECAME A HOUSEHOLD NAME ACROSS THE SENATORIAL DISTRICT
By Henry Idowu Olowu, Ode-Irele
03/10/2026
In Ondo South, political conversations ahead of the 2027 general elections are increasingly putting one name at the centre of grassroots discussions — Hon. Mathew Oye Oyerinmade, popularly known as MATO.
But beyond campaign slogans and political calculations, what has built MATO’s profile is a journey that, according to supporters and public accounts of his activities, predates the current election season.
A Philanthropist Before Politics
For MATO, politics has not been the beginning of his relationship with the people. His supporters point to years of humanitarian interventions, empowerment, community support and assistance to individuals as evidence of a philosophy of giving that existed before the pursuit of elective office.
A 2022 profile in The Nation described Oyerinmade as a quiet philanthropist involved in poverty alleviation, empowerment and community development, while noting that his supporters viewed his service to people as something that did not depend on holding political office. (The Nation)
That distinction matters.
There are politicians who become visible when elections approach. There are also individuals whose relationships with their communities have developed over many years.
MATO’s supporters place him firmly in the second category.
Humility as a Political Identity:
One of the qualities frequently associated with MATO is humility.
Despite his business background and growing political profile, his public image has often been built around accessibility, simplicity and personal interaction with ordinary people.
A 2022 The Nation report quoted a supporter describing him as “simple and unassuming” and emphasised his warm relationship with people.
In a political environment where personality can sometimes overshadow service, MATO’s supporters argue that his quiet style is part of what makes him different.
He Paid His Political Due
MATO’s political journey has also been a gradual one.
He has contested within the political system, experienced both success and disappointment, remained engaged with party structures and continued building relationships across Ondo South.
His 2022 APC senatorial primary experience, where he came second, was publicly acknowledged by MATO himself as a learning experience that deepened his understanding of party dynamics, grassroots expectations and stakeholder engagement.
In 2026, his campaign activities again took him across the six LGAs that make up Ondo South, with reports of extensive consultations with party leaders, stakeholders and ward executives.
That is what it means to pay one’s political dues, showing up, building relationships, supporting structures and remaining present beyond election day.
MATO and the APC: Loyalty in Difficult Times:
Another part of the MATO narrative is his relationship with the APC.
His supporters maintain that he remained committed to the party even during difficult periods, rather than appearing only when political opportunities became attractive.
His public interviews have also emphasised party unity and grassroots engagement.
For those who have followed his political journey, this is presented as evidence that MATO sees politics not simply as a vehicle for personal ambition but also as a long-term organisational commitment.
This is where his supporters draw a sharp contrast with what they describe as political opportunism — the tendency to move closer to a party or political structure only when there is something immediate to gain.
Why His Supporters Say MATO Has Become Popular
Popularity in politics cannot be measured by social-media noise alone.
It is built through relationships, visibility, generosity, party participation, community engagement and the ability to maintain connections across different groups.
A September 2026 article in Parrot News similarly highlighted MATO’s philanthropy, accessibility and grassroots connection as major parts of his political profile.
Across Ondo South, his supporters point to his presence in communities, relationships with political stakeholders and his long-standing interventions as reasons his name has become increasingly prominent.
Whether one agrees with every political claim surrounding him or not, the fact remains that MATO has spent years building a political identity around service, relationships and grassroots engagement.
Beyond Social Media Noise:
Another argument frequently made by his supporters is that MATO has largely avoided the kind of persistent social-media controversies that often follow prominent politicians.
That should not be confused with saying that every political actor or member of the public agrees with him. Political competition naturally produces different views.
But his supporters see the relative absence of sustained personal attacks around his public profile as another indication of the way he has conducted himself.
For them, the argument is simple:
A man who has spent years helping people, building relationships and maintaining his dignity does not need to manufacture popularity overnight.
MATO Has Paid His Due — Socially and Politically
The MATO story, therefore, is not simply about 2027.
It is about what came before 2027.
It is about the businessman who built relationships with people.
It is about the philanthropist whose supporters say he has touched lives without waiting for political office.
It is about the politician who has experienced political contests, learnt from them and remained engaged.
It is about a man who, according to his supporters, stayed with his political structure during difficult moments rather than waiting for the easiest opportunity.
And it is about a political journey that has increasingly made his name recognisable across the six LGAs of Ondo South.
As the 2027 election approaches, MATO is now officially listed among the senatorial candidates for Ondo South, representing the PDP.
The campaign will ultimately be decided by voters.
But before voters make that decision, one question deserves to be asked:
Who has been there for the people long before the campaign season began?
For MATO’s supporters, their answer is already clear.
MATO has paid his dues — socially, politically and philanthropically.
And that, they believe, is the foundation of the growing MATO movement across Ondo South.
Henry Idowu Olowu
Ode-Irele
03/10/2026
