Ẹgbẹ́ Àjọṣepọ̀ Fún Ìtẹsiwájú Gbogbo Wa, a people-driven socio-political advocacy in movement, yesterday held a high-impact sensitisation and advocacy rally in Saki Township, mobilising stakeholders across Old Ìfẹ́dàpọ̀ Constituency. The rally brought together revered leaders, community members, and residents, marking another milestone in the association’s advocacy journey, following earlier engagements in Ìbàdàn and Iseyin.
The rally, according to a statement signed by the National Chairman of the Movement, Engr. Dauda Olaifa and made available to newsmen in Saki on Thursday, marks another decisive milestone in the association’s expanding advocacy journey, following earlier sensitisation engagements in Ìbàdàn and Ìṣẹ́yìn.
“Since its emergence one year ago, *Ẹgbẹ́ Àjọṣepọ̀ Fún Ìtẹsiwájú Gbogbo Wa* has remained steadfast in its mission to promote justice, fairness, equity and inclusivity in the political governance of Ọ̀yọ̀ State through sustained public engagement, advocacy visits, stakeholder consultations and media interventions,” the statement added.
The rally’s message was clear: G.O.A.L — “Gómìnà Ọ̀yọ́ Àwa Lọ́kàn” (Òkèògùn’s turn to produce Ọ̀yọ̀ State Governor in 2027). This demand is rooted in history, equity, and constitutional justice, as Òkèògùn has never produced a Governor despite its population and contributions. The zone seeks fair access and rotational leadership, citing Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of Nigeria’s Constitution.
Since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, Òkèògùn has never produced a Governor of Ọ̀yọ̀ State. In over 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, the zone has remained confined to secondary political roles despite its ten local governments, significant population, electoral strength and immense contributions to the state’s political stability. Decades of loyalty to other zones have not translated into reciprocal inclusion, while socio-economic marginalisation persists across education, healthcare, infrastructure and public investment.
Yet, Òkèògùn is abundantly endowed with competent, credible and capable sons and daughters — men and women with the intellect, experience, vision and capacity to govern Ọ̀yọ̀ State effectively. Equity demands reciprocity. Justice forbids perpetual exclusion. Inclusivity strengthens unity.
As Yorùbá wisdom reminds us: *“Ẹni kan kì í jẹ k’ílẹ̀ ó fẹ̀”* — no one rules forever.
And again: *“Ohun tó dáa kì í ṣe t’ẹni kan ṣoṣo”* — what is good is not meant for one alone.
The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), particularly Sections 14(3) and 14(4), expressly condemns domination and mandates inclusivity, diversity and a sense of belonging in governance. Rotational leadership is not a concession; it is a constitutional and moral imperative.
Ọ̀yọ̀ State comprises five major geopolitical stakeholders — Òkèògùn, Ìbàdàn, Ìbàràpá, Òyọ́ and Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́. The governorship is not the exclusive preserve of any one region. Justice, balance and sustainable peace demand fair access for all.
The conclusion is therefore compelling and unavoidable: The next Governor of Ọ̀yọ̀ State in 2027 should emerge from Òkè-ògùn. This will mark a historic step toward true rotational governance in the Pace Setter State.
God willing, the advocacy train moves next to the Old Ìrẹ́pọ̀ Constituency.
