A growing push for political balance in Oyo State took center stage on Thursday as Ẹgbẹ́ Àjọṣepọ̀ Fún Ìtẹsiwájú Gbogbo Wa called for power to shift from Ibadan to the Òkèògùn axis in 2027. At a press briefing in Saki Town Hall, the group’s National Chairman, Engr. Dauda Olaifa, decried decades of marginalisation, noting that Ibadan has held the governorship for 39 of the last 47 years — a pattern he says undermines equity, justice, and the Federal Character principle.
“For far too long, Oyo State has failed to fully embrace the principle of rotational governance,” Olaifa stated. “Since 1979, political power has remained largely concentrated in Ibadan for thirty-nine out of forty-seven years. This persistent imbalance runs contrary to both moral standards and the constitutional doctrine of Federal Character.”
He further noted that the dominance of Ibadan and its surrounding areas in the political landscape has relegated other zones — including Òkèògùn, Ìbàràpá, Oyo, and Ogbómọ̀ṣọ́ — to secondary roles.
According to him, this has led to uneven development, limited political inclusion, and a growing sense of neglect among the people.
“The implication is evident,” he added. “Our people have been systematically pushed to the margins of governance. The time has come to correct this historical imbalance through a deliberate and just power rotation, beginning with Òkè-ògùn.”
The group also reacted to recent remarks allegedly made by a prominent political figure, Senator Sharafadeen Ali, who questioned the viability of an Òkèògùn governorship bid. Olaifa described such comments as both insensitive and unjustifiable.
“After decades of waiting, any suggestion that Òkèògùn should continue to wait is unacceptable,” he said. “If fairness cannot be embraced when the situation is reversed, then it should not be imposed on others. Justice delayed, in this case, is justice denied.”
In its appeal, the group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support the emergence of a credible and competent candidate from the Òkèògùn axis. It also urged the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to align with what it described as a just and necessary cause for equity and balance.
The group further appealed to Nigeria’s leading political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to zone their 2027 governorship tickets to Òkè-ògùn in the spirit of fairness and national unity.
“This moment marks a turning point in our collective struggle,” Olaifa declared. “We are not seeking special treatment; we are demanding what is rightfully ours — fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity to contribute to the leadership of our state.”
Drawing comparisons with neighbouring Ogun State, the group highlighted ongoing efforts toward rotational governance as a positive example of inclusivity and progressive political reform.
Other speakers at the event underscored the urgent need for unity among political leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and stakeholders across Òkèògùn. They stressed that cohesion remains the key to achieving the long-standing aspiration.
A community leader at the briefing noted, “This is not a struggle for a single town or a select group. It is a shared vision that requires every son and daughter of Òkèògùn to stand together and speak with one voice.”
Another speaker urged political actors to set aside personal ambitions and prioritize the collective interest of the region. “Division will only delay our dream, but unity across party lines will make history possible,” he said.
As the 2027 election approaches, the call from Ẹgbẹ́ Àjọṣepọ̀ Fún Ìtẹsiwájú Gbogbo Wa signals a growing movement determined to reshape the political landscape of Oyo State through equity, justice, and collective resolve.
