Why Power Should Shift To Oke-Ogun In 2027

Introduction

Oke-Ogun, a crucial region in Oyo State, plays a significant role in the state’s agricultural and economic landscape. Widely recognized as the food basket of Oyo State, this zone contributes immensely to the state’s food security and economic growth. Beyond its agricultural importance, Oke-Ogun holds substantial political influence, with its voting strength capable of determining the outcome of gubernatorial elections.

As the 2027 elections approach, the demand for power rotation to Oke-Ogun has intensified. For decades, Oyo State’s leadership has been dominated by candidates from Ibadan and Ogbomoso, leaving Oke-Ogun largely sidelined despite its contributions. It is time for political parties, especially the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to recognize the need for equity and fairness by zoning the 2027 governorship ticket to Oke-Ogun.

Oke-Ogun’s Political Significance in Oyo State

Oke-Ogun consists of ten Local Government Areas—Atisbo, Oorelope, Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Kajola, Irepo, Olorunsogo, Iwajowa, Saki East, and Saki West. This region accounts for nearly 40% of active voters in the state, making it a crucial battleground during elections.

Historically, gubernatorial elections in Oyo State have favored Ibadan, which has produced the highest number of governors. The dominance of Ibadan in Oyo politics can be seen in past elections:

1991: Chief Kolapo Ishola (Ibadan) won under the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
1999: Alhaji Lam Adesina (Ibadan) emerged victorious under the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
2003: Chief Rashidi Ladoja (Ibadan) of the PDP defeated the incumbent.
2007: Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala (Ogbomoso) secured victory under the PDP.
2011 & 2015: Senator Abiola Ajimobi (Ibadan) won under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and later the APC.
2019 & 2023: Governor Seyi Makinde (Ibadan) won under the PDP.

This trend underscores the need for power rotation to ensure fairness across all regions.

Why Oke-Ogun Deserves the Governorship in 2027

Equity and Fairness
- Oke-Ogun has never produced a governor in Oyo State’s history, despite being the second-largest voting bloc. A power shift would promote justice and inclusivity in governance.
High-Caliber Leadership
- The region boasts renowned professionals, including scholars, educators, business leaders, and entrepreneurs, who are more than qualified to drive progressive leadership.
Massive Electoral Influence
- With a significant voter population, political parties stand a higher chance of winning the 2027 elections if they present an Oke-Ogun candidate.
Boosting Development in Oke-Ogun
- Electing a governor from Oke-Ogun would spur massive infrastructural development, industrial growth, and improved government attention to the region’s needs.

The Role of Political Leaders and Traditional Rulers

For this dream to materialize, political stakeholders and traditional leaders in Oke-Ogun must work together to push for the governorship ticket. Prominent figures from Oke-Ogun must begin strategic consultations across political parties to secure support for this cause.

Additionally, traditional rulers and community leaders should actively advocate for zoning the 2027 governorship slot to Oke-Ogun. Political leaders from the region must come together, putting party differences aside, to push a unified agenda.

Strategic Steps to Achieve Oke-Ogun Governorship in 2027

✔ Early Political Consultations – Oke-Ogun leaders must engage political stakeholders at the state and national levels.
✔ Unity of Purpose – All political actors from Oke-Ogun must rally behind a single, strong candidate to boost their chances.
✔ Mass Mobilization – The people of Oke-Ogun should recognize that any party that offers them the governorship ticket deserves their full electoral support.
✔ Traditional and Community Support – Traditional leaders must leverage their influence to drive the agenda of power rotation.
✔ Financial and Moral Support – Indigenes of Oke-Ogun must be ready to support their candidate, ensuring adequate resources for the electoral process.

Conclusion

The 2027 governorship election presents a crucial opportunity for power to shift to Oke-Ogun. The APC and PDP must prioritize fairness by zoning the governorship ticket to this region. The people of Oke-Ogun must also unite, mobilize, and negotiate strategically to ensure this historic shift happens.

With its electoral strength, wealth of competent leaders, and economic importance, Oke-Ogun deserves the chance to govern Oyo State. Now is the time to act!