As the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State draw near, the Oke-Ogun zone is making a strong case for its turn to occupy the governor’s seat. Egbe Ajosepo Fun Itesiwaju Gbogbo Wa, a non-partisan pressure group, has been at the forefront of this movement, advocating for fairness and justice in the state’s political landscape.
The group’s appeal is rooted in the historical marginalisation of Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa zones in Oyo State’s politics. Since the return of democracy in 1999, Ibadan has produced four governors, while Ogbomoso produced one. Oke-Ogun, despite having 10 local government areas, has never had the opportunity to lead the state.
A significant development in this struggle is the recent endorsement of governorship rotation to Oke-Ogun by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in their released communique issued on Monday, 30 June, 2025. This move signals a potential shift in the state’s political dynamics and could pave the way for Oke-Ogun’s emergence as a leading region in Oyo State politics.
Egbe Ajosepo Fun Itesiwaju Gbogbo Wa has been actively pushing for Oke-Ogun governorship aspirations. The group’s chairman, Engr. Dauda Alade Olaifa, emphasised that the choice of Oke-Ogun producing the next governor is non-negotiable. He highlighted the region’s potential, citing its agrarian strength, resilience, and dedication.
Several notable individuals from Oke-Ogun have been mentioned as potential governorship candidates. These include those that have made their interests known publicly, and others being eyed to be part of the race:
Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Oyo State from Igboho, with strong connections with influential figures in Ibadan.
Amofin Beulah Adeoye, a strong Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain from Ipapo in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, with deep relationships with Governor Makinde.
Senator Hosea Ayoola, a PDP stakeholder from Igbojaye in Itesiwaju Local Government Area and former member of the Senate.
Barrister Abdurraheem Adebayo Shittu, an APC chieftain from Saki and former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.
Dr. Kazeem Ayankola Ayandoye, an APC chieftain from Kishi, known for his long time aspiration with connections with very important personalities in Ibadan.
Dr. Gbenga Adegbola, an APC chieftain from Saki and a retired military officer.
Barrister Bayo Lawal, the current Deputy Governor of Oyo State from Kishi, not often mentioned, but with strong connections with influential figures in Ibadan.
Chief AbdulJeleel Abiodun Owonikoko, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Iseyin, known for his strong connections with influential people in Ibadan and his legacy as the son of a political titan.
Hon Taoreed Shina Abiola Peller, a PDP chieftain from Iseyin and former member of the House of Representatives, with his popularity extending beyond Oyo State.
The struggle by Oke-Ogun for the governorship seat is gaining momentum, driven by the zone’s determination to break the cycle of political marginalisation.
With the APC’s endorsement and the effort of Egbe Ajosepo Fun Itesiwaju Gbogbo Wa, the emergence of Oke-Ogun as a leading region in Oyo State politics is becoming increasingly plausible. The next few months will be crucial in determining the region’s fate, and the world will be watching to see if Oke-Ogun will finally get its turn to lead.
•Akeem Bonuola is the Assistant General Secretary for Egbe Ajosepo Fun Itesiwaju Gbogbo Wa.
