2027 Governorship: It’s Not The Turn of Ogun Central

Olanrewaju Fatunmbi

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Ogun State are spending far too much time in divisive politics and far less energy on a workable succession plan that can facilitate a smooth power transition after the expiration of the tenure of Governor Dapo Abiodun in 2027. In any political clime, because of the diversity of interests, power transition has always been a hard nut to crack. The only way to navigate is through genuine stakeholders engagement and deliberate concession based on the principles of fairness, equity, and justice.

These are values that are lacking in our politics at all levels. As our democracy evolves, we must begin to imbibe and internalize these ethics for a guaranteed peaceful and harmonious co-existence among the various constituents in Ogun State, on one hand, and Nigeria as a whole. By now, the issue of succession which has continued to generate concerns in the state ought to have been laid to rest to create more time for the party’s victory in 2027.

Regrettably, some respectable individuals are dissipating negative energy on agitation that lacks merits. As much as the contentious issue of power shift is concerned, Ogun West (made up of Yewa/Awori people) has convincingly articulated genuine reasons for seeking the governorship slot and consistently engaged the relevant stakeholders in constructive dialogue. The process is still ongoing because consensus-building is a laborious task. Sometimes, people have to disagree to agree. In achieving mutual agreement, we have to approach issues with the spirit of ‘give-and-take’. We must address concerns with open-mindedness, focusing on the ultimate goal of achieving a seamless power transition to the next successor of our party in the coming dispensation.

As the first step toward achieving the desired concession for the agitation of Ogun West, the Yewa/Awori people have been touting Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (aka Yayi) as their preferred candidate to be presented to the APC stakeholders for general consideration. This is not to undermine the legitimate right of others to aspire for the governorship contest, as it is not the birthright of any particular section, group, or individual. Neither is it a ploy to force their wish on the party. However, in an open contest like this, it is only natural for people to put forward their best sellable candidate before rallying other stakeholders.

While it cannot be taken for granted that other people will fall in line, we must ensure that emotion and sentiment do not becloud our sense of judgment. It’s an unfair deal that Ogun West, which represents one of the tripods upon which the state is built, has been excluded from power sharing for nearly 49 years after its creation. That is clearly against the principles of fairness, equity, and justice. It is one major reason the Yewa/Awori people have been crying loudly for an immediate redress of their marginalization. And it cannot wait any further. The time to address the perceived injustice is now.

This is without minding the groundswell of opposition coming lately from those who claim to be speaking for the Ijebu, demanding the governorship slot as compensation for their support for Governor Abiodun in 2019 and 2023. The main grouse fueling their renewed agitation is the lopsided power-sharing arrangement which allowed the Egba and Remo people to govern for 14 and 16 years respectively, while Ijebus have only had a four-year tenure of the late Bisi Onabanjo since the creation of the state in 1976. According to them, the governorship slot should have to come to them in 2019 instead of it going back to the Remo after the expiration of the tenure of Otunba Gbenga Daniel in 2011. Therefore, the only gain that can accrue to them for supporting Prince Abiodun’s re-election is for power to come back to the Ijebus. Listen to this: “First is to ask our Remo brothers that what exactly has been the gain of we Ijebus after we’ve allowed Prince Dapo Abiodun to win the governorship of Ogun in 2019? In 2023, it was the Ijebus that spiritedly gave our best to see that the Governor enjoys the second term he has today after his own Remo people had voted heavily against him. We save the day and we are proud we did.”

That was a good gesture anyway. Otherwise, the opposition party would have capitalized on the division to defeat Governor Abiodun. However, this is not enough to stop the concerned people of Yewa/Awori communities from forging ahead with their agitation for a power shift to Ogun West. They will also not succumb to any insinuation aimed at discrediting Senator Adeola whom they have adopted as their consensus candidate based on the popular wish of the well-meaning citizens of Ogun West.

Similarly, in a strange twist of the matter, the immediate past High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Ishola, has said that the Egbas are unanimous in their demand for power shift to Ogun Central in 2027. That can only come from people who have a narrow sense of entitlement and self exclusivity which are highly inimical to an enduring peace that we are trying to build into our party. It is immoral and outrightly insensitive. It is against the ethos of democratic practice. It is unexpected of a person of his caliber, especially considering his exposure. No persons of conscience will take him seriously. It’s akin to playing a spoiler’s game.

Since Ogun State is built on a tripod, it is only logical for the proponents of this argument to accede to the agitation of Ogun West’s marginalized people before seeking additional years of service. While it is crucial to acknowledge the legitimate right of the Ijebu to agitate for the governorship slot, it is also important for them to admit the prolonged marginalization of the Yewa/Awori people. They are equal stakeholders in Ogun State. As such, their rights must be protected and respected. As they say, “he who comes to equity must come with a clean hand.” The current power-sharing arrangement is unjust, unequal, and undemocratic.

Already, the renewed agitations of the Ijebu (Ogun East) and the Egba in Ogun Central have drawn significant attention and concerns from among the stakeholders in the APC, especially the supporters of the party in Ogun West. The general concern revolves around the danger of repeating the experience of the 2019 crisis which almost marred the harmony and unity that had existed within the party before former governor Ibikunle Amosun ventured into the unilateral imposition of Hon Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade (aka Tripple A) as his preferred candidate against Prince Abiodun. It is a familiar story; it does not need to be retold here.

At this critical juncture, all the stakeholders must open their minds for constructive dialogue in the overall interest of party coercion, unity, and harmony among the various constituents. With open-mindedness, wisdom, and mutual respect, we can navigate the issue and arrive at a resolution that aligns with the principles of objectivity, fairness, and justice. We must see this as an opportunity to strengthen the cord of unity, rather than fracture the peace and harmony that exist among the three zones.

In the continuing dialogue, no one should come to the table with a sense of entitlement. ‘Awa’lokan’ mentality will not lead us anywhere. And, of course, this is not the premise upon which Ogun West is asking for the slot. Rather, the Yewa/Awori people are only asking for an arrangement that recongnises every section as an equal critical stakeholder in the state. Ijebus have had the opportunity to occupy the government house for a minimum of four years, and the Egbas have had 14 years with the combined tenure of Segun Osoba (1999-2003) and Senator Ibikunle Amosun (2011-2019). The expiration of the second tenure of Governor Abiodun in 2027 will complete the 16 years of rule of the Remos (i.e. Gbenga Daniel (OGD 2003-2011) and the incumbent 2019-2027). Also, the Ijebu Division had taken a shot with the emergence of late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, a native of Ago-Iwoye, between 1979 and 1983.

In all we do, let us consider a broad implication of opposition to a power shift arrangement that can assuage the perceived feeling of alienation by the Yewa/Awori people on the mutual trust and confidence among the APC supporters in the state.

Let us focus on things that unite us rather than divisive tendencies based on emotion, sentiment, or the accident of a place of origin. Our ultimate goal is good governance. No section of the state has a monopoly of competent people who can govern the state. For the Ogun West district, Senator Adeola has won the admiration of his people because of his track record of good representation, grassroots connection, generosity, and philanthropy. Though some people have misconstrued these gestures as a means of taking undue advantage of the poverty-ridden populace for cheap popularity, it does not diminish his competence to lead the state. Based on experience, academic achievements, clout, exposure to the ideals of good governance, politicking, and overall national relevance, he stands taller than the majority of his peers. As they say, “the taste of the pudding in the eating.” Adeola is one candidate with whom his people are pleased.

However, it would be too simplistic to think that the support of the Yewa/Awori people alone can achieve the ultimate ambition of producing the next governor. The best they can do is to build a consensus around one person, which they have done, before proceeding to the next stage of endorsement of other stakeholders in the two other zones.

Notwithstanding the opposition of some individuals, the Egba people have been a long political ally of the Yewa/Awori communities. On a few occasions when the opportunity offered itself for them to present a candidate for the governorship election, some strong Egba persons had lent their support. We equally look forward to their support in our renewed quest for the governorship slot. The same appeal goes to the Ijebu people to join hands with their counterparts in Ogun West to elect the next governor from amongst them.

Back home in Yewa/Awori communities, it is high time we set aside our individual differences for the collective interest of our people. Ogun West has been marginalized for too long. We cannot afford to let the present opportunity to elude us. This is, therefore, an appeal to such individuals likes of Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, Hon Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (aka GNI), Hon Akinosi Olatunji Akanni, Hon. (Mrs.) Lateefat Bolanle Ajayi, incumbent Ogun State Deputy-Governor, Engr (Mrs) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Hon. Oyedele Adebisi Jacob, Hon. Lamidi Musefiu Olatunji (Chief) and a host of others to be a part of change we crave for over all benefit of our people.

Above all, responsibility is on Governor Abiodun as the leader of the APC to prevail on those who are whipping up primordial sentiments to desist forthwith and ensure collective support for the aspiration of Yewa/ Awori people. It is only by so doing that they can have a true sense of belonging. It is also imperative to note that the success of his succession plan is contingent upon peace, unity and harmony among the teeming supporters of our party and the general populace as a whole. It is taking far too long for him to break his silence on this nagging issue of power shift. Anxiety over it is getting to a feverish level. And time is of the essence.

*Fatunmbi writes from Okeagbede, Imeko-Afon LGA of Ogun State