2027: Oyo Federal Constituency, Leading The Fight For Rotational Governorship In The New Republic
The pace setter State with its many Local Government Areas in all senatorial districts and federal constituencies poteays a political structure that, with keen look, shows an unarguably unfair balance of power.
Since 1979, the Governorship of Ọ̀yọ́ State has been overwhelmingly dominated by the Ìbádàn bloc, particularly within Ọ̀yọ́ South Senatorial District, which has produced five Governors, including figures such as Kolapo Ishola, Lam Adesina, Rashidi Ladoja, Abiola Ajimobi, and Seyi Makinde. In stark contrast, the Ìbàràpá axis within the same district has never produced a Governor, not even since independence.
A similar pattern of imbalance is evident in legislative representation, where senatorial opportunities have largely favoured the same bloc, with only rare exceptions.
It is against this backdrop that the advocacy for equity and inclusion must be properly understood.
Silence, hesitation, or indifference at such a defining moment only serves to deepen the crisis of exclusion. What is required now is courage — courage from traditional rulers, religious leaders, political actors, young, not too young and the general populace — to speak with one voice and demand equitable access to power and representation. The struggle must not be fragmented. The marginalised regions must collaborate, not compete, recognising that the success of one is the opening of doors for all.
The reality of marginalisation is no longer in doubt; it is visible, measurable, and undeniable. The pressing question, therefore, is not whether marginalisation exists, but whether there is sufficient will to end it. That resolve must begin with introspection. The persistence of this imbalance has been aided, in no small measure, by internal collaborators — individuals who, for personal gain, undermine collective progress and sustain the very structures that oppress their people. Such tendencies must be confronted with clarity and courage. Those who trade the common good for selfish advantage must be identified, exposed, and firmly rejected.
Ultimately, the struggle for equity in Ọ̀yọ́ State is a shared responsibility. Oyo Federal Constituency is not fighting for herself alone; she is carrying the banner for all marginalised regions. The call is clear, the time is now, and the responsibility rests on all of us to ensure that justice, fairness, and inclusivity are no longer ideals we speak about — but realities we live by.
For no reason, Oyo Federal Constituency has been excluded from political leadership. One of the flimsy excuses have always given for its exclusion from power politics is the perceived lack of capable and qualified persons to manage the affairs of the state.
As such, those who control the levers of power have relegated the zone to playing the third fiddle and even now, no fiddle at all.
Looking at. it from 1999 to date, the State has had six political transitions and five civilian governors. Five of these were from Ibadan and one from Ogbomoso, precisely, Ogbomoso North federal constituency.
Oyo as a zone has not produced even a Deputy Governor, highest was speakerhip and that was in 2011 to 2015. Since then, Oyo has been relegated the its lowest political ebb.
That is an unfair deal, This cannot continue.
The time has come for the state establishment to reflect on its actions and allow a change status quo for a just, fear, and equitable power sharing formula. Never in our history has Oyo zone had a short supply of competent, industrious, and capable men and women who can lead the state to achieve its manifest destiny as leading light in Nigeria. What has held us down is the policy of self-preservation of our past leaders.
We have oversupply of capable individuals who have distinguished themselves in all fields of human endeavours. In governance, industry, academics, and other numerous professional careers, a personality example of OLAOLUWA PETER ABIDEMI popularly called OPA, a fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
OLAOLUWA is currently working with Virginia Human Rights Commssion, United States of America.
While in Nigeria, he held many communal and corporate responsibilities, which he delivered excellently well.
OLAOLUWA has its imprints in the sand of time, as his achievements speak for him
Yet, the aspiration of the poeple of Oyo zone to occupy the exalted position has always been met with resistance.
We can not be doing the same thing in the same old way and expect to get a different result. Ahead of the coming dispensation, the issue has been sufficiently discussed.
Therefore, the time is now auspicious to look into the complaint of marginalization by the Oyo zone and apply the appropriate remedy.
The objective of power sharing as enshrined in the Constitution is to ensure that there is no dominance of a particular ethnic group or tribe over the other. At the national and sub-national levels, the power rotation convention is a necessary lubricant that oils the principles of equity, fairness, and justice.
It’s time to support the Oyo zone for the governor, and it is to support OLAOLUWA PETER ABIDEMI (OPA)
Sponsored by OYOLAWA New Dawn Team (ONDT)