Favour Adéwọyin

26/07/2025

For too long, the Òkèògùn region, a land blessed with abundant natural resources, proud cultural heritage, intellectual excellence, and unyielding resilience, has been relegated to the political sidelines in Ọ̀yọ́ State. Despite contributing immensely to the socio-economic strength and political stability of the state, Òkèògùn has remained the bride never wedded, the cornerstone never placed, and the voice too often ignored.

But the time is now. The time has come for Òkèògùn to rise, to speak with one voice, to organise with purpose, and to take its rightful place at the helm of leadership in Ọ̀yọ́ State.

Probably, many people don't know that Òkèògùn is a region of rich heritage and resilience. Located in the northern part of Ọ̀yọ̀ State, Òkèògùn comprises ten local governments, making it the second-largest geopolitical zone in the state. This region is not only geographically expansive but also economically potent. It is the food basket of Òyọ́ State, producing yam, maize, millet, cassava, melon, water-melon, cucumber, cashew, mangoes and, locust bean nuts and shea nuts in large quantities. Its fertile lands and hardworking people make it the agricultural backbone of the state.

In addition, Òkèògùn falls within the Tropical Savannah Region whose grassland is one of the best for animal husbandry and ranching business. No wonder herders have been cohabitting with natives for many centuries now.

Yet, beyond agriculture, Òkèògùn is rich in human capital. The region has produced renowned academics, legal minds, public administrators, business moguls, technocrats, and political thinkers who have excelled both nationally and internationally. With some of the mission-founded secondary schools and vibrant communities, Òkèògùn is not a land lacking in leadership; it is a land whose leadership potential has been deliberately overshadowed.

What can we say again about the glaring political imbalance, marginalisation, neglect and exclusion? Since the creation of Ọ̀yọ́ State in 1976, the governorship seat has rotated predominantly between Ibadan and, occasionally, Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́. Despite Òkèògùn’s population, contributions, and demands for inclusion, the region has never produced a governor. This imbalance is unjust, undemocratic, and unreflective of the principles of equity, fairness, justice, equality and inclusiveness that a healthy democracy demands.

Òkèògùn has played loyal political roles, mobilising votes, supporting candidates and building political bridges across the state. Yet, it has consistently been short-changed. This repeated exclusion sends a dangerous message: that size, resourcefulness, and loyalty are not enough to earn one a seat at the table.

The following are the reasons why an Òkèògùn Governor is — now more than ever:

1. Equity and Justice: Power must not be monopolised. It must rotate to all zones to promote peace, unity and collective progress. Giving Òkèògùn the governorship is not a favour; it is justice long overdue.

All other states are rotation power, Ọ̀yọ́ State should not be an exception; more so, being the Pacesetter State.

2. Economic Transformation: An Òkèògùn-born governor, familiar with the terrain and its challenges, would prioritise agricultural industrialisation, rural development and infrastructure renewal. The zone’s vast land can be harnessed to reduce food insecurity and boost IGR for the entire state thereby reducing the pressure on the other side of the economy.

3. Inclusive Development: For too long, development has remained lopsided. Òkèògùn roads, healthcare and educational institutions need urgent attention. Leadership from within will catalyse infrastructural rebirth, ensuring no community is left behind.

4. Bridge Building: Òkèògùn people are known for their peaceful coexistence, humility and inclusivity. A governor from this region will not rule with bias, but build alliances across the stat. He will unite Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Ibarapa, and other zones with sincerity and fairness.

5. Fresh Vision, New Energy: The time has come to inject fresh perspectives into governance, away from recycled faces and old alliances. Òkèògùn offers vibrant, visionary, and tested individuals ready to offer selfless leadership and redefine governance for the good of all.

Now, the road ahead is that unity is non-negotiable. If Òkèògùn must produce the next governor, then its sons and daughters must shun disunity, internal rivalry and shortsighted loyalty to outsiders. No more should we mortgage our collective destiny for crumbs. No more should we allow politicians to divide us with money, promises or petty appointments. We must speak with one voice, build one front and present one candidate who is credible, competent and widely acceptable.

The Òkèògùn elite must reach out to other zones. Youths must rise with political consciousness. Traditional rulers must champion unity. Political leaders must bury selfish ambitions for the collective aspiration. Only then can Òkèògùn be taken seriously.

In conclusion, it is our time, our turn and our task. A Governor from Òkèògùn is not just a political demand; it is a moral imperative. It is a call for justice, equity, and inclusion. It is a golden opportunity to rewrite history, correct decades of marginalisation and offer the people of Ọ̀yọ́ State a new style of leadership rooted in humility, competence, vision and people-centered policies.

Let history remember this generation as the one that refused to be silenced, the one that stood up and reclaimed the destiny of Òkèògùn. Let the world see the beauty of leadership rising from the mountains, rivers, plain lands and forests of Òkèògùn. Let Ọ̀yọ́ State witness a new dawn and the time is now for Òkèògùn to rise.

Pst. Favour Adéwọyin

a public analyst, social critic, writer, journalist, public relation manager, youth manager, leadership expert, teacher of the word of God and community leader.

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