written by Pastor Favour Adewoyin

Published by MD DOLLY

02/08/2025

In a strategic continuation of its grassroots engagement across Òkèògùn, the Òkèògùn Development Consultative Forum (ODCF) has extended its impactful report tour to Ìrẹ́pọ̀, Ọ̀lọ́runṣògo, Oorelope, and Saki East Local Government Areas. This move follows earlier visits to Ìṣẹ́yìn, Ìtẹsiwájú, Kájọlà, Ìwájọ̀wà, ATISBO, and Ṣakí West, reflecting the Forum’s unwavering commitment to inclusive, people-centered development and political awakening across the region.

Led by its General Secretary, Dr. Bímpé Adéróunmú, and supported by the Assistant General Secretary, Pst. Favour Adéwọyin, ODCF engaged with stakeholders, community leaders, and the people of Ìrẹ́pọ̀, Ọlọ́runṣògo, Oorelópé and Ṣakí West on critical issues shaping the future of Òkèògùn — ranging from security, boundary disputes, land ownership, Council of Obas restructuring, state creation, constitutional reforms, to the fate of FUNATO.

Agúnrégé: symbol of unity and statehood:

At the heart of the discussion was the affirmation of Agúnrégé as the proposed capital for the long-advocated Òkèògùn State. The Forum emphasised its centrality and equidistance to all towns, villages, and settlements in Òkèògùn — an assertion professionally validated by renowned experts like Chief Niran Bioku, Prof. Layi Egunjobi, and others whose works remain a legacy for future generations.

According to Dr. Adéróunmú, a civil servant departing from Ìjìó (Ìwájọ̀wà LGA) and another from Kìṣí (Ìrẹ́pọ̀ LGA) will arrive in Agúnrégé at virtually the same time, underscoring its neutrality and accessibility. He argued further that the travel distance to Agúnrégé is even shorter than daily commutes in sprawling cities like Ìbàdàn and Lagos. This practical realism nullifies excuses against Agúnrégé’s viability.

Dr. Adéróunmú also drew parallels with Nigerian state capitals like Dutse, Damaturu, and Abuja, all of which were undeveloped lands before being transformed into vibrant administrative centers. “Hadejia remains larger than Dutse, just as Warri is bigger than Asaba,” he stated, “yet capital status has not diminished their relevance.” The Forum further emphasised that planning a virgin land like Agúnrégé is more feasible and sustainable than restructuring already congested towns.

2027: The Governorship Must Come To Òkèògùn:

One of the strongest declarations made during the tour was the non-negotiable quest for the 2027 Governorship and the 2027 Senatorial seat. ODCF made it categorically clear that the era of playing second fiddle must end. With unity, clarity of purpose, and strategic electoral participation, Òkèògùn can produce the next governor of Ọ̀yọ́ State.

To this end, Pst. Favour Adéwọyin urged all eligible citizens to participate fully in the forthcoming voter registration exercise in late August 2025. “Your PVC is your power. Every vote must count for Òkèògùn,” he stated. He emphasised that all towns, villages, and settlements must deliver block votes to any Òkèògùn candidate who emerges from the major political parties.

The Forum also debunked the dangerous myth of Òkèògùn disunity. “There is no perfect unity anywhere,” they stressed. “The so-called united zones only succeed because political tickets of all major parties are handed to them. If the same is done for Òkèògùn, we too shall win.” Thus, the people were strongly advised to reject any attempt by politicians to divert their focus with Deputy Governor's, Party Chairman's slots and/or irrelevant party positions. Òkèògùn deserves the top seat — Governor. Nothing less!

ODCF’s Structure: A Unifying Framework:

In each LGA visited, Dr. Adéróunmú and Pst. Zacchaeus Adépọ̀jù reiterated the tripod structure upon which ODCF stands:

1. Òkèògùn Progressive Foundation (OPF): Coordinates all community-based associations in the 10 LGAs.

2. Council of Òkèògùn Indigenes (COIN): Represents indigenes outside the region and in the diaspora.

3. Òkèògùn Council of Elders (OCE): An elite body of elders who have made outstanding contributions to the progress of Òkèògùn.

All newly emerging associations are encouraged to affiliate with these structures for cohesion and effectiveness. Fragmentation only weakens the region’s collective strength.

Youth And Social Media: A Call To Strategic Advocacy:

The youths were admonished to use social media wisely — to educate, mobilise, and promote the cause of Òkèògùn rather than engage in reckless or divisive postings. Some youth voices echoed the need for consistent engagement between ODCF and the people, noting that lack of regular communication previously led to misinformation and misrepresentation. The Forum pledged to bridge this gap going forward.

Rough Terrain, Resolute Determination:

Despite logistical challenges, including a grueling detour through Ìgbẹ́tì to reach Kìṣí due to poor road connectivity, the ODCF team remained undeterred. The journey, which began at 7:00 am on August 1, highlighted the infrastructural neglect faced by many Òkèògùn communities. Yet, in every LGA visited, the reception was warm, the people enthusiastic, and the message well received.

A Call For Action:

As ODCF continues to reposition Òkèògùn politically and economically under the leadership of Alhaji Ahmed Raji (SAN) (President), Mr. Fẹ́mi Adéyanjú (Vice President), and the entire executive team, the message remains clear:

Now is the time to unite.
Now is the time to act.
Now is the time to rise.

The dream of Òkèògùn State, the vision of political relevance, and the promise of economic empowerment can all become reality — if we stand together, speak in one voice, and vote as one people.

Let us not be distracted by internal whispers or external manipulations. Let us reject every offer that is beneath our worth. The future we desire is not a gift — it is a fight that must be won through unity, strategy, and action.

Long live Òkèògùn. Long live Ọ̀yọ́ State. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Pst. Favour Adéwọyin

Assistant General Secretary, ODCF

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watch an interview below 👇