In a bold and decisive step toward strengthening Òkèògùn’s political unity and leadership prospects ahead of the 2027 Ọ̀yọ́ State governorship election, Ẹgbẹ́ Àjọṣepọ̀ Fún Ìtẹsiwájú Gbogbo Wa has held a series of strategic virtual engagements with governorship aspirants of Òkèògùn origin — an initiative aimed at fostering dialogue, assessing capacity, and consolidating regional resolve for leadership inclusion.
The exercise, which followed a unanimous resolution during the Association’s meeting on Saturday, October 25, 2025, was conceived to create an open platform for meaningful engagement with all Òkèògùn-born aspirants, ensuring a shared understanding of vision, competence, and commitment toward regional advancement.
Engagement Schedule:
- October 30, 2025 – Barr. AbdulRahman Adebayo Shittu (Saki West LGA, Saki)
- October 31, 2025 – Engr. Rauf Aderemi Olaniyan (Oorelope LGA, Ìgbòho)
- November 1, 2025 – Barr. Beulah Olufemi Adeoye (Itesiwaju LGA, Òtu)
- November 2, 2025 – Dr. Gbenga Adegbolá (Saki West LGA, Saki)
- November 3, 2025 – Dr. Kazeem Ayandoye (Irepo LGA, Kisi).
- November 6, 2025 – Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin (Kajola LGA, Okeho).
Each session, which commenced at 9:00 pm and often extended into the early hours, was a forum of deep reflection, policy interrogation, and visionary exchange. The meetings were chaired by Engr. Dauda Alade Olaifa, National Chairman of the Association, moderated by Prof. Jacob Babayemi, with Mrs. Folasade Oyename and Mrs. Abiodun Ozurumba serving as rapporteurs.
The sessions opened with prayers and a presentation on the Association’s mission, achievements, and development goals. This was followed by an intensive question-and-answer segment where members examined each aspirant’s plans for governance, economic transformation, youth empowerment, and the future of Òkèògùn within the broader Ọ̀yọ́ State agenda.
Speaking on behalf of the Association, Engr. Dauda Alade Olaifa reaffirmed the group’s determination to ensure that an Òkèògùn indigene emerges as Governor of Ọ̀yọ́ State in 2027, describing the engagements as “a major milestone in building unity, trust, and shared vision among Òkèògùn leaders.”
“All the aspirants showed remarkable depth, vision, and preparedness,” he noted. “Their willingness to support whoever eventually flies the Òkèògùn flag is a rare show of maturity and solidarity that gives us hope for victory.”
Furthermore, a remarkable consensus echoed among all the governorship aspirants was their collective pledge of unity — a shared commitment to rally behind whichever candidate emerges as the flagbearer of either of the two dominant parties, the APC or PDP. This uncommon display of political maturity and solidarity underscores a deep sense of purpose and shared vision for the progress and development of Òkèògùn and Oyo State at large.
In a joint statement, the Association emphasised that while competence and capacity are essential, character remains the ultimate test of leadership.
“True character is revealed in power,” the communiqué read. “We believe that every aspirant will uphold the honour, integrity, and Ọmọlúàbí virtues that define Òkèògùn land if entrusted with leadership.”
The Association commended the aspirants for their humility and commitment to the collective cause, urging all Òkèògùn sons and daughters to sustain prayers, support, and unity in the ongoing journey.
“We have started well, and we are not relenting,” the statement concluded. “With faith, persistence, and divine favour, Òkèògùn’s story will soon change — and success shall be our portion.”
Pst. Favour Adéwọyin,
National Secretary
Ẹgbẹ́ Àjọṣepọ̀ Fún Ìtẹsiwájú Gbogbo Wa.
Engr. Dauda Alade Olaifa,
National Chairman
Ẹgbẹ́ Àjọṣepọ̀ Fún Ìtẹsiwájú Gbogbo Wa.
