Ibarapa traditional rulers in Oyo State have voiced out their strong support for a rotational governorship and in 2027, thereby advocating for the inclusion of historically marginalized zones like Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa, Oyo, Ogbomoso and other Ìbádàn regions.
This declaration of support came during a visit by Ègbé Àjosepò Fún Ìtésíwájú Gbogbo Wa’ (the Association of United People for the Progress of All Marginalised Zones) on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025 at the Ibarapa Central local government secretariat in Igbo-Ora.
The delegation, comprising members from of the association, met with the assembled Ibarapa monarchs to outline the movement’s objectives. Engr. Dauda Olaifa, the Chairman of the association, expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers for their readiness to support the group’s mission.
He traced the movement’s origins to himself, Pastor Favour A. Adewoyin and Hon. Dele Bello (a.k.a Amelio), who lives abroad.
The group, which initially included like-minded individuals from both regions, has stretched its hand of fellowship to Ibadan, Oyo and Ogbomoso ans they have been engaging in robust discussions through both physical meetings and social media platforms.
Mr. Sunday Ademola Babarinde (a.k.a SAB Ọmọlúàbí), a prominent Ibarapa member, detailed the rationale behind the push for rotational governorship, emphasizing the need for power to move to the marginalized zones in 2027.
Professor Olaniyi Jacob Babayemi, the spokesperson for the forum, clarified that the group is non-partisan, but has its focused solely on achieving its goal which is GOAL that interpretes to mean: “Gomina Oyo, awa lo kan”, which means Governorship should begin rotate from 2027.
Prof. Jacob highlighted the cultural and social similarities between Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa, urging collaboration to ensure the success of the power rotation.
Pastor Favour A. Adewoyin, the group’s General Secretary, lamented the marginalization of Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa, Oyo, Ogbomoso and even some part of Ibadan thereby asserting that these regions should not be treated as “slaves” in their own state.
Pastor Favour stressed the necessity of the rotational governorship when he advocated for unrestricted pursuit of this goal.
Mr. Oladejo Ajuwon added that they are happy the traditional leaders accept them as one family.
The unforgettable part of the meeting was the rejection by all that the people in attendance that the members of the association who came from Oke-Ogun. Each time any speaker during the meeting described those wjo came as “àlejò” (visitors or strangers), the whole house was correcting that they were not strangers, but Kinsmen.
In response, the Olu of Igbo-Ora, HRM Oba Jimoh Titiloye, acknowledged the meeting as a crucial step and encouraged the group to maintain close ties with the traditional rulers.
The Onidere of Idere land, HRM Oba Kingston Onikola, who presided over the meeting, offered prayers and praised the group’s efforts.
Several traditional leaders provided guidance to the movement. Chief Okesola Isiaq Adeniran, Baale of Oluaso Kingdom, warned against town patronage (“townism”), religious addiction, and political blindness”, which he identified as obstacles to the movement’s success.
The Alapasi of Apasi-Îdèrè, Chief A.S. Bamigbose, urged the group to avoid selfishness, favoritism, division, and hatred.
Baale Bakasa-Idere, Chief Olatunji, Baale Ifedamo land of Igboora, Chief Emmanuel Oyedepo, Oloye Emmanuel Adeolu Okefemi, Sobaloju Olu-Asawo Ayete, and High Chief Salaudeen Oyebade of Tapaland advised against political entanglements, internal disputes, and monetary influences that could fracture their unity.
The meeting was attended by numerous monarchs from across Ibarapa land, as well as key members of ‘Ègbé Àjosepò Fún Ìtésíwájú Gbogbo Wa,’ including Engr. Dauda Olaifa, Pastor Favour A. Adéwoyin, Professor Olaniyi Jacob Babayemi, Mr. Oladejo Ajuwon, Mr. Olusola Moses Babalola, Comrade (Dr.) Jonathan Ojedokun, Mr. Sunday Ademola Babarinde, Mr. Matthew Olufemi (Baba Kekere of Igbóọrà), Prince Tayo Akinyemi and members of the ICT as well as media, image-making and publicity commitee of the association.
The meeting closed with royal blessing from Onidere of Idere and photographs were taken outside the hall.
