Dr. Gbenga Adegbola, a retired military colonel, philanthropist, and frontline aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has issued a stirring call to action, urging the people of Oke-Ogun and the entire state to live purposefully and leave behind what he described as “everlasting legacies for the generations to come.”
He made this appeal during a high-profile royal courtesy visit to several traditional rulers across Saki East and Oorelope Local Government. Speaking during the visit, the gubernatorial hopeful emphasized the abundant human and natural resources domiciled in Oke-Ogun, asserting that the region is more than capable of producing the next governor of Oyo State if the political power is to be equitably rotated to another zone.
“The legacy we leave today is the future inheritance of tomorrow. We must unite, rise above personal differences, and champion the vision of an Oyo State governed with equity and cultural reverence,” Adegbola stated.
In a bold and potentially transformative policy proposition, Dr. Adegbola promised to restore more power and relevance to traditional institutions if elected as governor, noting that traditional rulers have long been sidelined in state governance structures.
“If given the mandate by the people, I will work towards shifting significant aspects of local governance back to our royal fathers who hold the trust and identity of our communities,” he declared.
Among the traditional rulers who received Dr. Adegbola with open arms were HRM Oba Abd’Rasheed Oyinloye Olagbenro Gbadewolu I, Oloje of Oje Owode, HRM Oba Johnson Akinloye Olaoye Olaewe II, Alamodu of Ago-Amodu, HRM Oba Dr. Joel Olalere Olawuwo Olasoronga IV, Alepata of Igboholand, HRM Oba John Oyetola Bolarinwa Olubiyi II Ajagungbade I, Onigboho of Igboho Kingdom, HRM Oba Engr. Kazeem Adio Adegboye Ilufemiloye I, Onisanbo of Ogbooro.
Each of the revered monarchs praised Dr. Adegbola’s humility, visionary leadership, and unwavering connection to his roots. They described him as a “true son of the soil” and encouraged him to persist in his efforts to positively impact lives across the region.
The Chairman of Oje Owode Parapo, Alhaji Salami Aderemi Jimoh, delivered a poignant commentary during the visit, noting that while external political dynamics may pose challenges to Oke-Ogun’s emergence in state leadership, the greatest obstacle remains internal division.
“The problem is not just from outside. It is from within. Oke-Ogun has failed time and again to rally around one voice. If we must move forward, we must abandon selfish interests and unite behind a common goal,” he said.
He appealed to sons and daughters of the region, both at home and in the diaspora, to close ranks and support credible candidates from the region, like Dr. Adegbola, who have demonstrated capacity, experience, and sincerity of purpose.
Earlier, Dr. Adegbola also participated in the APC Oke-Ogun zone stakeholders’ meeting held in Oorelope Local Government Area on Monday, where he reiterated his commitment to building a progressive and inclusive Oyo State. In a show of solidarity, he made a generous financial donation to the party’s local organizing committee—further cementing his reputation as a consistent supporter of grassroots development.
