Former Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ayoade Adeseun, has made a compelling call for an equitable redistribution of political power away from Ibadan, the state capital, toward other historically marginalized zones.
The Ogbomoso born politician, who served in the Nigerian Senate from 2011 to 2015, voiced his concerns on Thursday while receiving a leading gubernatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), retired Colonel Dr. Gbenga Adegbola, at his private residence.
Senator Adeseun criticized what he termed the “lopsided development agenda” of the present administration under Governor Seyi Makinde, alleging that the concentration of government projects in Ibadan has come at the expense of other strategic regions, particularly Oke-Ogun, Ogbomoso, and Ibarapa.
“We cannot continue like this,” Adeseun declared. “For sustainable development and inclusive growth, Oyo State must embrace a deliberate power rotation. While Ibadan has played a crucial role in the state’s political and economic evolution, it is imperative that other zones are given the opportunity to govern and drive statewide progress.”
He challenged the widely circulated demographic assertion that Ibadan accounts for 52 percent of Oyo State’s voting population, labeling it as an overstated myth designed to marginalize other regions.
“It is wrong to focus on 11 local governments and neglect 22 others. This misconception of electoral strength only serves to perpetuate inequality,” he stated. “When you analyze the true voter distribution, Ibadan cannot command more than 30 percent of the state’s voting strength. Large numbers of residents living in Ibadan are indigenes of Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa, and even parts of Ogun State.”
Citing examples from neighboring states such as Ekiti, Ondo, and Osun, where political power has shifted among various zones beyond the capital cities, Adeseun argued that Oyo State must adopt a similar approach to ensure balanced governance.
“If other states in the South-West have overcome the domination of their capital cities, why can’t Oyo State do the same?” he questioned. “Towns like Oyo, Okeho, Iseyin, Saki, and Ogbomoso have produced capable leaders who deserve the opportunity to lead.”
While expressing admiration for prominent Ibadan politicians such as the current Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, Adeseun reiterated that his call for power shift is not driven by personal sentiment but by the broader need for political fairness and statewide development.
In his remarks, Adeseun advised Dr. Adegbola to remain focused on grassroots mobilization and party loyalty, emphasizing that effective governance is built upon sustained engagement with the electorate and a deep understanding of the people’s needs.
> “Those who rise through grassroots politics tend to deliver better leadership because they have firsthand experience with the struggles of the people,” he noted. “Political power is transient; service to the people is the only true legacy.”
Adeseun further called on stakeholders within the APC across Oke-Ogun, Ogbomoso, and Ibarapa zones to consolidate their efforts by rallying behind a single, credible candidate for the party’s governorship ticket, stressing the need for unity and internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 general election.
