As we prepare for the 2027 political contest in Oyo State, it is imperative that the Okeogun region presents a united, focused, and strategic front in our quest for power rotation. This effort must go beyond sentiments, distractions, and selfish ambitions. We must be deliberate in our approach, avoiding pitfalls that have weakened past agitations.
- Rejecting Sycophancy and Divisive Politics
The struggle for power shift must not be reduced to religious, ethnic, or township biases. These divisions only serve to weaken our collective voice. We must remain vigilant against sycophants— those who make the loudest noise on platforms, in gatherings, and on social media, yet act as covert agents for candidates from other zones. Their intentions are not aligned with Okeogun’s interest, and they must be identified and isolated from serious strategic efforts.
- Caution Against Political Opportunism
Political jobbers who jump from one party to another—PDP to APC, ADC to ADP, and between various local forums—are motivated by personal gain, not the collective development of Okeogun. Their loyalty shifts with the political wind, and they lack the ideological consistency to push a sustainable agenda for the region.
- Dealing With Controversial and Professional Agitators
Some individuals who claim to represent Okeogun’s interest have had their turn in power but have consistently sown division and confusion. They may be eloquent, but their involvement often ends in setbacks. Similarly, professional agitators—those who parade as thinkers and strategists—might appear resourceful, but many are loyal to political interests outside Okeogun. Their brilliance must be treated with caution and scrutiny.
- Strategic Leadership and Structure
This crucial agitation should be anchored on the respected platforms of the Okeogun Development Consultative Forum (ODCF), traditional rulers, and the Council of Okeogun Elders. These bodies hold the moral and cultural authority to steer this movement. While agitators may contribute ideas, only a select few should be involved in core decision-making to maintain discipline and focus.
- Engaging Other Zones Respectfully
Our advocacy should not alienate others. When candidates from other zones visit, we must engage them with respect and use those opportunities to communicate our message of fairness and equity. It is vital to highlight the historical marginalization of Okeogun in appointments, infrastructure, and development— and why this must change.
- Promoting Okeogun’s Potentials
We must also begin to market Okeogun’s untapped resources. From solid minerals to vast agricultural capacity and skilled human capital, the region holds the potential to transform Oyo State’s economy. Our message should reflect that we are not driven by power for its own sake, but by a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully to the state’s progress.
- Taking the Agitation National
Lastly, our advocacy must go beyond Oyo State. We must take our case to the national stage —let Nigeria hear our story. Let the country understand that this is not about desperation, but about restoring balance, promoting inclusive governance, and modernizing leadership in line with 21st-century realities.
Esv Ismail Adewoyin PhD
.…writes from Saki-Okeogun
