*A RESPONSE TO Mogaji OLOKO: WHY EQUITY, INCLUSIVITY AND ROTATIONAL FAIRNESS REMAIN THE PATH TO SUSTAINABLE PEACE AND PROGRESS IN Ọ̀YỌ́ STATE*

*Favour Adéwọyin,*

November 23, 2025. 

The recent statement credited to Mogaji Abass Oloko — that Ìbàdàn should not relinquish the governorship stage to other zones, but should insist on an open contest — is, at best, an incomplete reading of the democratic spirit that guides truly inclusive governance. More importantly, it fails to acknowledge a fundamental principle of stakeholder justice: equity is not measured by numerical dominance, but by the fairness of opportunity extended to all parties in a shared enterprise.

In corporate governance, the stakeholders’ doctrine is clear and unambiguous. Every stakeholder — regardless of whether they hold 100 shares or 1,000 shares — retains an equal voice in decision-making. Influence is not monopolised by volume; participation is not restricted by size. Everyone sits at the table. Everyone is heard. Everyone matters.

So it is with political governance. The strength of a state is not measured by the weight of a single region, but by the collective dignity of all its component parts. As Ìbàdàn with its 11 Local Governments has a legitimate voice, so does Ìbàràpá with 3 LGAs; so does Ọ̀yọ̀ with 4; so does Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́ with 5; and so does the vast and historically neglected Òkèògùn with 10. Democracy collapses the moment any region is treated as less consequential, less deserving, or less entitled to leadership opportunities.

This is why the position earlier articulated by the President-General of CCII, Chief Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole — affirming that Ibadan will not gatekeep the governorship seat but will prioritise capacity and competence irrespective of region — stands on the higher moral and constitutional pedestal. It acknowledges competence, but refuses to weaponise population advantage. It embraces merit, but rejects exclusion. It strengthens unity, not division.

Beyond Ọ̀yọ́ State, the logic of rotational fairness is neither new nor strange. It is the unwritten but respected stabilising tool in several states across the federation.

Osogbo, capital of Osun State, has never produced a governor, yet the state maintains a rotational understanding that keeps all zones engaged.

Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Kwara, and Kogi States all operate variations of this same equitable model.

Why? The reason is because: leaders across these states understand a profound truth: no region should dominate power indefinitely, and no people should feel permanently locked out of the commonwealth.

Rotational governorship is not favoritism; it is a deliberate, moral antidote to marginalisation. It is the oxygen that keeps democracy breathing. It is the guarantee that every child — whether from Ìbàdàn, Ìbàràpá, Ọ̀yọ̀, Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́ or Òkèògùn — can dream without the fear that geography has predetermined his or her fate.

When governance is inclusive, people develop a sense of belonging. When leadership is evenly distributed, conflict diminishes. When equity is upheld, unity thrives. And when unity thrives, development becomes inevitable.

This is why those who fear God, honour justice, and cherish humanity must stand firmly on the side of fairness. Diversity is a blessing; inclusivity is a duty; equity is a command. The future prosperity of Ọ̀yọ́ State depends not on the domination of one zone, but on the harmonious participation of all.

True greatness is achieved not when one region insists on holding the stage forever, but when all regions are allowed to jointly script the progress of the state.

That is justice.

That is wisdom.

That is the path to lasting peace and sustainable development.

*Pst. Favour Adéwọyin,*

National Secretary, Ẹgbẹ́ Àjọṣepọ̀ Fún Ìtẹsiwájú Gbogbo Wa.