*OKE-OGUN’S TURN TO LEAD OYO STATE: TIME TO RISE ABOVE DIVIDES*

By Akeem Bonuola

From Ibadan's long hold on power to Ogbomoso's one chance, each of those regions has had an opportunity to occupy Agodi House. Today, the power is poised to pass to Oke-Ogun, a cluster of resilient, resource-rich local governments in the northern fringe of the state. But for Oke-Ogun to truly lead, we must first shed the shackles of political loyalty, personal interest, religious extremism, and township egoism that have long fragmented our collective ambition.

Oke-Ogun comprises ten local government areas (Atisbo, Irepo, Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola, Olorunsogo, Oorelope, Saki East, and Saki West) blessed with fertile lands, mineral resources, and a youthful population eager for development. For decades, these areas have contributed significantly to the state’s agricultural output and revenue, yet they remain underserved in basic development needs such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, etc. The region’s underdevelopment is not for lack of potential but for lack of representation at the highest levels of decision-making, as a governor. It is now, after many years of Ibadan and one chance Ogbomoso’s stewardship, a logical turn for Oke-Ogun to pilot the state’s affairs.

Politics in Oyo State, and Oke-Ogun in particular has often been a game of patronage, where loyalty to individuals or parties outweighs loyalty to the public good. This has left many communities, especially in Oke-Ogun, feeling alienated. If we continue to vote blindly along party lines, we risk perpetuating a cycle where our region remains a voting bloc rather than a leadership hub. True progress demands that we prioritise competence, vision, and commitment to equity over partisan allegiance.

Oyo State is a microcosm of Nigeria’s diversity; Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers live side by side. Yet, religious rhetoric sometimes slips into divisive politicking in Oke-Ogun region. Leadership should never be a contest of “who prays louder” but of who serves louder. Likewise, township egoism, where one town insists on “my turn” at the expense of others, fuels resentment. Oke-Ogun’s strength should lies in its unity; we must not let petty rivalries fracture our collective resolve.

Leading Oyo State is not about crowning a region; it is about harnessing the best ideas for all. Imagine having infrastructure such as modern roads linking Oke-Ogun’s farms to markets, reducing post-harvest losses. Imagine higher institutions and scholarships to unleash the potential of our youth. Imagine well-equipped primary health centers in every ward, ensuring no mother loses a child to preventable diseases, and many other benefits. These goals are achievable if we speak with one voice.

Let us rally behind political leaders who champion inclusivity, transparency, and merit-based appointments. Let us judge aspirants by their track record and plans, not their last name or religious affiliation, or township status in the region.

The path forward includes vigorous engagement such as town halls, community forums, and media engagements with a focus on issues, not insults. We should hold our aspirants to clear manifestos and timelines. We should bridge divides with inter-religious and inter-township dialogues to foster trust. And above all, we should prioritise aspirants who place Oyo State’s unity above personal ambition.

Oke-Ogun has the numbers, the resources, and the resolve. What it needs now is our collective will to transcend the petty politics that have long stunted our growth. As the saying goes, “It is the turn of Oke-Ogun.” Gomina Oyo Awa Lokan (GOAL). Let us not squander it. The future of Oyo State is not a zero-sum game. If Oke-Ogun rises, we all rise. Let us set aside partisan loyalty, religious differences, and township egoism, and speak with one voice, one purpose that we, too, can lead this great state. Leadership is service, not entitlement. Let Oke-Ogun lead with humility, and let all of Oyo State reap the rewards.

Bonuola writes from Ibadan, Oyo State