*GROUP ADVOCATES OKE-OGUN GOVERNORSHIP SLOT, CALLS FOR ROTATIONAL POWER IN OYO STATE AHEAD OF 2027*

The group made a strong and unequivocal declaration that the 2027 governorship election must mark a turning point in Oyo State's political history — one that signals the beginning of a genuine, structured, and transparent rotational power-sharing system, with the Òkèògùn zone taking its rightful turn at the helm of affairs. The group argued that power rotation has long ceased to be a mere political convenience in Nigeria; it has evolved into an established democratic norm practiced across several states in the federation, serving as a vital instrument for inclusivity, stability, and national cohesion 

**Constitutional Backing and the Federal Character Principle**

Lending legal and constitutional weight to their advocacy, the stakeholders cited **Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria**, which expressly provide for the federal character principle — a constitutional safeguard designed to prevent the domination of government and its agencies by any one ethnic group, section, or interest. The group maintained that these provisions are not merely aspirational but are binding obligations upon all political actors, parties, and institutions operating within the Nigerian democratic framework.

They called on all relevant authorities to move beyond lip service and ensure the practical, deliberate, and measurable implementation of these constitutional provisions in the political administration of Oyo State, stressing that continued neglect of these principles amounts to a democratic deficit and a threat to long-term peace and stability.

**Appeal to Key Stakeholders**

The communiqué extended a passionate appeal to critical stakeholders at all levels — including the **President of the Federal Republic, political parties, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organisations** — to lend their voices, influence, and goodwill to the cause of restoring inclusivity, balance, and fairness to Oyo State's governance structure.

The group specifically urged the **state governor** to rise above partisan and sectional considerations and champion bold, progressive policies that promote unity, equitable development, and a sense of belonging for all regions of the state. It argued that true leadership demands the courage to correct historical injustices, and that the governor has both the platform and the responsibility to be a catalyst for this change.

**A Demand for Justice, Not Division*

Firmly reaffirming their commitment to peaceful, lawful, and democratic advocacy, the group took deliberate steps to address potential misconceptions about the nature of their agitation. They clarified, in unequivocal terms, that the push for power rotation is not driven by ethnic sentiment, political mischief, or a desire to fragment the state. Rather, it is a legitimate, principled, and constitutionally grounded demand for **justice, equal opportunity, and collective progress** — values that lie at the very heart of democracy.

The group further emphasized that Òkèògùn's agitation is not against any individual, party, or zone, but is a call for the institutionalization of fairness in the political life of Oyo State.

**Unity Among Marginalized Regions*

The summit also turned its attention inward, urging greater solidarity and strategic cohesion among the marginalized regions of the state. Speakers stressed that the path to political inclusion is not one that can be walked in isolation — it requires deliberate cooperation, mutual trust, and well-coordinated political strategy. The group maintained that cooperation and strategic collaboration remain not just desirable but absolutely essential for achieving the shared political and developmental goals of the region.

**Voices from the Summit**

The call for Òkèògùn's political inclusion drew enthusiastic support from a cross-section of prominent voices at the summit.

*Dr. Kazeem Ayandoye**, a gubernatorial candidate of the **People's Redemption Party (PRP)**, represented by **Dr. Tajudeen Yunus Aare**, commended the advocacy group for its boldness and vision. He noted that the agitation is rapidly gaining wider recognition and momentum, cutting across geographical boundaries to resonate even among Òkèògùn indigenes in the diaspora — a testament to the depth of feeling and legitimacy of the cause.

Gubernatorial aspirant **Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin**, represented by former **Kajola Local Government Caretaker Chairman, Hon. Tirimisiyu Alarape**, pledged his unwavering support for the movement. He called on all sons and daughters of the Òkèògùn region, wherever they may be, to set aside differences and unite firmly behind the collective aspiration of their people.

In a particularly emphatic contribution, former **Deputy Governor Engr. Rauf Olaniyan** declared that Òkèògùn is long overdue for the governorship seat. He insisted that the region is abundantly endowed with capable, experienced, and visionary individuals who are more than qualified to lead Oyo State to greater heights. Engr. Olaniyan called on all stakeholders to put unity first, warning that internal divisions remain the greatest obstacle to the region's political advancement.

Other distinguished contributors, including **Prince Bola Oyedepo** and **Mr. Adepoju Tayo**, rounded out the conversation by underscoring the critical importance of **political mobilization, voter education, and grassroots engagement**. They reminded participants that the battle for political inclusion is not won only in conference halls and communiqués, but in communities, polling units, and in the minds of everyday citizens who must be informed, inspired, and empowered to act.

**About the Summit**

The summit, held under the thought-provoking theme **"Oke-Ogun Lokan: Strategic Pathways to Political Inclusion and Regional Renewal,"** brought together a broad and representative gathering of political leaders, community stakeholders, traditional voices, and representatives of various socio-cultural organizations, including the **Egbe Omo Ibile Òkehò**. The theme itself captured both the urgency and the strategic intent behind the movement — a recognition that inclusion must be pursued not through sentiment alone, but through deliberate planning, organization, and political actions 

Conclusion: A Historic Opportunity

In its concluding remarks, the communiqué drew compelling parallels with other Nigerian states where deliberate, structured efforts have been made to ensure balance and inclusivity in governance — states that are today reaping the dividends of such foresight in the form of greater peace, cohesion, and development.

The communiqué maintained that the call for equity in Oyo State is neither radical nor divisive — it is both **legitimate and necessary** for sustainable peace, development, and political harmony.

*"A just Oyo State will be a stronger Oyo State,"* the statement powerfully declared, adding that **2027 represents a historic and perhaps unrepeatable opportunity** to correct longstanding structural imbalances and lay the foundation for a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future for every resident of Oyo State — regardless of zone, tribe, or political affiliation.

The message from Òkèògùn is clear: the time for equity is now, and 2027 is the moment.