Prominent leaders in Egbaland have intensified calls for strict adherence to Ogun State’s power rotation principle, warning against what they described as an emerging attempt to concentrate governorship power in Iperu ahead of the 2027 elections.
The leaders, in a Lisabi Day 2026 message issued by Otunba Segun Showunmi, said allowing any locality to dominate the governorship beyond the established balance would be “irrational, unjust and politically destabilising.”
They stressed that Ogun’s political stability had long been sustained by an unwritten but respected power-sharing arrangement among the Egba, Ijebu/Remo and Yewa/Awori blocs, cautioning that any disruption to the arrangement could threaten peace and cohesion in the state.
The statement specifically rejected permutations suggesting an extended hold on power by Iperu, warning that such a development would amount to a distortion of equity and a disregard for other blocs.
“It is neither rational nor just to contemplate a prolonged concentration of governorship power in one locality. Such an idea is politically untenable and dismissive of the balance that has preserved harmony in Ogun State,” the statement read.
The Egba leaders also raised concerns over recent traditional and political developments, alleging subtle moves to sideline Egba influence in the state’s leadership structure.
They cited actions linked to Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, which they claimed appeared to bypass established Egba institutions, warning that such steps could aggravate tensions if not carefully managed.
According to them, the situation is further complicated by the transition in Ijebu traditional leadership following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona, noting that the evolving dynamics must not be used to undermine Egba’s political standing.
“Cooperation must never be mistaken for weakness, and inclusion must not come at the expense of dignity,” the statement added.
Beyond politics, the leaders decried what they described as worsening infrastructural decay and neglect across Egba divisions, including Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Odeda, Obafemi Owode, Ifo and Ewekoro.
They listed abandoned projects such as the Ewekoro airstrip and incomplete civic infrastructure in Abeokuta as evidence of systemic neglect, warning that continued underdevelopment could erode the region’s economic relevance.
The group also faulted land allocation practices in areas such as Ibara GRA, describing them as unethical and potentially harmful to future generations.
On economic and educational development, the leaders called for increased and strategic investment in key institutions, including the University of Medicine, insisting that Egba’s contributions to the state must be matched with commensurate development.
They further stated that the role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Areago of Egbaland, would be critical in ensuring fairness and inclusiveness in the political process leading to 2027.
The leaders emphasised that consultation with Egba stakeholders must be prioritised, warning that any attempt to impose a governorship candidate without local consensus would be resisted.
“The Egba people cannot and will not accept externally imposed decisions regarding the leadership of Ogun State,” the statement said.
Invoking the legacy of Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, the leaders urged unity, vigilance and strategic coordination among Egba people as the state approaches another electoral cycle.
They reaffirmed their resolve to defend their political interests, insisting that Egbaland would assert its place within the framework of fairness, justice and equity in 2027.
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