Sequel to my post titled #OyoDecides2027 which attracted many diverse comments, I have received also many calls and text messages questioning
WHY IBADAN ONLY???
Some even went too far to accuse Ibadan as political cheat and greed. I was little perturbed because I could understand the emotional trauma, though covetous, of other geopolitical zones being displayed.
Without malice to any commentators or would be 2027 guber aspirants outside Ibadan zone, many of them who are my friends and brothers and eminently qualified, permit me to state that freedom is not ice cream; liberty or right is not given a la carte: it is demanded, protested and fought for.
Some even went as far as questioning the integrity of His Excellency, Egnr Seyi Makinde. That he, the governor should practice what he preached. That His Excellency was at the forefront of the fight for equity and justice in the G5 led by Governor (then) Nyesome Wike. The G5 stood for power rotation from the North to the South.
Truth as the above is, the PDP Constitution as written in black and white supports power rotation between the North and the South. I don’t know if such rotation, though would be heartily supported by me, is extended to the states.
Administratively, there are three Senatorial Districts per state and some states do observe rotations amongst the Senatorial Districts, but this isn’t well spelt in any political party constitution. Geographical spread of political offices as constitutionally stated isn’t same as rotation and should therefore not be confused nor mixed up.
Politics is local. A situation where the eleven Ibadan lgas have more registered voters and actual votes counted than the remaining twenty two cannot be helped. Moreso, Ibadan and her residents have one voice when it comes to governing Oyo state than other geo-political zones that are always fighting for fiddles. Many non Ibadan had once upon a time contested the Governorship of Oyo state but failed. More than two Ibadan have always been on the ballot, why not other zones ganged up to present a united front to shame the greed in Ibadan. In the last 2023 Governorship election in Oyo state, the candidate of the APC, Senator Oloye Teslim Kolawole Folarin, had more likes from outside Ibadan zone.
Politics is local.
While I’ll suggest that this issue of rotational Governorship be addressed by the National Assembly, it would be suicidal for now for any serious political party in Oyo state to present a candidate outside Ibadan. Additionally, non “Ibadan Parapo” could call for a referendum amongst political gatekeepers in Oyo state to find a truce. Or could form and register a NON IBADAN PARTY NIP with the INEC.
However be warned, Ibadan is ready to defend her hold with all her mights. The best approach is to hasten the creation of Ibadan State out of the present Oyo state.
Prof Adeolu Akande
Chief Zaccheus Adelabu,
Oloye Shina Peller
Ahmed Raji SAN
Dr Ayandele Eruobodo
Egnr Raufu Aderemi Olaniyan
Sen. Fatai Buhari
Chief Fatai Ibikunle
Sen. Ayo Adeseun
Hon Azeez Alarape Mukaila Akande
Hon Asimiyu Alarape – over to you sirs.
Ashipa writes from Temidire Oje, Ibadan.
