GROUP FLAGS OFF CAMPAIGN FOR GOVERNORSHIP POWER ROTATION IN OYO STATE

A socio-political advocacy group, Ẹgbẹ́ Àjọṣepọ̀ Fún Ìtẹsiwájú Gbogbo Wa, has launched a statewide sensitisation campaign to push for governorship power rotation across Oyo State’s geopolitical zones.

The official unveiling of the advocacy drive took place on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the House of Chiefs, Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan, with the event running between 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Speaking at the launch, the National Chairman of the group, Engr. Dauda Olaifa Alade, described the initiative as a moral call for equity, fairness, and balanced political representation.

“Oyo State belongs to all of us — not to one zone, not to one people. For peace, justice, and sustainable development to reign, every region must be given a fair shot at the governorship seat. Our unity must be built on fairness, and our future must be guided by inclusivity,” he said.

Historical Context

Since the return of democratic rule in 1999, Oyo State’s governorship has largely been concentrated in one region, a development critics say has led to political imbalance, uneven development, and growing alienation among other zones.

The group insists that adopting a structured power rotation system is not only morally just but also aligns with democratic principles and the spirit of federal character.

Broad Stakeholder Engagement

Ẹgbẹ́ Àjọṣepọ̀ Fún Ìtẹsiwájú Gbogbo Wa called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, youth bodies, market associations, the media, and political stakeholders to support the demand for rotational governorship.

The National Secretary of the group, Pst. Favour Adéwoyin, stressed that the campaign is not partisan but a moral crusade for justice:

“We are not asking for charity. We are demanding our constitutional and democratic right to be seen, heard, and allowed to lead. The future of Oyo State lies in shared power and shared prosperity.”

The Road to 2027

With the 2027 governorship election approaching, the group argues that the time has come for political recalibration. It emphasised that power must not be monopolised within one axis, adding that equity is not a favour but a right.

The Public Relations Officer, Prof. Jacob Babayemi, added that history would remember those who stood for justice when it mattered most.