By Olajide, A. Shuaib.
Recently, I was viewing videos on my phone and I stumbled upon a video featuring Dr. Adekunle Shefiu Alao singing praises of Dr. Sharafadeen Ishola, the former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom under President Muhammadu Buhari. In the video, Dr. Alao emphatically stated that the Egbas would produce Ogun State Governor in 2027, with Dr. Sharafadeen Ishola as the ideal candidate for the position. He emphasized that the Egbas would not step aside and relinquish the governorship to the Yewa/Awori region, which has not produced a Governor since the state’s creation in 1976.
It is evident that the video was politically motivated, serving as a means for politicians to test public opinion. By releasing a narrative, politicians gauges the reaction of the populace to know whether what they pushed out will fly. If there is minimal response, the narrative may be deemed acceptable. However, a negative and spontaneous reaction could lead to the narrative being revised or abandoned before being reintroduced to assess public sentiment and acceptability once again.
The explicit declaration in the video by the renowned Egba and respected Fuji musician Alhaji Adekunle Shefiu Alao hints that in 2027, Ogun Central will produce another Governor after the incumbent, Prince Dapo Abiodun, completes his eight-year term. Ogun Central is primarily inhabited by the Egbas, Owus, Gbaguras, and Oke-Ona people. The state comprises two other senatorial districts: Ogun East (Ijebu and Remo) and Ogun West (Yewa and Awori).
Reflecting on historical governorship in Ogun State, six indigenous individuals have held the position, with four from Ogun East and two from Ogun Central. Notably, Ogun West has never produced a governor since the state was created in1976. The notion that Ogun Central will claim the governorship in 2027 is a wild goose suggestion that Ogun west (Yewa/Awori) region lacks capable candidates that can lead the state.
Aside the pre-indepence division of the state into Ijebu/Remo and Egba/Yewa division, I still don’t understand the rationale behind the insinuation that Yewa/Awori shouldn’t produce governor in the state. If that’s the argument that’s being held on, such narrative is no longer relevant because the present arrangement in the state is enshrined in the constitution to reflect equal representation which is one of the pivotal leg democracy stands on.
I have been bewildered as to why Ogun West has long been relegated to a position of dependency. Growing up, I repeatedly encountered the phrase “Yewa lo Kan amo Egba lo ma se,” which translates to ‘It’s Yewa’s turn, but Egba will do it on behalf of Yewa.’ This adage has piqued my curiosity, yet I have not encountered an elder in the state who could provide a compelling explanation for the origin of this phraseology.
This region, Ogun West inhabitated by the Yewa/Awori people, known for its thriving tax-generating industries, is positioned between Lagos and the Republic of Benin. The influx of population from Lagos has bolstered business activities in Ogun West more than any other district within the state. If these accomplishments are not deemed sufficient criteria for gubernatorial consideration, then the factors favoring other zones over Yewa and Awori communities remain a puzzle.
A pertinent query arises regarding the experiences of Ogun Central residents during the tenures of their son as governors. An examination of the infrastructure primarily developed in Ogun Central by Senator Ibikunle Amosun during his tenure and its impact on the residents’ daily lives. The available data upheld that the economic status of Ogun Central denizens appears to align with patterns observed in other parts of the country. The economic downturn has had a noticeable effect on Ogun Central, highlighting concerns that cut across various regions of Nigeria. So any region believing that perpetual holding on to the seat of power is tartamount to the region’s prosperity should review its stand.
Undoubtedly, politics is a game of numbers that constantly challenges even seasoned political strategists. Historically, we’ve witnessed minorities prevailing over majorities and underdogs overcoming long-standing legacies. Introducing a 2027 narrative in early 2024 is to be indifference to the public outcry amid prevalent economic challenges.
Martin Luther King Jr., in his relentless pursuit of fairness, has stated that “an individual has not truly begun living until he can transcend the narrow confines of his personal concerns and embrace the wider concerns of all humanity.” In the view of this, I’ll implore the Egbas, Ijebus, and Remos to consider allowing the Yewas to field a candidate for the governorship in 2027.
Likewise, I’ll encourage the Yewas and Aworis to put aside their differences stemming from historical divides. A united front will be vital in the face of upcoming challenges, akin to strengthening a wall against external pressures. Traditional leaders in the region should champion unity and mobilize their communities toward a common goal, recognizing the hurdles they’ll need to surmount to secure their governorship slot in 2027.
My ancestral origin is Egba/Ijebu.
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