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Mobilise for regional development
By Taiwo Owodaje, Ibadan
Traditional rulers and indigenes of the Oke-Ogun region working in the Federal College of Education, Oyo, have made a passionate call for a power shift in Oyo State as the 2027 gubernatorial election approaches, urging their people to use the poll as a vehicle for regional transformation.
The call was made during a colourful reception held on Thursday at the institution to celebrate the two-year tenure of the College Provost, Dr Ademola Raufu Salami, an indigene of Saki in Saki West Local Government Area. The event was organised by the Oke-Ogun Indigenes Staff Forum of the College.
Speaking at the event, during the Chairman of the occasion, Retired Colonel Emmanuel Adegbola, decried the underdevelopment of Oke-Ogun despite decades of loyalty and contributions to state and national development.
“I left Saki 37 years ago to serve Nigeria in the military. Coming back, I have seen almost no meaningful development. Other zones boast of several federal institutions; we cannot name more than one here. It is time to right the wrongs,” he declared.
He urged all indigenes indigenes of the Oregin region to the unitege and votge vote for a credible candidate from Oke-Ogun in the in 2027 governorship election, warning against settling for deputy roles.
“It’s a shame for anyone to suggest that we should be content with the deputy governorship again. We have served others long enough,” he stated urged.
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Former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Deputy Governor, Engr Rauf Olaniyan, echoed Adegbola’s Adegbola’s sentiments, calling for increased political awareness and voter registration across Oke-Ogun ahead of 2027.
“In 2023, Ibadan registered 1.778 million voters, but only 401,000 voted. Oke-Ogun registered 661,000, and about 300,000 came out to vote. We have the numbers,; we only need to organise ourselves better,” Olaniyan noted.
He further charged traditional rulers in the region to stand firm in rejecting candidates from other zones. “Tell our obas to boldly inform any non-Oke-Ogun candidate that visits: enough is enough. It is our time,” he added.
Also speaking, the Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Engr Abioye Bashir Siyanbola, urged politicians from the region to stop investing in other areas. “You grow where you plant. Our politicians must begin to build industries and invest in Oke-Ogun, not outside it,” the monarch said.
Chairman of the Oke-Ogun Indigenes Staff Forum, Comrade Akinniyi Akinleye, highlighted the achievements of Dr Salami within his two-year tenure, including the construction and renovation of eight major structures, procurement of utility vehicles and motorcycles, and full accreditation of all academic programmes in the College.
In his remarks, Dr Salami appreciated the support of royal fathers, staff, and dignitaries present. He pledged to consolidate on his accomplishments and do more in the remaining years of his tenure.
