Oke-Ogun indigenes protest APC chairmanship zoning in Ibadan, demanding their turn for Oyo governorship in 2027 and opposing political tokenism
Indigenes of the Oke-Ogun zone staged a peaceful protest at the All Progressives Congress (APC) headquarters in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday to oppose plans to zone the party’s chairmanship position to the area again.
Also read: Calls Grow for Governorship Zoning in Oyo State
The demonstrators, organised under the socio-cultural group Egbe Ajosepo fun Itesiwaju Gbogbo Wa, argued that repeated chairmanship allocations to Oke-Ogun undermine the zone’s long-standing demand for the governorship seat in 2027.
Armed with placards reading “Give us governorship seat in 2027,” “Let Oke-Ogun breathe,” and “We want true democracy,” the protesters called for a fair distribution of political power across the state.
Addressing journalists, the group’s National Chairman, Dauda Olaifa, stressed that historical records show party chairmanship positions in Oyo North, particularly Oke-Ogun, have been consistently dominated by the zone since 1999.
He described the proposed zoning as “political tokenism” and a “strategic consolation prize designed to perpetuate exclusion.”
Olaifa highlighted Oke-Ogun’s significant contribution to the emergence of governors from Ibadan and asserted that the zone would support any political party selecting its governorship candidate from Oke-Ogun, regardless of religion or affiliation.
The group included in its operational document: “No to Deputy Governorship because Oke-Ogun has produced five deputy governors; no to Party Chairmanship because history already shows overwhelming occupancy; and yes to the Governorship of Oyo State in 2027.”
Speaking alongside Olaifa, the National Secretary, Pastor Favour Adewoyin, emphasised that power rotation aligns with principles of equitable governance seen in other southwest and Nigerian states.
He cited Sections 14 (3) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution, underscoring the need for inclusion and equitable distribution of political offices.
The protest was confirmed by Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Iyamah Edebor, who acknowledged that the demonstration remained peaceful and orderly.
Also read: Calls Grow for Governorship Zoning in Oyo State
The episode reflects mounting tension over political zoning in Oyo State as the 2027 governorship race approaches, highlighting demands for fairness, representation, and respect for the political aspirations of Oke-Ogun indigenes.
