Ile-Ife Cannot Afford To Be Left Out Of Osun’s Political Equation, Says Makinde

Former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Rotimi Makinde, has called on the people of Ile-Ife to adopt a strategic political approach that would position the ancient city at the centre of development and decision-making in Osun State and Nigeria.

Makinde, in a statement titled “Ile-Ife Cannot Afford to Be Left Out,” said the historic city, regarded as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation, must move beyond its rich cultural heritage and play a more decisive role in the political calculations that shape the distribution of development opportunities.

He said Ile-Ife was blessed with a rich history, traditional institutions, arable land and a heritage capable of attracting significant investment in agriculture, tourism and culture.

According to him, the city’s historical importance should translate into tangible economic and infrastructural development for its residents.

“We are blessed as a community with rich history, rich stool, and arable land. Ile-Ife is the source. We are the root of Yoruba civilization. From us, culture, wisdom and leadership spread across the world,” he said.

Makinde, however, expressed concern that despite its historical significance, Ile-Ife was not currently playing a sufficiently influential role in the political calculations of the state.

He argued that the situation must change if the city is to secure greater opportunities for its people.

“We cannot afford to be left out of development that turns our arable land into wealth for our farmers. We cannot afford to be left out of decisions that protect our rich stool and our heritage,” he said.

He also identified employment opportunities for young people, women empowerment, support for artisans and traders, modern markets, road infrastructure and the development of a world-class museum as areas requiring greater attention.

The former lawmaker urged residents of Ile-Ife to think strategically about their political choices, arguing that political alignment with the Federal Government could provide the city with greater access to federal institutions, investments and development projects.

He specifically urged the people to support the political platform of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governorship ambition of Bola Oyebamiji, who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.

Makinde said aligning with the Federal Government could strengthen Ile-Ife’s ability to attract federal projects, agricultural investments, tourism initiatives and employment opportunities.

“It is through that alignment that Ile-Ife can attract federal institutions, agricultural investments, tourism projects, and jobs for our people. It is through that alignment that the voice of the source will be heard in Abuja,” he said.

He further called for unity among the sons and daughters of Ile-Ife, stressing that the city’s historical status should be complemented by strategic political engagement.

“Philosophy teaches us: he who sits at the centre shapes the dance. He who stands at the edge only watches,”

Makinde said.
He urged traditional leaders, political actors, professionals, youths, women, traders and other stakeholders in the ancient city to put the collective interest of Ile-Ife above individual considerations.

According to him, the objective should not be merely political patronage but the creation of an environment capable of translating the city’s historical and cultural assets into sustainable economic opportunities.

“We are not begging. We are blessed. We are the source. Let’s get it right now,” he added.

Ile-Ife, located in Osun State, is widely regarded as one of the most important centres of Yoruba history and culture.

The city is home to the Ooni of Ife, one of the most prominent traditional institutions in Yorubaland, as well as major cultural and archaeological heritage sites.

Hon Makinde’s intervention comes amid preparations for the 2026 Osun State governorship election, in which political parties are mobilising support across the state’s major towns and communities.