2027: Oyo elders urge politicians to ensure peaceful electoral campaigns

Otunba Bamidele Dada, President, Oke-Ogun Elders Council.

The Oke-Ogun Council of Elders in Oyo State on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to the development, security, education and political advancement of the region.

The council stated this in a communiqué issued after its meeting held at the residence of its leader and former Minister of State for Agriculture and Water Resources, Dada Bamidele, in Bodija, Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The communiqué was signed by Jare Ajayi, Remi Adegbola and Sola Ailako in Ibadan, the state capital.

It enjoined politicians to ensure that peace was maintained as they embarked on political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.

The elders, according to the statement, deliberated on various issues affecting the region and the state, including security, the economy, education, politics and social issues.

The council said, “On security, we commend retired Brig Gen Kunle Togun (retd), Primate Samson Ojoawo and Mr Sunday Adeyemo a.k.a Igboho, along with others, for their various efforts meant to ensure that the region is safe and secure for law-abiding citizens.

“After appreciating the Federal and Oyo State Governments as well as security agencies on the successful rescue of the recent Oriire Local Government abductees, the Oke-Ogun elders express the hope that the governments, security agencies and other stakeholders will ensure that such a thing does not happen anymore.

“We also express our hope that other people in captivity would be freed within the shortest time possible.”

The OCE further appreciated the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu for the Federal University located in Okeho, Kajola Local Government Area of the region, and pleaded that needed funds be released to the authorities of the institution for its smooth operations.

It called on those occupying public offices to ensure that the best interest of the region was served at all times, just as it reaffirmed the long-standing aspiration of Oke-Ogun people to produce a governor for the state. The council added that the objective would be pursued through dialogue, constructive engagement and democratic processes. It resolved to engage political aspirants from Oke-Ogun who had secured tickets to contest forthcoming elections.

It added, “The aspirants will be expected to clearly state their programmes and commitments to the development of Oke-Ogun as they begin to seek the people’s mandate. We enjoin politicians to ensure that peace is maintained as they embark on political campaigns towards the 2027 elections.

“We also call for sustained investment in education, skills development and human capital, particularly to create opportunities for young people in the region.”

It appealed to all sons and daughters of the zone, regardless of political affiliation, religion or social status, to unite and work collectively for the advancement of the region.

The OCE added, “It is in order to achieve this objective that we came up with an Oke-Ogun Development Blueprint (2025-2035). It is to provide a roadmap for accelerated development in all ramifications. The blueprint is to be formally launched anytime soon.

“We would continue to provide leadership and advocacy on issues concerning Oke-Ogun, with particular emphasis on unity, security, education, good governance, political representation and sustainable development,” the communiqué added.

The council congratulated Barrister Adebayo Lawal, who had just assumed office as Acting Governor of the state, using the opportunity to commend Governor Seyi Makinde for the confidence he had in his deputy and for the seamless handing over of the reins of power to him.

While wishing Makinde an enjoyable vacation, the council prayed for the success of Lawal as he piloted the affairs of the state as acting governor.

Dignitaries at the meeting included Fasola Olajide, Babatunde, Amusa Adebisi, Muda Ganiyu, Favour Adewoyin, Joel Omo-Ode, Oyedepo, Femi Akano, David Aremu, Abioye Afolabi and Sola Ailako, among others.

Others were former Deputy Governor Iyiola Oladokun, Layi Egunjobi, Oladoja Oladele, Remi Adegbola, L. Ojedapo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Okeho, Oluwole Oladokun and Lanre Agoro.

The meeting brought together eminent sons and daughters of Oke-Ogun, community leaders, political stakeholders and other distinguished personalities from various parts of the region.