The quest for the next governor of Osun State has sparked intense debate, with various interests and agendas emerging. One compelling argument is that the next governor should come from Osogbo,  the state capital. This assertion therefore is a clarion call on all indigenes and associated indigenes of Osogbo to braze up, intensify their efforts in presenting credible candidates and ensure that its candidate wins the 2026 governorship election in Osun state. Therefore all the community structures, political and non- political must join together to make this happen.

I am not a fan of  mediocrity and ethnic politics. So I do not push argument that Osogbo has not being the governor since the creation of  Osun state. Of course, this may be a plausible argument but unreasonable and illogical in the sense that choice of governorship is least determined by township affiliation, but by historical and political relevance as well as the capacity to run,win and administer the state very well. Thus, my request for Osogbo indigene to govern Osun state in 2026, is rooted in several key reasons.

Firstly,  the historical significance of Osogbo in Osunn socio-politics requires that an indigene of the town should be the state Governor in 2026. The identity of Osun state is constructed from Osogbo spirituality, as the name Osun is a popular Yoruba deity domiciles in Osogbo. Beside the spiritual connection, Osogbo was a battlefield where the Fulani marauders that could have conquered the rest of the Yoruba kingdoms were checkmated in 1836. The colonial economic history of Osun can not be retold without currency of Osogbo in the narratives. Osogbo was a home to earliest colonial economic ventures like MDS, PZ etc in Osun colonial district. The city of Osogbo was also famous for being the first busy train station during the mid colonial era in Nigeria. This position was sustained till present in such a way that the city has attracted bigger depots of many conglomerate manufacturing companies. It is also on record that Osogbo soars up as the most populated city in Osun state with representation of all local government areas resident in the city. Indeed Osogbo is the  commercial hub of Osun state with more than 65% of daily economic activities in the state occurring in Osogbo.

Similarly there is a need for equitable representation and fair share of leadership opportunities. By electing a governor from Osogbo, the state can strengthen this historical, redeem the imbalances against Osogbo and promote a sense of inclusivity.


Furthermore, the vastness in the growth of Osogbo requires that an indigene of the city should be the Governor of Osun state. According to the existing data, Osogbo is the fifth vast growing city in southwestern Nigeria. Therefore the city requires accelerated development and infrastructure growth, which has been undermined over the years particularly in the ongoing nepotic administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke. For instance, Governor Ademola Adeleke initiated 45 road projects across the state between 2022 and 2024, where only three were allocated to osogbo and 17 road projects measuring 68 kilometers with six lanes dual carriage of 7.5 kilometer allocated to Ede, his hometown.  It is therefore assumed that a governor from Osogbo would be better positioned to understand the city's unique challenges and opportunities, driving targeted investments and initiatives.

In addition, a governor from Osogbo would have a deeper understanding of the local dynamics, fostering a stronger connection with the grassroots population. This connection would promote accountability, as the governor would be more attuned to the needs and concerns of the people.

Albeit all the reasons offered in favour of Osogbo in producing the next governor of Osun state,  Osogbo people should look inward and support the choice of an indigene of Osogbo in All Progressives Congress party. That is the only party in the state that has fair chance of winning the 2026 governorship election. Since governor Ademola Adeleke is going for second term in office,  Osogbo sons and daughters should braze up and drum for APC  to choose its credible candidate. I mean a knowledgeable, admiring, politically sound, and administrative competent indigene of Osogbo.

In conclusion, electing a governor from Osogbo would be a strategic move for Osun State. It would address historical representation imbalances, drive targeted development and infrastructure growth, and foster a stronger connection with the grassroots population. As the state prepares for the next governorship election, it is crucial to consider the unique value proposition that an Osogbo candidate would bring to the table.