‘The Time for Oke-Ogun Is Now’, Group Demands Power Shift in Oyo

The Oyo Rebirth Initiative has strongly criticised remarks attributed to Senator Sarafadeen Alli, describing them as insensitive and dismissive of the longstanding political aspirations of the Oke-Ogun region. In a statement issued by its Convener, Comrade Yinka Gbadebo, the group said the time had come for Oke-Ogun to produce the next governor of Oyo State, […]

The Oyo Rebirth Initiative has strongly criticised remarks attributed to Senator Sarafadeen Alli, describing them as insensitive and dismissive of the longstanding political aspirations of the Oke-Ogun region.

In a statement issued by its Convener, Comrade Yinka Gbadebo, the group said the time had come for Oke-Ogun to produce the next governor of Oyo State, citing decades of alleged marginalisation despite the region’s contributions to the state’s development.

The group expressed disappointment over Senator Alli’s reported assertion that it was not yet Oke-Ogun’s turn to occupy the governorship seat, noting that such a position undermines the principles of fairness and inclusiveness in a politically diverse state.
“For over 50 years since the creation of Oyo State, the Oke-Ogun region has remained politically marginalised despite its vast contributions to economic, agricultural, and human capital development,” the statement read. “This prolonged exclusion is unjust and must end.”

The Initiative argued that the senator’s remarks signal a troubling approach to leadership, warning that no region in the state should be treated with disregard or considered politically insignificant.

It further maintained that if zoning considerations were to exclude Oke-Ogun, then individuals perceived to lack respect for the region should not be considered for leadership positions.

The group also threw its weight behind Senator Teslim Folarin, describing him as a more experienced and unifying figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to the statement, Folarin possesses the political experience, network, and cross-regional acceptance needed to lead the state effectively.
“Senator Folarin has demonstrated resilience, loyalty, and the capacity to build bridges across divides—qualities essential for governing a complex state like Oyo,” the group stated.

While reiterating its primary demand for the governorship to be zoned to Oke-Ogun, the group called on political parties to prioritise equity, justice, and inclusiveness in their selection processes ahead of the next election cycle.

“The era of political exclusion is over. The time for justice is now. The time for Oke-Ogun is now,” the statement concluded.