It Is Time for Ogun West to Lead – A Call for Justice, Equity, and Political Inclusion

Opinion:

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED*

Power is not meant to be hoarded, nor is it a delicacy to be served à la carte – selectively enjoyed by a few while others watch from the sidelines. In a truly democratic society, power must reflect justice, equity, and the shared dignity of all constituents.

As Ogun State approaches five decades of existence, we must ask ourselves an uncomfortable but necessary question: Why has Ogun West never been allowed to produce a governor?

Since the creation of Ogun State in 1976, leadership has remained a closed loop between Ogun Central and Ogun East, with both zones producing governors in alternating succession. Ogun West, the third and equally integral part of the state – comprising the industrious Yewa-Awori people – has remained conspicuously absent from the seat of power.

This glaring exclusion is not just a political anomaly; it is a historic injustice that demands urgent correction.

It is no longer acceptable to ignore this imbalance under the pretense of political strategy or electoral arithmetic. At the heart of democracy lies representation – the assurance that all parts of a polity are seen, heard, and valued.

Ogun West has waited patiently, decade after decade, contributing immensely to the state’s economy, culture, and development, while being systematically sidelined in the highest political office.

The irony is not lost on us. Ogun West is a major engine of the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR), thanks to its border towns, thriving industries, and agricultural contributions.

Even before Ogun State’s creation, this region played a vital role in the development of what we now call the “Gateway State.” That such a significant region continues to be denied an opportunity to govern is both morally indefensible and politically unsustainable.

This is not a call for favoritism; it is a call for fairness. It is not about entitlement, but equity. The people of Ogun West are not asking for what they do not deserve. They are simply asking for what is rightfully theirs as co-owners of the Ogun State project.

As the Yoruba adage goes, “Ajọjẹ kó dùn bí ẹni kò bá ní lówó” – there can be no joy in collective sharing if one party is consistently denied a seat at the table.

It’s deeply saddening, painful, and frustrating to hear the familiar, derogatory remarks from political propagandists who attempt to justify inequality and injustice by claiming that the people of Ogun West are not politically proactive or lack unity, simply because multiple candidates emerge from the region during elections.

This narrative is not only false but deliberately crafted to portray Ogun West as a region without cohesion or a clear understanding of political dynamics.

In my view, beyond its traditional definition, politics should represent justice, equality, mutual respect, and a sense of brotherhood.

This brings to mind how, despite the North having more states than the South-West – or the South in general – the northern political establishment still made room for the South-West to lead the nation.

If such political accommodation could be extended to the Yoruba at the national level, it is both shameful and deceitful that within Ogun State, we Yoruba people struggle to fairly distribute leadership among the three senatorial districts that make up the state.

These same political actors also try to suggest that Ogun West lacks credible individuals capable of leading the state – a classic tactic of giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it.

It’s no secret that when the northern elite agreed to support a Yoruba presidency for the first time, the choice of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo wasn’t about wealth or status, but about justice, equity, and national unity.

To say Ogun West lacks competent individuals to lead the state is a gross understatement. The region is home to an abundance of seasoned administrators, distinguished academics, brilliant intellectuals, and accomplished industry leaders who have excelled in their fields and brought honour to the state.

Some misguided individuals also mockingly ask how many people from Ogun West could afford to burn five billion naira or throw it into the ocean for the sake of politics.

While it’s true that politics today often favours the highest bidder, I believe that should never be the standard for granting Ogun West its rightful turn to govern the state.

Let us also remember that justice delayed is not only justice denied – it is a threat to unity. Political exclusion breeds resentment, weakens trust, and deepens divisions. For a state that prides itself on excellence, education, and enlightened governance, we must now lead by example. We must show that true leadership means recognizing and correcting historical wrongs.

As we approach another election cycle, it is time for stakeholders – party leaders, traditional rulers, civil society, and the electorate – to rise above the comfort of the status quo. Let us summon the courage to do what is right. Let us make history, not repeat old patterns.

Let the 2027 gubernatorial election mark a new chapter in Ogun State’s journey – one defined by inclusion, balance, and justice.

Against this backdrop, come 2027, I appeal to all political parties in Ogun State to zone their governorship candidates to Ogun West, in the spirit of equity, brotherhood, and justice.

Ogun West has waited long enough. The time has come.

*Abu-Satar Hamed, a concerned citizen and advocate for equity and inclusive governance in Ogun State is the Otun Baaroyin of Ilaro-Yewa and founder, StarTrend Int’l Magazine and online platform- 08038525526 startrendinter@gmail.com