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Dear Dr. Afisanwo,
Thank you for expressing your views on the Ijebu Lokan movement and the 2027 Ogun Governorship debate. It is important that we engage this conversation with historical clarity, political maturity, and mutual respect for all zones and peoples within Ogun State.
While your position is noted, a few points deserve factual clarification for the sake of public understanding and political fairness:
1. “Kò kan Ìjẹ̀bú rárá ni 2027” A Misguided Assertion
Contrary to the notion that “it doesn’t concern Ijebu at all” in 2027, the Ijebu people remain the only major bloc in Ogun State with six distinct local governments yet to produce a governor since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
It is important to correct the misunderstanding: Ijebu is not Remo. While both may fall under Ogun East Senatorial District, Governor Dapo Abiodun is from Remo (Iperu), not from Ijebu proper. Hence, it is inaccurate to assume that an Ijebu has governed simply because a fellow Eastener did.
2. The Bisi Onabanjo Reality Let the Facts Speak
Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, Ogun State’s first civilian governor (1979–1983), was from Ijebu Ode Local Government, and indeed a proud son of Ijebu. However, his emergence was not due to zoning or ethnic negotiation. He won the UPN primary by defeating political heavyweights like Soji Odunjo and Tunji Otegbeye, and then went on to win the general election fair and square.
This was over 40 years ago, and his tenure was tragically cut short by military intervention, denying Ijebus the full impact of what could have been a transformative era. Since then, Ijebus have not returned to the governorship seat not for lack of competent candidates, but due to power alignments and internal party politics.
3. Equity Demands Balance, Not Exclusion
We must be careful not to weaponize the call for equity by turning it into exclusion. The call for Ijebu Lokan is not a rejection of Yewa aspirations. It is a legitimate call for corrective justice within a federating structure that ought to value inclusion and fairness.
Yewa has a rightful claim, no doubt. But so does Ijebu. Both have been historically excluded, and that is precisely why fairness must be pursued based on clear-eyed historical analysis, not oversimplified bloc theories.
4. Mischaracterizing the Movement Serves No One
Describing the Ijebu Lokan movement as a gathering of “failed politicians” or “sick minds” does no justice to the debate and is beneath the stature of public intellectuals. The movement is a grassroots-driven campaign, championed by respected Ijebu sons and daughters across political, economic, and traditional institutions. It is not partisan it is principled.
It is not about desperation or tribalism. It is about balance, history, justice, and a renewed vision for Ijebuland and Ogun State.
5. Moving Forward Together
Let us not allow historical inaccuracies or partisan bitterness to cloud the pursuit of equity. The Ijebu Lokan Agenda is not anti-Yewa, anti-Egba, or anti-Remo. It is pro-Ijebu in the same way others have proudly championed their regional interests.
We believe in Alájòbí collective destiny and we are committed to working with all zones to build a truly inclusive Ogun State.
Yours in service,
Otunba Abayomi Odunowo.
Ijebu Lokan ITESIWAJU IJEBU Agenda Coordination Team
Alájòbí… a gbé dédé ènì!
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