As a long-standing stakeholder in Ogun State’s political evolution, actively involved since the second-term bid of Otunba Gbenga Daniel in 2005–2006 and deeply committed to the Ogun West struggle since 2011, I find it necessary, even urgent, to lend my voice to the ongoing political conversation shaping our collective future.
To my fellow advocates of the Ogun West agenda, I pose a sincere question: Can we confidently say that our current approach is yielding the results we desire? If we are candid with ourselves, the answer forces a sober reflection.
We must pause and interrogate our journey with clear, unblinking honesty :
• Why has our collective aspiration remained elusive?
• Has our struggle been reduced unfairly to the size of one’s pocket?
• How do we restrategize to give our dream a stronger footing?
• Is our present approach the finest representation of our capacity?
• How do we unify our political actors without silencing legitimate voices?
• While aiming for the governorship, are we also grooming our best minds for national leadership; Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker of the House?
• Why do we remain divided when unity remains our strongest tool?
Our struggle must remain free from personal gain. The moment personal interests take control, the core of our agitation becomes compromised. Our political leaders and traditional institutions owe us the fairness to create a level playing field for every son and daughter with capacity.
Thankfully, most of these actors remain under one political umbrella, a situation that makes harmony easily achievable.
Fragmentation weakens us. Disunity destroys the leverage we need at critical political moments. To be taken seriously, we must present a solid, unbroken front free from internal sabotage, petty rivalries, and external manipulation.
I recall the Ijebu Agenda toward the 2019 election. It grew as a movement driven by collective purpose.
Ogun Easterners rallied behind it with remarkable cohesion irrespective of their political party affiliation.
When Prince Dapo Abiodun emerged as the APC candidate, stakeholders including traditional institutions aligned with ease. A premature endorsement of any aspirant would have created avoidable resistance.
This remains a crucial lesson for Ogun West: the movement must take prominence over individuals.
Our struggle cannot shrink to the ambition of one person. The Ogun West cause carries a weight that requires broad-based support, deliberate strategy, and inclusive leadership.
Any attempt to center the entire project on a single individual limits our options and weakens our bargaining strength.
We must also not forget that most of our political actors have sizeable support base beyond our senatorial district. How do we take advantage of that?
Our focus should remain on strengthening institutions, deepening alliances, and articulating a vision that outlives personalities. Our power grows when unity leads the process.
If Ogun West truly seeks the support of Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, ahead of 2027, our posture must reflect strategic engagement. Recent actions by a few supporters give the impression of confrontation before the race even begins.
This approach creates unnecessary tension and offers no advantage.
We need a thoughtful, collaborative, politically grounded strategy, one that demonstrates maturity and commitment to the progress of Ogun State.
Our advocacy should rise on the strength of ideas, research, and clarity. Instead of inflamed rhetoric, we should:
• Present research-driven proposals.
• Engage in dialogue that elevates understanding.
• Contribute development blueprints aligned with the founding vision of Ogun State.
This positions Ogun West as a partner in progress and strengthens our image in the political landscape.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has been fair to Ogun West. Recognition is necessary. From impactful bills and motions, to federal empowerment schemes and infrastructural strides, our region has benefited from purposeful representation at the federal level both at the legislative and executive arms of government.
We express sincere appreciation to Mr. President, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose support has amplified these developmental gains.
The competition among our federal lawmakers remains encouraging. A few individuals may attempt to sow discord, yet the wider picture shows lawmakers committed to employment facilitation, youth empowerment, and community upliftment. This form of competition drives progress and lifts communities.
To sustain this rise, collaboration must lead the way. Passion from one person cannot match the force of collective strategy. Unity, shared purpose, and mutual respect carry greater weight.
Let us build bridges that hold firm.
Let us elevate our collective voice through cooperation. Ogun West is rising, and our actions will determine the strength and longevity of that rise.
Political support grows through trust, consistency, and loyalty. By cultivating respectful relationships with key stakeholders, especially Governor Abiodun, the leader of the party in the state, we create the foundation for long-term synergy and shared achievements.
Supporters have the right to canvass for their aspirants, provided such efforts do not silence others. Democracy grows through open dialogue.
Today, Ogun West boasts some of the most effective federal lawmakers in the country, from our Senator to our House of Representatives members supported during the 2023 elections by our amiable Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON. We also have an elegant and capable Deputy Governor whose poise and maturity uplift our region’s image.
Yet we must confront a critical question:
How do we bring all these leaders together without pushing one aside to lift another?
Governor Abiodun has demonstrated a style of leadership anchored on peace, development, and inclusive governance. If Ogun West intends to remain part of that vision, our strategy must align with his temperament and priorities. His support carries weight because of his role as party leader and his influence in the electoral process.
The future of the Ogun West project rests on strategic partnership. When we embrace this path, we strengthen our chances of winning support, deepening unity, and contributing meaningfully to the broader future of Ogun State.
Ogun 2027 presents a moment that demands wisdom, calm strategy, and shared purpose.
Thank you.
God Bless Ogun State.
God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Lateef Olusoji
Emilandu Compound, Imeko
Imeko Ward
Imeko Afon Local Government
Ogun State
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