From Michael Ofulue, Osogbo
Traditional and community leaders in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, have declared their collective support for the call that the 2026 governorship ticket be zoned to Osogbo by all major political parties.
This follows the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) scheduling the Osun State governorship election for Saturday, 8th August, 2026.
Despite Osogbo’s historical significance and political strength, no indigene of the capital city has held the office of governor since the creation of Osun State 34 years ago, even though the town was a notable voting bloc in the old Oyo State.
Speaking on Oroki Asala, a current affairs programme aired on Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) Radio, the Baale of Gbodofon and Chairman of the Council of Baales in Osogbo, High Chief Jimoh Ibrahim, stated that the town is more united than ever in its quest to produce the next governor.
He commended the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, for his leadership in bridging political divides within the community. According to him, the formation of the Osogbo Action Committee and the Osogbo Elders Council has played a critical role in consolidating efforts towards the governorship agenda.
“The Elders Council has successfully united all Baales in Osogbo,” High Chief Ibrahim said.
“As Chairman of the Council of Baales, I affirm that we stand solidly behind this call for an Osogbo indigene to emerge as governor. We are ready to play our part to make it happen.”
Also speaking on the programme, Prince Adeleke Oduola Ibiloye, Chairman of the Osogbo Elders Council, reiterated the city’s consistent political support for candidates across other parts of the state.
“We have consistently supported candidates from other parts of the state. It is now time for the rest of Osun to support Osogbo,” he stated.
“The 2026 governorship slot should come to us, and we are fully committed to actualising this goal.”