No Governor, No Minister in 26 Years: Why Osun West APC Deserves the Next Governorship Ticket – By Gafar Blessing Sulaiman

Since 1999, the progressive journey of Osun State has been marked by significant milestones and transformative leadership. However, a careful examination of the distribution of leadership opportunities reveals a glaring disparity: Osun West has consistently been sidelined in the allocation of key positions. For over two decades, no individual from Osun West has held the governorship or a ministerial position under the progressive platform. This undeniable imbalance calls for a shift, especially if our leader and the number one figure in Osun APC today, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, decides not to run for governor again.

Leadership roles under the progressive banner have predominantly been concentrated in Osun Central and Osun East. From 1999 to 2003, the governorship resided in Osun Central while Osun East produced the minister. Between 2010 and 2014, Osun East retained the governorship, further consolidating its position. The pattern continued from 2015 to 2019 with Osun East dominating both the governorship and the ministerial position. From 2018/2019 to 2022/2023, the governorship shifted back to Osun Central while Osun East retained the ministerial portfolio. In the current dispensation, Osun Central holds the ministerial position. Over this long stretch of time, Osun West has been left out of these critical roles, a situation that stands in stark contrast to the principles of equity and justice.

Again, the level of current representation enjoyed by Osun Central and Osun East further highlights the need for corrective action. Osun Central has produced a highly influential Minister, the APC National Secretary, Executive Directors in pivotal federal agencies such as NPA and NIMASA, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Protocol, the Chairman of the University of Ibadan Governing Council, a Federal Commissioner at RMFAC, and numerous chairmen and members of tertiary institution governing councils. While these achievements are commendable, they underscore the disproportionate access to opportunities afforded to Osun Central and Osun East compared to Osun West. Osun West only has two prominent federal appointments: National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and National Population Commission (NPC) Chairman.

It is time to address this imbalance. Equity demands that leadership opportunities be fairly distributed among all three senatorial districts. Osun West’s exclusion from top leadership roles contradicts the ideals of fairness and inclusivity that the progressives stand for. Beyond equity, awarding the ticket to Osun West would foster unity and a sense of belonging, ensuring that every part of the state feels adequately represented in governance. Such a move would not only heal longstanding grievances but also strengthen the progressive platform as a party committed to justice.

Osun West’s readiness to lead cannot be overemphasized. The district boasts a reservoir of capable leaders, individuals brimming with fresh ideas and innovative strategies that can invigorate the state’s governance. Their inclusion in the highest echelons of leadership would breathe new life into the progressive movement, bringing renewed energy and a broader perspective to state affairs. Osun West’s unwavering support for the progressive cause over the years further solidifies its case. Recognizing this loyalty by awarding the governorship ticket would not only be an act of justice but also a strategic move to consolidate the district’s support for the party. The result of the last governorship election in the state is another pointer to the commitment of Osun West to the progressive success. For instance in 2022, while our party was roundly defeated with more than 12,113 vote margin in Osogbo federal constituency ( the home base of the Director General of our party’s governorship campaign), the Osun West delivered two federal constituencies for our party. Specifically, the PDP recorded 76,402 votes in Osogbo Federal Constituency, even more than the votes the party recorded in Ede federal constituency ( incumbent governor’s stronghold), whereas Iwo Federal Constituency and Irewole federal constituency beat PDP hands down. In Iwo federal constituency, our party earned 34,412 votes to defeat the PDP which scored 31,521. In Irewole federal constituency also, our party got 43,558 to dislodge PDP which recorded 38,373 votes.

The time has come for a new narrative, one that embraces all regions of Osun State as equal stakeholders in its progress. Giving Osun West the opportunity to lead will not only strengthen the party but also restore faith in the ideals of justice and equity. Let this be the moment we take a bold step toward inclusivity, unity, and shared prosperity. Together, we can build a future where every district thrives, every voice is heard, and every citizen feels represented in the journey toward a greater Osun State.

Sulaiman Gafar Blessing writes from Ejigbo Local Government, Ward 4, Unit 003, Orita Court, Ejigbo