A strong call for political unity ahead of the 2027 general elections took center stage on Saturday as stakeholders converged in Saki, Oyo State, for the inaugural Oke-Ogun Political Lecture organized by the A-330 Support Group.
The event, which drew political leaders, academics, youth representatives, and community stakeholders from across the Oke-Ogun axis and other local government areas in Oyo State, emphasized cohesion as a critical pathway to achieving greater political relevance in Oyo State.
Held at Col. Adegbola Castle, the lecture featured robust intellectual discourse around the theme: “Oyo 2027: Unity or Disunity as Pathway to Breakthrough in Oke-Ogun Political Landscape.”
Delivering a keynote address, Abegunrin Adebayo Olugbenga of The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, stressed that unity remains indispensable for the region’s political advancement and equitable development.
He noted that democracy thrives on inclusiveness, lamenting what he described as the marginalization of Oke-Ogun in key political positions within the state.
Olugbenga outlined strategic steps toward achievinga political breakthrough, including fostering a shared identity, strengthening alliances, identifying resourceful individuals, and building formidable leadership structures across the region.
He urged the people of Oke-Ogun to act decisively by embracing unity, monitoring political progress, and making necessary adjustments to secure a stronger foothold in the state’s leadership structure.
Similarly, Michael Bamidele Ojo of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, warned against the dangers of persistent political disunity, noting that fragmentation continues to weaken the region’s chances of attaining significant representation.
Ojo described Oke-Ogun as the food basket of the state with vast landmass and considerable voting strength, stressing that these advantages must be harnessed through collective political will.
He added that prioritizing unity in both thought and action, as well as rallying traditional rulers and stakeholders, remains essential to realizing the region’s gubernatorial ambition.
The don also acknowledged infrastructural contributions credited to Gbenga Adegbola, particularly the facilitation of the Command School in Saki, while calling for increased support for his governorship aspiration.
Speaking at the event, Adegbola, a retired Colonel and gubernatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), reiterated the need for strategic political alignment, noting that Oke-Ogun’s future depends largely on its ability to speak with one voice.
He commended the keynote speakers for their insightful contributions and reaffirmed his commitment to addressing insecurity, promising to lead a comprehensive security framework if elected.
Adegbola further highlighted key components of his manifesto, including local government autonomy, improved healthcare delivery, job creation, and the promotion of tourism as a driver of economic growth.
In goodwill messages, notable stakeholders including Babajide Alabi, Lukman Adisa Adamawa, and Y. Y. Muslim, echoed the need for unity under the popular slogan “Oke-Ogun L’okan,” urging residents to embrace a collective vision.
The A-330 Support Group, in its remarks, pledged unwavering support for Adegbola’s ambition, declaring that the movement is determined to see an indigene of Oke-Ogun emerge as the next Executive Governor of Oyo State.
Members of the group also affirmed that their structure spans all 33 local government areas of the state, positioning them as a formidable grassroots-driven political force.
Other participants described the lecture as timely and strategic, particularly as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, while calling for sustained engagement and dialogue.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment among stakeholders to prioritize unity, inclusiveness, and purposeful leadership as essential tools for repositioning Oke-Ogun within the political landscape of Oyo State.
