Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has openly backed an Awori indigene for Ogun governor, declaring it Ota’s collective turn ahead of the 2027 elections
Obasanjo Backs Awori for Ogun Governor, Declares Ota’s Turn Ahead of 2027
By Lukman Omikunle
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR) has openly thrown his weight behind an Awori indigene to emerge as the next Governor of Ogun State, a declaration that has significantly heightened political momentum around the agitation for Ogun West Senatorial District to produce the state’s next leader.
Obasanjo made the historic declaration on Saturday during the Odun Omo Iganmode celebration held in Ota, a symbolic Awori homeland, where his words electrified the atmosphere and resonated strongly with sons and daughters of Aworiland.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who also holds the traditional title of Beere of Aworiland and is widely tipped as a leading contender to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun at the end of his second term in 2027.
At a defining moment during the gathering, Obasanjo paused, stood, and looked directly in the direction of the Deputy Governor before delivering what many political observers have described as a loaded and unmistakable message.
“As we move closer to the forthcoming election, there has been widespread discussion about the issue of turn. Let me emphasise clearly that when we speak of it being our turn, we are not referring to the ambition of any single individual. It is the collective turn of our people, and achieving it will require unity, cooperation and shared responsibility,” Obasanjo said.
The former Nigerian leader stressed that political opportunity must be matched with discipline and purpose.
“If it is truly our turn, then we must work together with discipline and purpose to make it a reality. By the grace of God, it shall come to pass,” the elder statesman declared.
Beyond the politics of succession, Obasanjo challenged the people of Aworiland to rise above individual interests and place development at the heart of their collective aspiration.
“Beyond electoral considerations, our foremost priority must remain the sustainable development of Aworiland. Progress can only be achieved when all stakeholders — the young and the old, men and women, indigenes and residents — are united by a common vision,” he said.
Reflecting on Ota’s transformation over the decades, Obasanjo underscored why the moment is ripe for the ancient town to produce a governor.
“Development is a collective task. When I first arrived in this town, there was only one bank serving the entire Ota community. Today, Ota has witnessed remarkable growth. Having come this far, it is now both timely and justified for Ota to produce a governor in Ogun State. This aspiration must be supported by all of us, because it is not a personal project, but a collective mandate,” he added.
Political analysts across Ogun State have interpreted Obasanjo’s open declaration as a strategic and symbolic endorsement of Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, especially given the timing, setting and body language that accompanied the statement.
With the 2027 governorship race gradually taking shape, Obasanjo’s intervention is widely seen as a game-changer, potentially recalibrating the political equation in favour of Ogun West and Aworiland, and firmly placing Ota at the centre of succession conversations in the state.
The event attracted a wide array of prominent political stakeholders from Ogun State and beyond. Among those in attendance were the Senator representing Ogun West, Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi); Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tunji Akinosi; former House of Representatives member, Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele; former Senator Akin Odunsi; former Ogun State Commissioner, Waliu Taiwo; and Hon. Segun Gbeleyi, among other notable figures.
The Odun Omo Iganmode celebration also drew an impressive assembly of Awori traditional rulers and respected Yoruba high chiefs. Leading the royal presence were the Osolo of Isolo, Oba Abiodun Shekoni Faronbi; the Olofin Adimula Oodua of Ado-Odo, Oba Olusola Idris Osolo Otenibotemole II; and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, alongside other eminent monarchs and cultural leaders. Read More
