Awori Unity Committee urges calm and internal dialogue amid Ogun West controversy, raises concerns over inclusion and calls for sincere Yewa–Awori unity to actualise the district’s 2027 governorship ambition
2027 Ogun Governorship: Awori Unity Committee Raises Concerns, Calls for Genuine Yewa–Awori Unity
The Awori Unity Committee (AUC) has called for calm, restraint and sincere internal engagement among stakeholders in Ogun West Senatorial District, warning that lingering divisions between the Yewa and Awori blocs could once again derail the district’s long-standing ambition to produce a governor for the first time since the creation of Ogun State nearly 50 years ago.
In a statement released on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the AUC reacted to the political controversy triggered by a keynote address delivered by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, at a media chat organised by Ogun West Professionals for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) in Ilaro on February 1, and the subsequent response by the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele.
The Committee expressed concern that the exchange of views had spiralled into a social media storm, generating sharp divisions within the Awori and Yewa communities at a time when unity is most critical.
“We are deeply worried by the barrage of reactions and counter-reactions playing out on social media. Awori-related concerns are best resolved internally through dialogue, not public escalation,” the AUC stated.
While expressing deep concerns over the controversy, the AUC acknowledged Senator Bamidele’s repeated recognition of the Awori people, particularly Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, which he described as the industrial heartbeat of Ogun State.
According to the Committee, the Senate Leader correctly noted that Ogun West’s repeated failure to clinch the governorship seat since 1976 has largely been due to internal wrangling, lack of cohesion and elite fragmentation, and that unity between Yewa and Awori stakeholders is indispensable to success in 2027.
The AUC agreed that the call for collective support for Senator Adeola (Yayi) and the broader message of unity are, in principle, unavoidable.
“Unity between Yewa and Awori is essential and unavoidable if Ogun West is serious about producing a governor in 2027,” the Committee noted.
However, the AUC warned that public exchanges surrounding the Deputy Governor’s reaction to Senator Bamidele’s speech risk reopening old wounds and undermining ongoing efforts to strengthen Awori unity, particularly among traditional rulers.
“This is a delicate moment. Political interests must not be allowed to disrupt the process of Awori unity, which is non-negotiable,” the statement stressed.
The Committee reiterated that Aworiland’s political relevance and development — both in Ogun and Lagos states — depend on internal cohesion and disciplined engagement.
Beyond rhetoric, the Awori Unity Committee raised uncomfortable but critical questions about equity, inclusion and sincerity in the Ogun West project.
Among the concerns highlighted were:
- The reported absence of Awori representation among the five appointees currently handling Ogun West affairs in Abuja.
- Claims that about 500 federal appointments and employments have been made for Yewa–Awori people, with no clarity on how many Awori beneficiaries are included.
- The alleged exclusion of Ado-Odo/Ota youths from five federal health-sector employment letters presented at the Ilaro event.
- Perceived imbalance in the sharing of national benefits meant for Ogun West.
- Electoral data showing that Ado-Odo/Ota contributes about 65% of votes from the senatorial district, making it indispensable to any winning governorship strategy.
“How genuine are we among ourselves in the quest to produce a governor from a district that has been politically marginalised for 50 years?” the Committee queried.
The AUC appealed directly to all Ogun West governorship aspirants to deliberately engage Awori leaders and stakeholders, especially in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, in a manner that reflects fairness, equity and genuine inclusion.
According to the Committee, only truthful engagement, balanced representation and mutual respect can produce the level of internal coherence required to secure external political support across Ogun State.
As the 2027 election cycle gathers momentum, the Awori Unity Committee warned that Ogun West cannot afford another missed opportunity caused by internal disunity.
“Unity, when sincere, remains our strongest political asset,” the Committee concluded, urging stakeholders to de-escalate tensions and focus on the historic task of delivering the first-ever governor from Ogun West. Read More
