Dairo Johnson Daniel
BoldNEWS Africa (Street Watch)
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Otunba (Dr) Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo, In a powerful public address delivered to a gathering of Ijebu leaders and citizens, obtained by BoldNEWS Africa, issued a clarion call for unity, equity, and progress, urging the Ijebu people to adopt “Ijebu First” as their guiding political mantra ahead of the 2027 elections.
Describing the meeting as “a moment for deep reflection, a rallying cry, and a declaration of intent,” Dr. Odunowo emphasized that the time had come for Ijebus to assert their political relevance and leadership within Ogun State.
“As we approach the 2027 elections,” he stated, “we must ask ourselves a fundamental question: Are we truly ready to put Ijebu first?”
Dr. Odunowo highlighted the pivotal role Ijebuland has played in shaping Nigeria’s political, economic, and cultural landscape. He underscored that Ijebu people have never been passive participants in nation-building, but active contributors who have consistently led from the front.
Citing examples of renowned Ijebu icons, he mentioned:
Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Otunba Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye, Chief Adeola Odutola, Chief Bayo Kuku, Chief Okusanya Okunowo, Dr. Mike Adenuga, business magnate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate, Late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, elder statesman and Afenifere leader
He also paid homage to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, describing him as a “symbol of incorruptible leadership and cultural pride.”
Despite these towering contributions, Dr. Odunowo lamented that Ijebu people have continued to face political marginalization, especially within the framework of Ogun State governance.
Since the creation of Ogun State in 1976, Dr. Odunowo said Ijebuland has often been left on the sidelines of political leadership.
“While Ogun East has occasionally held the governorship,” he explained, “the Remo bloc has consistently dominated in practice. This imbalance is not just political — it is historical and unjust.”
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, he warned that the cycle of exclusion may repeat itself unless Ijebu people unite to demand fair representation.
Dr. Odunowo emphasized that “Ijebu First” is not an expression of tribalism or sectionalism, but a call for fairness, competence, and balanced development.
He outlined four key reasons why the movement must gain momentum: Equity and Justice democracy thrives on fairness and rotation. It is time the Ijebu people are given their rightful turn to lead Ogun State, Leadership Capacity from politics to business, academia to public service, Ijebus are not short of capable and visionary leaders. Economic Significance Ijebu land, he said, is a “vibrant economic hub,” and sidelining it in leadership amounts to stifling the state’s broader development potential. Unity of Purpose internal divisions have weakened Ijebu’s political strength in the past. “When we speak with one voice, we are unstoppable,” he declared.
Dr. Odunowo reserved special praise for Ijebu media professionals, urging them to take an active role in shaping public discourse.
“You are not mere spectators. You are the custodians of our narrative,” he said.
He charged journalists to expose political marginalization, elevate the profiles of competent Ijebu leaders, counter false or diminishing narratives, promote unity and political awareness, He stressed that through their platforms, the urgency and fairness of the Ijebu cause must be made clear to the wider world.
In closing, Dr. Odunowo issued a passionate plea for collective action and political courage.
“Ijebu First is not a call for favoritism — it is a demand for inclusion, for justice, and for recognition. As 2027 approaches, let us raise our voices and say: Enough is enough!”
“We are not asking for special favors. We are simply demanding what is rightfully ours. The Ijebu people have waited long enough. The time to act is now.”
Ijebu Lokan – Fun Itesiwaju Ijebu.
Alajobi… a gbe de de eni.
(C) BoldNEWS
