PARTY NI KEKE, OKE OGUN NI IBI TI A NLO: The Imperative of the 'Oke Ogun Lo Kan' Mandate Ahead of 2027
In the high-stakes arena of Nigerian politics, there is a fundamental truth that seasoned political actors understand, but the grassroots often forget: A political party is merely a vehicle. It has no soul, no bloodline, and no ancestral hometown. In the Yoruba political lexicon, we say, "Party ni keke, ibi ti a nlo ni a nwo" (A political party is just a bicycle; our focus must remain on the destination).
For decades, the good people of Oke Ogun have faithfully pedaled the bicycles of various political parties. We have voted massively for umbrellas and brooms. Yet, as the permutations for the 2027 elections begin to take shape, a critical question must be asked: Has this political vehicle taken Oke Ogun to its rightful destination?
The Illusion of Blind Partisanship
Oke Ogun comprises ten powerful Local Government Areas: Atisbo, Irepo, Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola, Olorunsogo, Oorelope, Saki East, and Saki West. By geographical size, we cover over 60% of Oyo State. We are the undisputed food basket and the solid mineral vault of the state.
Despite this overwhelming demographic and economic leverage, our political reality has been that of perennial marginalization. We are always deemed "good enough" to supply the crucial swing votes, but rarely considered "deserving enough" to hold the number one seat in Agodi Government House.
This tragic paradox is a direct result of blind partisanship. When the people of Oke Ogun prioritize the logos of political parties over the survival and development of the region, we unknowingly divide our massive voting bloc. When an indigene of Iseyin fights an indigene of Saki over a political party that is headquartered in Abuja, the region loses its bargaining power.
The "Oke Ogun Lo Kan" Philosophy: A Demand for Equity
The agitation for "Oke Ogun Lo Kan" is not a selfish political gimmick; it is a fundamental demand for equity, justice, and fair play within the Oyo State political architecture.
Historically, the governorship of Oyo State has heavily favored the Ibadan zone, with brief but impactful interventions from Ogbomoso. The people of Oke Ogun have been loyal allies, dependable deputies, and steadfast supporters. But an alliance where one partner is permanently relegated to the passenger seat is not an alliance; it is political servitude.
Ahead of 2027, the mandate must be clear: The destination is the governorship of Oyo State, and the infrastructural emancipation of our region. Any political party—regardless of its name or national spread—that does not present a clear, actionable, and binding pathway for an Oke Ogun son or daughter to emerge as Governor is a vehicle we must refuse to board.
Forging an Elite Consensus Across the 10 LGAs
To achieve this mandate, we must move from the politics of emotion to the politics of transactional strategy. Power is never served a la carte; it is negotiated, demanded, and taken through unified strength.
The End of Sectional Rivalry: The historical rivalries between Saki, Iseyin, Kishi, and Igboho must be immediately suspended. An Oke Ogun governor from Kajola is a victory for Oorelope. We cannot afford the luxury of micro-zoning when we are yet to secure the macro-mandate.
The Role of the Traditional Institution: The royal fathers of Oke Ogun must form an impenetrable united front. Our Obas must speak with one voice in the boardrooms of political kingmakers.
A Unified Charter of Demands: Beyond the governorship, the elites of Oke Ogun must draft a binding infrastructural charter. Whichever vehicle (party) we choose to ride must legally commit to the establishment of higher institutions, the completion of major road networks linking our agrarian communities to urban markets, and the massive upgrading of our healthcare facilities.
Conclusion: The Journey to 2027 Starts Now
The days of being political footnotes are over. As the 2027 general elections approach, let every son and daughter of Oke Ogun, both at home and in the diaspora, awaken to this new consciousness.
Do not hate your brother because of a political party. Do not destroy your community because of a politician's ambition. Always remember: the party is just a bicycle. If the rider refuses to take us to Agodi, we will gracefully alight, take our massive voting numbers, and board a new vehicle.
Oke Ogun Lo Kan!
David Alani Ige (The Scribe)
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Ayekooto Media
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David Alani Ige (The Scribe)
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Ayekooto MediaDavid Alani Ige is a seasoned journalist, strategic analyst, and the visionary publisher of Ayekooto Media. With a relentless commitment to archiving Nigeria's political realities and delivering the unvarnished truth, he has built a formidable platform for deep-dive reportage and editorial excellence. He is widely known by his readers and peers as "The Scribe".


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