Oluwo of Iwo and 37 monarchs have endorsed Akin Ogunbiyi governorship ambition, pledging unity and royal support for Osun 2026 election victory.
A wave of political momentum is building in Osun State as the Akin Ogunbiyi governorship ambition gains royal endorsement from the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, and thirty-seven traditional rulers from the Iwo Federal Constituency.
The historic endorsement took place on Tuesday at the Oluwo’s palace, where the monarchs gathered to publicly declare their unified support for Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, the Chairman of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc and a prominent aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The event, attended by political stakeholders, traditional chiefs, and hundreds of residents, was filled with jubilation, symbolizing Iwo land’s collective desire for political inclusion and fair representation in the governance of Osun State.
Speaking at the palace, Oba Akanbi expressed deep concern over the long-standing political marginalization of Iwo land.
He lamented that since the creation of Osun State, the Iwo zone—which comprises Iwo, Ayedire, and Ola-Oluwa Local Government Areas—has never produced a governor, deputy governor, minister, or ambassador.
According to him, the time has come for Iwo to rise and take its rightful place in the political leadership of the state.
“I am joining thirty-seven monarchs in this federal constituency to endorse our son, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi. He has the experience, the capacity, and the courage to lead Osun State to greatness,” the Oluwo declared.
“For too long, Iwo has been sidelined. We have decided to rally behind one candidate and one vision—the Akin Ogunbiyi governorship ambition—to change the narrative.”
The monarch described Ogunbiyi as a leader with integrity, strong business acumen, and deep understanding of governance, saying his victory would bring progress and prosperity to the people.
“We pray that his ambition will succeed, that good things will come to Iwo land, and that he will emerge victorious like Aregbesola, Oyetola, and Adeleke before him,” he added.
The Oluwo also urged unity among the people, emphasizing that Iwo’s collective voice was more powerful when united behind a single cause.
He revealed plans to mobilize support for Ogunbiyi beyond the constituency, saying: “We will reach out to other monarchs and communities across Osun to ensure this dream becomes reality. Iwo must not miss this golden opportunity.”
The endorsement was followed by prayers and royal blessings for Ogunbiyi, with chants of “Iwo for Governor 2026” echoing across the palace grounds. The atmosphere reflected a strong determination among the people to end decades of political exclusion.
In his remarks, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi expressed profound gratitude to the Oluwo and the thirty-seven monarchs for their show of solidarity. He described the royal endorsement as both an honor and a sacred trust, promising to uphold the confidence reposed in him.
“I am deeply humbled by the support of my fathers and leaders,” Ogunbiyi said.
“It is only in our federal constituency that you will find one aspirant. While other regions have multiple contenders, we have chosen unity of purpose. The Akin Ogunbiyi governorship ambition is a shared mission—a mission to give Iwo a voice in Osun politics.”
He emphasized that his political aspiration was driven by service, not self-interest. “I have come to seek the prayers and blessings of the Oluwo and the entire royal council. Oluwo’s influence and divine favor are well known. Anything he lays his hands on prospers. I want that same grace to accompany this journey,” he said.
Ogunbiyi pledged to run an inclusive and development-oriented government that would prioritize education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and agricultural transformation.
He highlighted his private-sector experience as an asset that would help reposition Osun for economic growth.
“Our people deserve better governance and stronger institutions. I have the experience to deliver that,” he added.
The APC aspirant stressed that Iwo, being the third most populous area in Osun, deserves to produce the next governor.
“Iwo has waited long enough. This is our time,” he declared.
“We must seize this chance or risk waiting another twenty-four years before such an opportunity returns. The Akin Ogunbiyi governorship ambition represents the hope of every son and daughter of Iwo land.”
He urged all stakeholders, party members, and residents to work together in unity, saying that political progress requires collaboration, faith, and strategic planning.
“This movement is not mine alone—it is ours,” Ogunbiyi said.
“If we stand together, Osun will witness a new dawn, and Iwo will finally take its rightful place in history.”
The endorsement ceremony attracted community leaders, youth groups, and women associations from Iwo, Ayedire, and Ola-Oluwa Local Government Areas. Many participants described the event as a turning point for Iwo’s political future.
Chief Rafiu Ajibola, a respected elder, said the decision of the traditional rulers to unite behind Ogunbiyi was a sign of maturity and vision.
“This is the first time Iwo is presenting a single, credible aspirant. With unity and divine guidance, victory is certain,” he said.
Political analysts have also noted that the endorsement could significantly strengthen Ogunbiyi’s chances within the APC, where zoning, regional representation, and consensus are likely to shape the 2026 governorship primaries.
As prayers and cultural performances concluded the event, the Oluwo reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that Iwo’s voice is heard across Osun.
“This is about justice and fairness,” he said. “We have prayed, and we believe that the Akin Ogunbiyi governorship ambition will succeed. Iwo land will rise again.”
The endorsement marks a defining moment not only for Ogunbiyi but also for the people of Iwo, who see this as a long-overdue opportunity to take part in the governance of Osun State.
As the 2026 election approaches, the growing momentum around the Akin Ogunbiyi governorship ambition is shaping what could become one of the most united and transformative political movements in the state’s history.
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