Osogbo leaders demand Osogbo governorship zoning in 2026, urging political parties to zone the ticket to the state capital for equity, justice, and inclusion.
The demand for Osogbo governorship zoning has taken center stage in Osun State’s political discussions ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.
Religious leaders, community elders, and stakeholders in the state capital have joined forces, insisting that the next governor should emerge from Osogbo for the sake of fairness, equity, and political balance.
This united call was made by the Senate of the League of Imams in Osogbo and the Osogbo Elders Council, both of which emphasized that zoning the governorship to the capital is long overdue.
They argued that since the creation of Osun State 34 years ago, no indigene of Osogbo has ever held the position of governor, despite the city’s central role in the state’s political and administrative development.
Speaking on behalf of the Imams’ League, Sheikh Ilyas Afolabi Alawe, President of the Alasaro of Osogbo, described the demand for Osogbo governorship zoning as a moral and historical necessity.
In a weekend statement, he noted that Osogbo, being the seat of government and a city that has consistently supported other zones politically, deserves to be given the opportunity to produce the next leader of the state.
“Since Osun’s creation in 1991, our people have remained loyal to every administration, irrespective of origin or party,” Sheikh Alawe said.
“Yet, no son or daughter of Osogbo has been privileged to lead as governor. The elders, religious leaders, and our community stakeholders are determined to change this in 2026 through the principle of Osogbo governorship zoning.”
He further explained that Osogbo has always played a decisive role in electoral victories across the state, often tipping the balance in favor of candidates from other regions.
Despite this influence, Alawe lamented that Osogbo has been politically sidelined for decades.
He urged indigenes to rally behind credible candidates from the capital city across political parties to ensure success in the forthcoming election.
According to him, zoning the governorship ticket to Osogbo would not only correct a long-standing political imbalance but also strengthen unity and inclusiveness among Osun citizens.
He described Osogbo as a melting pot of cultures, religions, and ethnic groups—a city that represents the true spirit of the state.
Backing this call, Prince Adeleke Ibiloye, Chairman of the Osogbo Elders Council, declared total support for the zoning proposal.
He emphasized that Osogbo people have, for years, lent political and electoral support to candidates from other parts of Osun State and that it is now time for those towns to reciprocate the gesture.
“We have stood behind others when they sought our backing for political offices,” Ibiloye said.
“Now, we are appealing to them to return that favor. Osogbo governorship zoning is not a selfish demand—it is a call for fairness and mutual respect among all regions in Osun.”
Prince Ibiloye maintained that the capital city has all it takes to produce a competent, visionary, and development-focused governor.
He expressed confidence that zoning the governorship to Osogbo in 2026 would bring stability and progress to the state.
“We are home to peace and diversity,” he noted.
“Osogbo will provide leadership that is balanced, inclusive, and forward-looking.”
He also called on youths and women from Osogbo to actively participate in political processes.
He urged them to register, join parties, and mobilize grassroots support to ensure that the agitation for Osogbo governorship zoning becomes a reality.
“This is our moment of unity,” he declared. “We must take collective action to secure our rightful turn.”
The two groups — the League of Imams and the Elders Council — urged all political parties to demonstrate fairness by zoning their 2026 governorship tickets to Osogbo.
They insisted that the decision would promote harmony among the state’s diverse zones and reduce political tension.
Sheikh Alawe also appealed to religious and traditional institutions in other towns to support the zoning demand as a symbol of mutual respect and justice.
“We are not asking for what we do not deserve,” he said.
“Osogbo has contributed immensely to Osun’s growth. The time has come to reward that loyalty by supporting one of our own to occupy the Bola Ige Government House.”
Political observers believe that the call for Osogbo governorship zoning could reshape the dynamics of the upcoming election.
Many analysts have pointed out that, while Osun East and Osun West senatorial zones have both produced governors in the past, the Central zone—particularly Osogbo—has yet to enjoy the same opportunity. They argue that granting Osogbo the chance to lead would promote a sense of fairness across the state’s three zones.
Supporters of the movement have also begun informal consultations with politicians, party executives, and opinion leaders across Osun.
They hope to build consensus around the idea of zoning the governorship to the state capital before party primaries begin.
According to community insiders, meetings and town hall gatherings are being planned to sensitize the public on the importance of the demand.
Beyond politics, the campaign for Osogbo governorship zoning has become a rallying point for civic pride and collective identity.
For many residents, it symbolizes recognition for decades of contribution to the state’s social and economic development.
“We have carried the weight of being the host city of government for 34 years,” said one resident.
“It is time that responsibility is matched with opportunity.”
As the 2026 election approaches, all eyes are on the political parties to see if they will heed the growing call for zoning. For Osogbo’s leaders, the message remains clear — justice, balance, and inclusivity must guide the next political transition.
Whether through negotiation, consensus, or political persuasion, they remain determined that the forthcoming election will mark a new chapter in Osun’s leadership history — one that finally places Osogbo at the helm.
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