Ogun 2027: Egba Chief demands fair chance for indigenous aspirants

By Adejoke Adeleye

The Akinfiwatolu of Egbaland and Chairman of the MAO Movement for Change, Chief Mustapha Abdulhakeem Owolabi, has called for a level playing field for all aspirants in the build-up to the 2027 Ogun State governorship election, insisting that every qualified contender deserves an equal opportunity to seek the state’s highest office.

Owolabi said Ogun State is blessed with experienced and accomplished leaders across its three senatorial districts, adding that the process leading to the emergence of governorship candidates should be open, transparent and fair to all aspirants.

Speaking in Abeokuta, the Egba chief argued that the strength of democracy lies in giving party members the freedom to choose among qualified candidates through a credible and competitive process.

He maintained that the state should not be denied the opportunity of assessing the competence, vision and leadership qualities of every interested aspirant before a candidate emerges.

According to him, Egbaland has produced several distinguished personalities with impressive records in public service who are qualified to govern the state.

He listed former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Chief Tunde Lemo, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, and former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo among respected Egba indigenes whose aspirations deserve fair consideration.

Owolabi stressed that his position was not driven by ethnic sentiment but by the need to promote justice, equity and democratic values.

“It is painful that accomplished Egba sons and daughters who have served Nigeria with distinction may not have the opportunity to present themselves before party members. Democracy is about giving every qualified person a fair chance to compete,” he said.

The MAO Movement chairman clarified that his group was not opposed to Ogun West producing the next governor, acknowledging the long-standing agitation for the district to occupy the office.

He, however, insisted that whoever eventually emerges should enjoy the confidence of party members through a transparent and competitive process that commands public respect.

He further called on political leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and professional bodies to support a political environment where competence, integrity and popular acceptance determine leadership.

Owolabi urged political stakeholders to place the interests of Ogun State above personal ambitions, saying the credibility of the 2027 governorship election would depend largely on the fairness of the process that produces the candidates.