Osun: After 34 Years, Osogbo Leaders Unite to Demand Governorship Seat in 2026

Community and traditional leaders in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, have intensified their collective demand for the 2026 governorship seat to be zoned specifically to an indigene of the town. This campaign comes ahead of the election scheduled for August 8, 2026, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Dependable NG reports that despite the town’s crucial role as the state capital and its political influence over the past 34 years since Osun State was created, no indigene of Osogbo has ever served as the state governor.

Speaking on a local radio programme, High Chief Jimoh Ibrahim, the Baale of Gbodofon and Chairman of the Council of Baales in Osogbo, revealed a unified front among the town’s leadership. He confirmed that traditional and community leaders have resolved to speak with one voice to finally actualise this long-standing political ambition. Ibrahim specifically commended the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, for establishing the Osogbo Action Committee and the Osogbo Elders Council, crediting these bodies with successfully uniting the town’s various stakeholders.

“All Baales in Osogbo are now united behind this cause. We fully support the Elders Council and are determined to ensure that Osogbo produces the next governor,” Ibrahim stated emphatically.

Echoing this strong sentiment, Prince Adeleke Oduola Ibiloye, Chairman of the Osogbo Elders Council, highlighted the town’s history of political cooperation, noting that Osogbo has consistently supported candidates from other parts of the state in previous governorship elections. He insisted that the time has come for this political favour to be reciprocated by the rest of the state.

“We have always stood by others in their political pursuits. Now, it is Osogbo’s turn, and we are prepared to make it happen,” Ibiloye declared. With several prominent Osogbo indigenes already positioning themselves to contest under the platforms of major parties like the APC, PDP, and ADC, the leaders expressed confidence that the 2026 election will finally see the emergence of the first Osogbo-born governor in the history of Osun State.