The Convener of the United Premier Movement (UPM), Hon. (Chief) Olalekan Shoyinka, has urged political stakeholders across Ogun Central Senatorial District to put aside sentiment and focus on competence, as the 2027 governorship race draws closer.
Shoyinka, who made this known in a statement on Thursday, stressed that the Egba people must not allow emotional slogans or regional entitlement to determine their political direction, warning that the zone risks another long stretch without access to the state’s top seat if it fails to rally behind a capable and credible candidate.
“Egbaland deserves better in 2027, not empty sentiments. We need to field a candidate whose records and integrity speak for themselves, not someone banking on ethnic slogans or old political myths,” Shoyinka declared.
He emphasized that since the advent of the Fourth Republic, no governor has emerged through sectional agitation, but rather through strong party platforms and broad political alliances.
“In all honesty, no governor since 1999 has emerged simply because he came from a particular zone. They all rode on strong political structures, went through competitive primaries, and secured victory with wide-ranging support,” he said.
While cautioning against backing any aspirant based solely on Egba identity, Shoyinka pointed out that the Egba people must learn from history.
“If none of the previous four governors from the East and Central were handed power on a platter due to sectional sentiments, how do we think it will happen now?” he asked.
He added, “Yes, we want an Egba son on that seat again, but it must be someone with proven contributions to the development of Egbaland and the capacity to lead Ogun State as a whole.”
Shoyinka expressed concerns that some of the individuals currently showing interest or being mentioned for the race from Egba extraction have not demonstrated commitment to Egba’s growth when they held positions of influence.
“We must look at legacies, not just names. Who among them used their office to bring meaningful development to our people when they had the chance? That’s the question we must ask,” he stressed.
He continued, “There’s someone from Egba currently heading a Federal Government Commission who has shown leadership capacity and a genuine interest in the development of our land. If we’re serious, we should rally around such a person instead of allowing political noise-makers to hijack our agenda.”
Shoyinka acknowledged that strong contenders from other districts such as Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu from the East and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) from the West, already command impressive political structures and public goodwill.
“In truth, if the Egba political class does not present a strong, acceptable candidate, it will be difficult to outshine the likes of Adebutu or Yayi.”
“Adebutu has made commendable efforts across Ogun Central. Yayi, on the other hand, has consistently delivered in terms of empowerment and community development,” he noted.
He therefore called on Egba elders, traditional rulers, political leaders, and community stakeholders to act fast and responsibly.
“This is not the time to play politics as usual. This is a clarion call for unity, strategy, and sincerity. We must not miss this opportunity again,” Shoyinka concluded.
