The Leader of the Nigerian Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, has pointed to the 'cumulative effects of structural exclusion and internal fragmentation' as the reasons for the failure of the Ogun West Senatorial District to fulfill its long-standing aspiration of having a governor.
Since Ogun State's establishment in 1976, the Ogun West region, commonly known as Yewa-Awori, has yet to see one of its own assume the governorship.
In contrast, Ogun Central and Ogun East have had opportunities to occupy the governorship post at different intervals.
Ogun State will celebrate its 50th anniversary on February 3, 2026.
Speaking at a lecture themed “The Power of Internal Coherence in Securing External Support: A Roadmap for Achieving Ogun West Gubernatorial Ambition in 2027,” which took place in Ilaro, Ogun State, Bamidele voiced concerns about Ogun West's continued political neglect despite its significant economic and electoral strengths.
The event, termed “Media Chat 2026,” was organized by the Ogun West Professionals (For Yayi).
According to Bamidele, the ongoing marginalization of Ogun West from governorship opportunities is not coincidental; rather, it is the result of structural exclusion combined with internal discord.
He highlighted that Ogun West stands as one of the primary economic contributors to Ogun State, being home to major industrial areas like Ota and Agbara, facilitating cross-border commerce with the Republic of Benin, and playing a crucial role in the state’s internally generated revenue.
Despite this economic prominence, the region has failed to convert its economic significance into political influence.
“This disconnect between economic potential and political representation has led to an increasing sense of frustration and a perception of systemic injustice among the local populace,” Bamidele stated.
The senator from Ekiti Central proposed that the path to a successful endeavor for the region in 2027 hinges on an urgent need for elite coordination, strategic professional planning, consensus-forming, and sending coherent political messages.
He stated, “If the Ogun West elites can set aside personal ambitions and unite around a cohesive regional vision, it may be possible to rectify this long- standing imbalance.
“This discussion concludes that achieving internal coherence is critical for Ogun West's ambitions regarding the governorship election in 2027.
“Unity would become a significant political asset, fostering party confidence, cross-district partnerships, elite support, and acceptance by the voters across the state.
“In essence, Ogun West's prospects will rely more on internal discipline, consensus, and advanced strategic thinking than on external influence. Achieving unity will naturally attract external support.”
Additionally, Bamidele singled out the senator representing the district, Solomon Adeola (Yayi), as someone capable of helping the region overcome the 50-year gap in attaining the governorship ahead of the upcoming elections in 2027.
During a communiqué issued at the event, the Ogun West professionals expressed their support for President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027. They also backed Adeola’s gubernatorial ambition while reaffirming their commitment for Ogun West to produce the next governor of the state.
In a goodwill message, Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, described the meeting as a convergence of elite consensus endorsing the ambitions of both President Tinubu and Adeola.
He remarked that the support for Senator Adeola is a calculated strategy to realize the Ogun West governorship objective.
However, Salako pointed out that without active participation in mobilizing voters, such endorsements would not suffice to secure victories for Yayi or Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
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