Osun 2026: Oralusi Declares Intention To Run For Governorship Seat

– Promises Youth Empowerment

– As SYF Honours Him with Nelson Mandela Leadership Award

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

A business magnate and founder of NextGen 4 HBO, Ambassador Hareter Babatunde Oralusi, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2026 Osun State governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), promising to tackle youth unemployment and make wealth creation a priority.

Oralusi made the declaration on Thursday in Ile-Ife before a crowd of party leaders, supporters, and community groups.

He said his ambition was driven by the desire to offer solutions to Osun’s challenges and not by the quest for power.

“About 85 percent of youths in Osun are unemployed,” Oralusi said.

“If I become governor, I will not only provide jobs for youths, I will make them wealthy. As the son of a civil servant and Iyaloja, I struggled all the way to this position. That experience makes me understand what the youths are going through, and I know the solution.”

He described himself as the most competent and innovative candidate to lead Osun, citing his background in business, public service, and development work as tools for transforming governance.

“I am not coming into politics to learn. I have built institutions, created jobs, and attracted investments. I am ready to bring that same innovation and accountability into governance,” he declared.

Oralusi said his decision to rejoin the race, twelve years after first contesting in 2014, was inspired by the leadership vision of President Bola Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, which, he said, is fostering a new era of competence and opportunity for young Nigerians.

“Under President Tinubu, we are witnessing a new Nigeria where competence replaces connection and innovation triumphs over entitlement. Osun must not lag behind this vision,” he said.

He said, if given the ticket and emerged victorious, his administration would prioritize local government autonomy, technology-driven development, and inclusive economic reforms.

“Development does not start from Abuja; it starts from the states and local governments. Every local government in Osun will become a hub of enterprise and opportunity,” he promised.

Oralusi also paid tribute to the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, recalling that he stepped down from the 2014 race at the monarch’s request to maintain peace in the state.

“Here I am again after twelve years, with more experience and conviction to serve. I am confident that the time has come for Osun to experience a new kind of leadership,” he said.

In his declaration speech, Oralusi commended the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, as a “symbol of youth-driven innovation and cultural advancement” whose leadership continues to inspire a new generation.

He also expressed gratitude to APC elders and stakeholders for their continued guidance, urging them to support the emergence of competent young leaders in the forthcoming election.

“The 2026 election will not be about slogans or political affiliation, but about competence and capacity. I stand not as a man seeking power, but as a man offering purpose,” he said.

Shortly after his declaration, the Southern Youth Forum (SYF) presented Oralusi with the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity for his contributions to youth development, entrepreneurship, and governance.

Presenting the award, the President of SYF, Comrade Victor Okwudiri, described Oralusi as “a leader who embodies the spirit of Nelson Mandela through integrity, service, and commitment to human development.”

“This award is not just a recognition of past achievements but a call to continue championing youth inclusion and integrity in leadership. Oralusi represents the bridge between the old and the new generation,” Okwudiri said.

In his response, Oralusi thanked the SYF leadership for the honour, dedicating the award to “all young Nigerians striving to make a difference despite challenges.”

“This recognition gives me strength to continue pushing for youth empowerment and good governance. My vision is to build an Osun where no one is left behind,” he said.

Speaking with journalists after the event, Oralusi urged young people to take advantage of the enabling environment created by President Tinubu’s administration to participate in governance and leadership.

“Nigerian youths should not be discouraged by the media space. The environment is open — get involved, try, fail, learn, and lead. That is how progress begins,” he advised.

The event was attended by APC leaders, members of the National and State Assemblies, local government chairmen, councillors, youth groups, and civil society organizations including NextGen Osun, Women Rising Movement, Citizen for Oralusi, and the Obafemi Awolowo University Students’ Union.