Osun 2026: Osogbo Indigenes Decry Political Marginalisation, Push For Governorship Ticket

The Coalition of Osogbo Indigenous Groups has accused successive administrations of marginalising the state capital in political representation, vowing to rally behind any political party that field an Osogbo indigene in the 2026 governorship election.

Addressing journalists on Thursday, the coalition said Osogbo has remained the political and economic hub of Osun State since its creation in 1991, yet has never produced a governor or occupied key federal positions.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Omosola Olabode, Coordinator of the Osogbo Development Action Group (ODAG), described the situation as unfair, insisting that the city deserves a chance to lead the state.

“Osogbo has never produced a governor in 35 years, yet it defines the state’s identity through its spiritual, historical, and economic significance,” Olabode said.

“Our voting strength has consistently led the state, yet we’ve been denied key federal investments, including a higher institution, ministerial slots, or ambassadorial appointments.”

The coalition, made up of seven indigenous associations, including the Osogbo Development Action Group (ODAG), Osogbo Progressive Youth Movement (OPYM), Osogbo Peace and Unity Advocacy (OPUA), Osogbo Affairs Forum (OSAF), The Great Osogbo Daughters, Ààrè Ò Pétà Movement, and Osogbo National Students Union (ONSU), said its demand was rooted in fairness and equity.

In a joint statement, the groups urged major political parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), to prioritise Osogbo indigenes in their 2026 primaries.

“Any party that nominates an Osogbo indigene will receive overwhelming support and votes from our people,” the statement read. “We call on Osogbo indigenes to unite across party lines behind such a candidate.”

The coalition identified seven key reasons for its demand, historical relevance, population and economic dominance, qualified indigenes, equity, electoral strength, development deficits, and grassroots accountability.

Olabode added that Osogbo, which hosts residents from across the state, accounts for more than 65 percent of Osun’s daily economic activities, making it a natural centre of development.

“This is a clarion call for all indigenes and residents to rally behind a credible, competent candidate who can drive inclusive growth across Osun,” he said.

The coalition’s position comes as zoning debates and internal alignments intensify ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State.