Since the creation of Osun State 34 years ago, leadership positions at the highest levels have predominantly favored a select group of local government areas (LGAs), leaving 18 LGAs marginalized and underrepresented in the state’s political landscape. This glaring imbalance has sparked calls for inclusivity, equity, and fairness in the allocation of leadership roles ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.
Historically, the positions of Governor, Deputy Governor, and Speaker of the House of Assembly have been distributed across only 12 LGAs, including Ede North, Ilesa East, and Ila, among others. These areas have consistently produced key political leaders, shaping the socio-economic trajectory of Osun State. In contrast, 18 LGAs including the state capital, Osogbo, as well as Iwo, Ayedaade, Oriade, Egbedore, and others have yet to hold any of these critical positions.
Historical Distribution of Key Leadership Roles
3rd Republic:
Governor: Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke (Ede North)
Deputy Governor: Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup (Ilesa West)
Speaker: Rt. Hon. Wale Afolabi (Ifelodun)
4th Republic (1999–2003):
Governor: Chief Adebisi Akande (Ila)
Deputy Governor: Otunba Iyiola Omisore (Ife Central)
Speaker: Rt. Hon. Mojeed Alabi (Ejigbo)
2003–2010:
Governor: Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Odo Otin)
Deputy Governor: Erelu Olusola Obada (Ilesa East)
Speaker: Ambassador Adejare Bello (Ede North)
2010–2018:
Governor: Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (Ilesa East)
Deputy Governor: Chief Mrs. Titi Laoye-Ponle (Olorunda)
Speaker: Rt. Hon. Dr. Najeem Salaam (Ejigbo)
2018–2022:
Governor: Mr. Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola (Boripe)
Deputy Governor: Mr. Benedict Olugboyega Alabi (Irewole)
Speaker: Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye (Ilesa East)
2022–Present:
Governor: Senator Ademola Adeleke (Ede North)
Deputy Governor: Hon. Kola Adewusi (Ife East)
Speaker: Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun (Odo Otin)
The Case for Zoning the 2026 Governorship
The systematic exclusion of LGAs such as Osogbo, Iwo, and Oriade from producing key political office holders has fostered feelings of marginalization and inequity. With the 2026 gubernatorial election approaching, stakeholders are calling for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to address this historical imbalance by zoning the governorship ticket to one of the overlooked LGAs.
This call is supported by the APC’s leadership, including Osun State Chairman Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, National Chairman Alhaji Abdulahi Umar Ganduje, and President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who are urged to prioritize inclusivity and fairness in their candidate selection process.
A holistic approach that considers the historical exclusion and numerical strength of the marginalized LGAs is essential to foster unity and equitable governance in Osun State. Addressing this imbalance would not only strengthen the state’s democratic values but also ensure that all LGAs feel a sense of belonging in the political process.
The 2026 gubernatorial election presents a golden opportunity to right this historical wrong. It is a clarion call for justice, equity, and inclusivity values that will lay the foundation for sustainable development and harmonious coexistence in Osun State.
This is more than a political issue; it is a moral obligation to ensure every LGA has a fair shot at leadership in Osun State.
