A Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli’s recent visit to Ṣakí has triggered fresh debate across the Òkèògùn region, following remarks perceived to delay the zone’s longstanding quest to produce the next governor of Ọ̀yọ́ State.
Alli, who represents Ọ̀yọ́ South Senatorial District, met with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as part of efforts to consolidate support ahead of his anticipated entry into the 2027 governorship race.
During the meeting, the senator acknowledged increasing agitation for power rotation to the Òkèògùn zone but indicated that, in his view, such a shift should take place after his own tenure. The comment has since drawn criticism from stakeholders, who argue that it undermines the region’s demand for immediate consideration in the next electoral cycle.
Attendees at the meeting described a subdued and uneasy atmosphere, noting that many interpreted the remark as a call for Òkèògùn to once again postpone its governorship ambition.
The event, held at Abeje Event Centre, was attended by party leaders and grassroots supporters, including Tajudeen Abisodun, lawmaker representing Ṣakí West, Ṣakí East and ATISBO Federal Constituency.
Reacting to the development, a socio-political group, Ẹgbẹ́ Àjọṣepọ̀ Fún Ìtẹsiwájú Gbogbo Wa, expressed strong reservations, maintaining that the demand for an Òkèògùn governor in 2027 is rooted in equity, fairness and the need for balanced representation across the state.
The group acknowledged Alli’s political experience but stressed that the core issue goes beyond individual ambition, pointing to what it described as a historical imbalance in the distribution of political power. It noted that despite its size and contributions, Òkèògùn has remained underrepresented at the highest levels of governance compared to other regions, particularly Ìbádàn.
The statement also raised concerns over a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos convened by Florence Ajimobi, describing it as lacking inclusivity and adequate consultation across Ọ̀yọ́ State’s geopolitical zones.
In the aftermath of the meeting in Ṣakí, members of the group staged a peaceful protest, displaying banners to reiterate their stance that the region would only support governorship candidates from Òkèògùn in the 2027 election.
While the demonstration remained largely orderly, there were reports of brief tension, with allegations that some protesters were confronted by supporters of political actors present at the venue.
Nonetheless, the group reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful engagement, emphasizing dialogue, inclusivity and a fairer political structure for all regions of the state.