The Oyo Rebirth Initiative has outrightly condemned the comment credited to the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Sen. Sarafa Alli.

This is contained in a press statement issued on Monday by the Convener of the Oyo Rebirth Initiative, Comrade Yinka Gbadebo.

The statement read, “The Oyo Rebirth Initiative has issued this statement to reiterate a historic and sacrosanct truth that can no longer be ignored. The time has come for Oke-Ogun to produce the next governor of Oyo State.

For over 50 years since the creation of Oyo State, the Oke-Ogun region has remained politically marginalised despite its vast contributions to the economic, agricultural, human capital and political development of the state. This prolonged exclusion is unjust, unacceptable, and must end in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

It is, therefore, shocking, disappointing, and utterly unacceptable that an aspirant within the All Progressives Congress, Sarafadeen Alli, would publicly ridicule the legitimate aspiration of the Oke-Ogun people by declaring that it is not their turn to produce the next governor. Such a statement is not only politically insensitive but deeply insulting to millions of sons and daughters of Oke-Ogun, both at home and in the diaspora.

Senator Alli, by this unguarded statement, has simply signalled how he intends to govern our state, if given the opportunity. Oyo state has a complex political configuration with multiple intra-state zones, and each zone complements the other in delivering victory to whichever party at the polls. No zone, therefore, should be seen as less important to the point of blatantly insulting them to their face.

We state without ambiguity: if, by any stretch of political argument, it is claimed that it is not yet the turn of Oke-Ogun, then it certainly cannot and must not be the turn of someone who has shown such disregard for the people of the region. Leadership requires empathy, respect, and the ability to unify, not divisive rhetoric and dismissive arrogance.

If fairness, competence, and party loyalty are to be considered, then a more credible and unifying figure like Senator Teslim Folarin stands far above Senator Alli. Senator Folarin has consistently demonstrated statesmanship, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the party and the people of Oyo State.

He has weathered political storms, remained loyal through turbulent times, and built bridges across divides, qualities essential for the leadership of a complex and diverse state like Oyo.

Unlike opportunistic ambitions driven by desperation, Senator Folarin represents experience, stability, and broad acceptability.

He understands the intricate political landscape of the state and enjoys respect across regions, making him a far more suitable candidate should the party choose to look beyond Oke-Ogun. Senator Teslim Folarin has the experience, the blueprint, the network, and the grit to reset our state.

Oyo State is a complex mosaic of interests. From the ancient palaces to the modern estates. From metropolitan configurations to the hinterlands, Senator Folarin is one of the few leaders who enjoys respect across party lines, zonal and religious divides. He will run an inclusive government where the best hands, regardless of their village or faith, are brought to the table.

However, let it be clearly stated: our primary demand remains unchanged, Oke-Ogun should, in the spirit of fairness and equity, produce the next Governor of Oyo State.

We therefore call on the leadership of all political parties to heed the voice of equity, justice, and fairness by zoning the governorship to Oke-Ogun. Anything short of this would amount to a continuation of systemic marginalisation.

Furthermore, we urge our respected royal father, the Olubadan, to discontinue his political favouritism towards his alleged anointed candidate. Oba Ladoja should be seen as a father to all and not as a political godfather to one. The respected throne should not be dragged into the murky waters of politics.
The desperation Senator Alli has displayed in recent times only underscores why he is unfit to lead a united Oyo State.

The era of political exclusion is over. The time for justice is now. The time for Oke-Ogun is now.