Osun 2026: Osogbo coalition demands indigene as next state governor
As the 2026 Osun governorship election draws near, the Coalition of Osogbo Indigenous Groups has called for the next governor of Osun State to emerge from Osogbo, the state capital.
Addressing journalists in Osogbo on Thursday, the coalition in a statement jointly signed by 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 the Osogbo National Students Union, ONSU, said the demand was based on fairness, historical importance, and equitable representation within the state.
The group said Osogbo, despite being the capital and economic hub of Osun, had never produced a governor since the state’s creation in 1991.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Omosola Olabode, Coordinator of Osogbo Development Action Group noted that Osogbo’s contributions to the political and economic growth of the state warranted its turn to produce the next governor.
He said, “The historical significance of Osogbo in Osun socio-politics requires that an indigene of the town should be the state governor in 2026, thirty-five years after the creation of Osun State.”
According to the coalition, Osogbo represents the spiritual and cultural identity of the state, as the name Osun is derived from a Yoruba deity domiciled in the town.
The coalition also cited population strength, economic relevance, and political participation as major reasons why Osogbo deserves the governorship slot.
“Osogbo is the most populated city in Osun and the commercial hub where over 65 per cent of the state’s daily economic activities occur,” the group stated.
They further lamented the lack of major federal presence in the state capital, saying, “Osogbo is the only state capital without a federal higher institution, ministerial appointment, or ambassadorial representation.”
The coalition said Osogbo’s rapid growth required a leader who understood its unique developmental challenges.
“According to available data, Osogbo is the fifth fastest-growing city in southwestern Nigeria. A governor from Osogbo will be better positioned to manage its growth and infrastructural needs,” it added.
The group urged all political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, All Progressives Congress, APC, and African Democratic Congress, ADC, to field Osogbo indigenes in their primaries.
“Any political party that presents an Osogbo indigene as its candidate in the 2026 election will receive overwhelming support and votes from Osogbo people,” the coalition declared.