Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Okun Development Association (ODA) stakeholders have raised serious concerns over the continued marginalisation of the Yoruba-speaking communities in Kogi State, describing it as unacceptable, and urged unity and love among the people of the area to redress the ugly trend.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ summit organised in Abuja, speakers including the President General of the Association, Ambassador Akenson Rotimi, Prince Olushola Akanmode, former Deputy Chief of Staff to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Prof. Shola Omotola, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Federal University of Oye Ekiti, and others criticised successive administrations for intensifying a “pattern of exclusion” that has become intolerable to the Okun and Oworo people.
Ambassador Rotimi lamented that “successive civilian governments in the state have compounded the trend of marginalisation to a level that has become intolerable to the generality of the people of the area, which should not be allowed to continue as usual.”
Ambassador Rotimi pointed out that any society flourishes only when it embraces the enduring values of equity, justice and fairness, likening the current imbalance to a man who has three wives yet caters solely for one and her children, a move that would deliberately sow discord in his household.
He called for greater unity and a collective sense of purpose among the Yoruba-speaking communities, stressing that the region’s progress depends on its ability to speak with one voice.
He noted that as a respected socio-cultural organisation representing the Yoruba nation, the association recognises that unity remains its greatest strength, while fragmentation poses the greatest risk to progress.
He stressed the need to harmonise divergent views, identify common interests, and align efforts toward shared and achievable goals in the collective interest of the people.
According to him, “The essence of this summit is for a shared goal and the advancement of the best sociopolitical deal for the Okun people.”
Also speaking in the same direction, Prince Olushola Akanmode, former Deputy Chief of Staff to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, lamented that since Kogi was carved out in 1991, governorship hopefuls from the West Senatorial District have repeatedly featured in newspaper headlines with their bids for the governorship, yet none has ever succeeded.
He pointed out that while political power was not necessarily an entitlement, governance must reflect fairness and inclusiveness for society to function harmoniously.
According to him, relying solely on population arguments to determine political access undermines cohesion.
The former Chief of Staff to the Vice President highlighted the intellectual capacity within his constituency, describing it as one of the most resourceful in the state.
According to him, “Intellect exists across the state, but perhaps the concentration is higher in our area. Denying such a group the opportunity to contribute at the highest level may mean denying the state quality leadership.”
He warned that continued marginalisation could deprive Kogi of potential transformational leadership.
He also criticised the lack of transparency and inclusiveness in current governance structures, arguing that equitable distribution of the dividends of democracy has been insufficient.
According to him, “Nigeria’s wider problem is that many people believe development only comes when their own person is in power. This is an indictment of those who have held leadership positions without delivering equitable development.
“It’s time we take part in the forming of a solid base for good governance at all levels beyond 2027. Our political journey as a people has taken us to different political parties, but it is time we create an institution that can stand the test of time.
“Power is not served a la carte; you must be prepared, you must be strategic for the obstacles ahead, and this summit is the right forum to create a pathway.”
In his presentations titled “Political Marginalisation, Power Rotation, and the 2027 Transition”, the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Shola Omotola, called for urgent reforms in governance, equitable political inclusion, and strategic planning as Kogi State approaches another election cycle.
He said years of political depression before 1999, and the return to democracy have heightened the people’s awareness of fairness, competence, and inclusive leadership.
Prof. Omotola added that uneven development and the drive to retain power at all costs have weakened transparency, trust in institutions, and economic growth across the state.
Highlighting historical grievances, the former DVC noted that ethnic diversity should strengthen the state, but exclusion had persisted in communities denied leadership opportunities.
He cited past controversies, including the handling of the 2016 oil pipeline project, and warned that rising insecurity and underdevelopment in key districts continue to fuel demands for justice and equitable governance.
According to him, the agitation for power rotation is not about conflict but ensuring communities have a fair chance to participate in leadership.
He acknowledged significant challenges ahead, including the power of incumbency, the timing of the movement alongside the 2027 presidential election, and resistance from entrenched political actors.
Prof. Omotola stressed that discipline, unity, mobilisation, and strategic coalition-building at local, national, and international levels can advance inclusive governance.
He affirmed, “The 2027 agenda must not be shaped by fear or doubt. It must be shaped by strategy, unity and the democratic right of every community to be heard.”
The summit seeks to build a collaborative framework to build a stronger Okun Nation for the political emancipation of the people. Today, we will have a turning point for our people.
