By: Omooba Segun Adewale frpa (OSA)
There are moments in the history of people when politics must rise above sentiment and become an instrument of justice, unity and collective progress.
The 2027 governorship election presents such a moment for the people of Ogun State. For too long, discussions about Ogun politics have focused on what separates us rather than what binds us together. Yet history reminds us that the story of the Egba and the story of Yewa-Awori cannot be separated. They are chapters of the same book.
The relationship between Egba and Yewa-Awori is not merely political; it is historical, cultural and geographical. Across generations, our people have traded together, lived together, intermarried, defended common interests and contributed to the growth of what is today known as Ogun State.
Many communities and territories that today form parts of Ogun Central and Ogun West share common ancestral roots and historical connections. The prosperity of one has often contributed to the prosperity of the other.
That is why the emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi should not be viewed as a Yewa project alone.
It should be seen as a collective project of justice, fairness and shared progress. This is not about Yewa versus Egba. This is about Egba and Yewa standing together.
For decades, Ogun West has remained one of the most loyal and supportive political blocs in the state. Through successive administrations, the people of Yewa and Awori have consistently contributed to the political stability and development of Ogun State.
Today, history has presented an opportunity for that loyalty to be rewarded through the emergence of a governorship candidate from Ogun West.
The question before Egba leaders is not whether Senator Yayi is from Yewa. The question is whether fairness should prevail. The question is whether the people who have stood by Ogun State for decades deserve an opportunity to lead. The question is whether the bonds between Egba and Yewa are strong enough to support one another when history calls.
An Egba man loses nothing when a competent Yewa-Awori son becomes governor. Rather, he gains a trusted partner whose success will be tied to the success of the entire state. A governor from Ogun West will not govern Ogun West alone. He will govern Abeokuta. He will govern Ifo. He will govern Ewekoro. He will govern Obafemi-Owode. He will govern Odeda.
He will govern every town and community in Ogun State.
Roads built in Ogun Central will benefit Egba sons and daughters. Investments attracted by Ogun State will create jobs for all. Educational opportunities will not ask whether a child is Egba, Yewa, Ijebu, Remo or Awori. Development has no tribe. Prosperity has no senatorial district.
Progress belongs to everyone. Beyond politics lies a deeper connection, consideration and understanding. Future generations will ask whether we chose unity over division. They will ask whether we allowed old stereotypes and misunderstandings to determine our decisions.
They will ask whether we embraced one another as brothers and partners in a common destiny.
The answer should be Yes!
The emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi offers the people of Ogun State an opportunity to strengthen the bond between Egba and Yewa and to demonstrate that fairness, inclusion and brotherhood remain alive in our politics.
This is not the time to retreat into narrow identities.
This is the time to build a larger Ogun family.
This is the time for Egba leaders, traditional institutions, professionals, youths, men, women and community stakeholders to stand shoulder to shoulder with their Yewa-Awori brothers and sisters.
This is the time to prove that what unites us is greater than what divides us. The journey to 2027 should therefore not be seen as the journey of one senatorial district. It should be seen as the journey of the people determined to build a stronger, fairer and more united Ogun State.
When Yewa rises, Ogun rises. When Egba stands with Yewa-Awori, Ogun wins. And when justice is done, history remembers.
Omooba Segun Adewale frpa (OSA)
A brand communications expert and political analyst, writes from Ilaro, Ogun State.
