The League of Imams in Osogbo, known as the Alasaro of Osogbo, has called on all political parties in Osun State to embrace equity and fairness by zoning their 2026 governorship tickets to Osogbo, the state capital.
Speaking on behalf of the group, President of the League, Sheikh Ilyas Afolabi Alawe, stated that the people of Osogbo are united in their resolve that the time has come for an indigene of Osogbo to emerge as the Governor of Osun State.
Highlighting Osogbo’s historic significance, Sheikh Alawe recalled the city’s influential role in regional politics dating back to the era of Western Nigeria and the old Oyo State. Despite this, he noted, no native of Osogbo has ever been elected governor since the state was created 34 years ago.
He stressed that Osogbo has long supported other regions in their political aspirations and that it’s now time for the rest of the state to reciprocate.
“We can begin this shift in the forthcoming governorship election by rallying behind competent sons and daughters of Osogbo from across political parties,” he said during an interview on OSBC 104.5 FM, Osogbo, on Wednesday.
Among the notable contenders is Kunle Rasheed Adegoke (SAN), a prominent lawyer from Osogbo, who is seeking the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2026 election.
Earlier, similar calls were made by other key figures and traditional leaders in Osogbo. The Chairman of the Osogbo Elders Council, Prince Adeleke Oduola Ibiloye, had emphasized during a separate interview on OSBC FM that Osogbo had consistently backed candidates from other towns and deserved the same support in return.
“We have always supported others in their political pursuits. Now, it’s our turn. We believe that those we have helped in the past will now stand by us. Osogbo deserves to produce the next governor in 2026,” Prince Ibiloye said.
Backing this sentiment, the Baale of Gbodofon and Chairman of the Osogbo Council of Baales, High Chief Jimoh Ibrahim, reaffirmed the unity among traditional leaders in Osogbo towards the cause.
“The Elders Council has brought together all Baales in Osogbo to push this agenda forward. As Chairman of the Council, I assure you that we are fully aligned and committed. Our appeal is for unity, forgiveness, and love among our people. May God grant us mercy and success in this noble cause,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially lifted the ban on political activities in Osun State and announced that the governorship election will hold on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
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