Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has acknowledged the political billboards featuring her image across Abeokuta, confirming they were mounted by supporters encouraging her to contest in the 2027 elections.
Now an Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, Obasanjo-Bello said she is “not keen on contesting for any political office in 2027,” though she believes her political future ultimately lies in the hands of God and her supporters.
She made the remarks in Sagamu during an interview with Remo TV at the 70th birthday celebration of Chief Mrs. Gloria Shoda, a former National President of the National Council of Women Societies.
Recently, large billboards of the former Ogun Central senator have appeared in key locations across Abeokuta — including Abiola Way near the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Oke Mosan opposite the Immigration Office, and Brewery Junction. The billboards read: *“In Ogun State, we know ourselves. Sen (Prof) Iyabo Obasanjo. Omo wa ni, eniyan wa ni, ara wa ni.”*
Despite the growing speculation, Obasanjo-Bello insisted she is not actively pursuing a political comeback.
“There are some people who have worked with me in the past. They came together and said, ‘This is who we like.’ I told them to stop it — that I am living a good life. I live in the US, I teach at the university, and I am fine,” she said.
According to her, supporters convinced her to allow them continue with the billboards, insisting it was an expression of love for her past contributions.
“They said I did well while in politics and that stopping them would dampen their enthusiasm. So I have allowed them. Nobody can say I am actively campaigning for anything, but I gave them the go-ahead.”
She added that their support demonstrates the importance of integrity in leadership:
“If you do good, people will still want you for something. Whether what they want now becomes reality is in God’s hands and theirs.”
Reflecting on her career, she noted that she has built a fulfilling life as a teacher and mentor and is unsure about returning to politics.
Obasanjo-Bello also highlighted her ties to Remo land, explaining that her grandmother, Alice Akinlawon (née Ogunlaja), was from Ode Remo. She holds the title of Iyalode of Ode Remo, conferred by the late Oba Funso Adeolu, popularly known as Eleyinmi.
Born on April 27, 1967, she trained as a veterinary doctor at the University of Ibadan and served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health (2003–2007) before representing Ogun Central in the Senate (2007–2011). After losing her re-election bid in 2011, she returned to the United States.
Her new billboards have fueled speculation that she might contest again in 2027, possibly under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). A prominent Ogun politician, who requested anonymity, said many believe she may be eyeing the Ogun Central senatorial seat.
Ogun ADC Chairman, Otunba Femi Soluade, recently stated the party would welcome her if she chooses to join.
“We have also heard the possibility of Senator Iyabo Obasanjo joining us, but she has not contacted the party. We are eagerly waiting for her,” he said.
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