Okun Gubernatorial Aspiration; Political, Operational Timing And Capability Dynamics; Akinjagunla of Ogidi’s Assertion
By Kamaldeen Toyin.
The state entity known as Kogi is a melting pot of linguistic, religious, and ethnic diversity.
However, this diversity has also bred a perpetual contest for power among the three notable ethnic enclaves: Igala, Ebira, and Okun.
The agitation for power has become a recurring theme in Kogi State politics, with each enclave seeking to assert its dominance to develop their domains.
It is a concerning trend that since the return of democracy, from 1999, the Igala enclave has produced the Commander-in-Chief of Kogi State for 16 years, while the Ebira enclave is poised to serve for 12 years concurrently by 2027.
As the state looks towards the future, it is imperative to consider the interests of all enclaves and ensure a smooth, equitable transition of power.
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Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s consolidatory mission has been exemplary, and it is in the best interest of the state to allow him to complete his two-term tenure.
This would enable the Ebira enclave to serve 16 years, paving the way for other enclaves to assume leadership roles, going by the recent agitations and counter agitations.
At a defection program in Iyara, the headquarters of Ijumu Local Government, Asiwaju of Ayere Kingdom, Akinjagunla of Ogidi Kingdom, Prince Olusoji Olatunji, made a clarion declaration in support of Governor Ododo’s second term bid.
Asiwaju Olusoji stated that this is the surest shortcut to realizing an Okun son becoming governor in Kogi State.
Asiwaju’s political postulation met stiff resistance from some Okun individuals who insisted that the time is ripe for Okun to produce a governor, given the presence of a Yoruba kinsman at the helm of Nigerian affairs (President Bola Tinubu).
However, Asiwaju Olusoji countered that with an Ebira man as the sitting governor, it would be challenging to defeat the incumbent at the polls, given his sterling performance in governance, welfare, infrastructure, and security.
Asiwaju’s agitation gave insight to the Igala Nation’s rosolve that, recently threw support for Gov. Ododo’s 2027, which has made a clarion call for supporting Governor Ododo come 2027, with the hope that Igala will receive Ebira’s support in 2031.
It is evident that the Okun enclave must ensure Ododo’s victory statement at the polls in all seven local governments in the Yoruba-speaking area of Kogi State, including Lokoja/Koto, come 2027.
The Okun enclave must nip this opportunity in the bud and support Governor Ododo’s second term bid, that will vehemently create a strong negotiating base for the great people of Okun nation in 2031.
The time is ripe for Okun to take the reins of power, and with strategic planning and support, this dream can become a reality.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 19TH 2026)
