Okunland Is Not for Sale—But It Must Be Won Strategically, Beyond Delusions and Divisions: The Case for a New Okun Political Strategy
***Personal ambition has failed us for over 20 years—only consensus, negotiation, and courage can deliver an Okun governor
***Why unity, dialogue, and a new political approach—not recycled outrage—hold the key to Okun’s long-awaited victory
The article captioned “Okunland for Sale? The Dangerous Delusions of Prince Olatunji Olusoji” by Ponle Adeniyi is not only misleading but deeply disingenuous. It reflects neither a genuine concern for the Okun nation nor an honest interrogation of the political realities that have kept the Okun people on the margins of Kogi State politics for over two decades. Rather, it exposes a selfish agenda—by the writer and his sponsors—that has sustained the same failed patterns, recycled rhetoric, and empty bravado that have delivered nothing to Okunland in more than 20 years.
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Let us state categorically: those pushing this narrative do not have the interest of the Okun nation at heart. If they did, they would confront the uncomfortable truth that since the creation of Kogi State, there has never been a governorship election in which fewer than four Okun sons contested. Every single time, these efforts ended in failure—not because the Okun people are unqualified or unpopular, but because Okun politicians have consistently placed personal ambition above collective interest. Their inability to agree on a consensus candidate has repeatedly fractured the Okun vote, making defeat inevitable. To pretend otherwise is intellectual dishonesty.
Contrary to the posture adopted in the article, it is impossible to continue doing the same thing, following the same pattern, and expect a different result. Loud defiance without strategy has not worked. Political grandstanding without negotiation has not worked. Fragmentation disguised as “emancipation” has not worked. The quest for an Okun governorship is not negotiable, but the approach to achieving it has always been wrong—and that is the real reason for past failures.
Asiwaju Prince Dr. Olatunji Olusoji has consistently argued for a new and different approach—one rooted in peaceful dialogue, strategic negotiation, and concrete, enforceable agreements. This position does not weaken the Okun cause; it strengthens it. Politics, especially in a complex and volatile state like Kogi, is not won by chest-thumping alone but by careful coalition-building and trust-based engagement across ethnic and political lines.
It is on record that Asiwaju Prince Dr. Olatunji Olusoji has repeatedly stated: “I will not do politics with the future of my people, and I will always put the interest of the Okun nation above any personal interest.” Funnily enough, he envisaged articles like this while addressing the press during the convocation ceremony at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, where he was honored with an honorary doctorate in philanthropy and humanitarian activities. He openly acknowledged that writers are always waiting to twist his words, regardless of clarity or consistency. That consistency remains one of his strongest attributes.
Indeed, Asiwaju Prince Dr. Olatunji Olusoji has demonstrated uncommon boldness. He stood before the Igala traditional institution and thousands of Igala people to state clearly that supporting Governor Usman Ododo for a second term is wise for Kogi State’s stability—and he followed that by boldly affirming that an Okun man should take over when that term is completed. Among the sponsors of this article, who can stand on a podium anywhere across Ebira land or Igala land and speak with such clarity, courage, and consistency? The answer is obvious.
The truth about the selfish interests behind these attacks will unveil itself soon. What remains constant is Asiwaju Prince Dr. Olatunji Olusoji’s resolve to ensure that Governor Usman Ododo completes his second term and hands over to an Okun man as Governor of Kogi State.
Finally, Asiwaju Prince Dr. Olatunji Olusoji calls on all Okun sons and daughters to look inward, unite, shelve personal ambitions, and pursue a common goal. Unity first. Strategy next. Dialogue, peaceful resolution, and negotiation must replace rancor and division. Only then will the long-overdue dream of an Okun governor become a reality.
Ampitan Kolade ,write from Lokoja
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 26TH 2026)
