Eminent personalities from Awori in Ogun state, have insisted that an Awori indigene must succeed the incumbent Governor, Dapo Abiodun in the 2027 election.

They spoke at a roundtable conference with the theme: “Awori political mandate: understanding and untangling the internal complexity ahead of 2027,” which involved eminent sons and daughters of Awori land, organised by the Awori4OgunGov2027 Movement in Ota, Ogun State.

The convener, Azeem Salako, noted that the conference is aimed at discussing strategies and plans for an Awori indigene to become the next governor of Ogun State in 2027.

According to him, unity of purpose, strong political will, effective planning, collaboration, traditional rulers support, among others, were vital for the constituency to take the seat of power in 2027.

The lead speaker at the event, who taught at Brown University, USA, Prof. Jelili Atiku, expressed optimism that an Awori indigene can succeed incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun if its leaders work together with relevant stakeholders.

“If our leaders do not work together, we will not make progress. We must understand that development starts when you are close to power in the circle of those who have power, but the Aworis are not in the circle of those who have power, so there’s no way they are going to get development, and this has systematically progressed to remove the Awori and make us aliens in our land despite our endowments, political power still eludes the Awori,” he said.

The don stressed the need for traditional rulers to be involved in the struggle, adding that with their support it would be achievable.

“The question must also extend to our traditional rulers and ask them if they are ready to collaborate with us to achieve the 2027 goal, and with that, the power to control the state in 2027 should be achievable,” he added.

Chairman of the conference, Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of the Council, Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, Lagos, Prof. Rasheed Kola Ojikutu, noted that according to the 2006 census and the projection of the census of 2022, the Awori population has made it imperative to participate as a major stakeholder in the quest for and attainment of political power in Ogun State.

He said the ethnic group accounts for 48 per cent of the population in the Ogun West senatorial district.

Ojikuti explained further that Awori occupies most places in the Ogun West senatorial district, which consists of five local government areas – Ado/Odo-Ota, Yewa North, Yewa South, and Ipokia.

Other discussants such as a former commandant at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Capt. Oladipupo Ojikutu; Mr. Falohun Adegbenro; Mr. Akingbola Peters; Mr. Macaulay Tobi, and Mr. Adefolarin Ojugbele, noted that with cooperation, credible candidates, unity and solid financial base, the seat of power could be taken in 2027 by an Awori indigene.