Ikire Is Ripe and Ready: Addressing Senator Lere Oyewumi’s Misstep

By Adeniyi Afeez Taiwo(Orimeji)

The recent outburst from Senator Akogun Lere Oyewumi, representing Osun West Senatorial District, at the flag-off campaign for the local government election in Irewole is both unfortunate and disheartening. His statement that Ikire, a major town in Irewole Local Government, is “not ripe to have a governorship candidate” reflects personal opinions and political strategy rather than objective realities. Such remarks are provocative and do a disservice to the aspirations of the people of Ikire.

Even more disappointing is that this divisive statement comes from someone who has previously championed the “Ikire Agenda” when it suited his political ambitions. It is troubling that Senator Oyewumi, a direct beneficiary of Ikire’s political goodwill, would now undermine the town’s collective aspiration with baseless claims.

The assertion that “Ikire votes cannot make anyone a governor” is not only a slap in the face of the town’s credibility but also an insult to the wide acceptance and political influence of Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji. A man projected by many as the likely flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming gubernatorial election, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji’s growing popularity extends beyond Ikire to all corners of Osun State.

No single local government can make an individual a governor in Osun State—it is always the result of collaborative efforts and alliances across the state. Senator Oyewumi, as a seasoned politician, should know better than to undermine the strength and potential of his hometown.

His reference to his and Dr. Peter Babalola’s unsuccessful governorship attempts as a justification for his statement is irrelevant and defeatist. The political journey of any individual does not determine the readiness or potential of an entire community. The success of a governorship ambition depends on the right candidate and the support of the people—a formula Ikire is ready to deliver through Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji.

Ikire, as the headquarters of Irewole Local Government, has a proud history of producing exceptional leaders who have served with distinction at local, state, and national levels. The first female Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Olubunmi Foluke Etteh, is a shining example of Ikire’s leadership legacy. Alongside her are numerous intellectuals, professionals, and political figures who have consistently contributed to the growth of Osun State and Nigeria at large.

To claim that Ikire is “unripe” to produce a governor is to undermine these achievements and ignore the town’s contributions to governance, development supporter of candidates from other regions, contributing immensely to their electoral success. It is only fair that Ikire now aspires to take the mantle of leadership. There is no logical or moral justification to deny our town the opportunity to produce a governor.

The political landscape of Irewole Local Government underscores this aspiration. During the 2022 Osun State gubernatorial election, Irewole contributed significantly to the APC’s success, delivering 18,198 votes to the party. This placed Irewole among the top five local governments with the highest votes for the APC, alongside Olorunda, Osogbo, Boripe, and Ife-East. Such statistics reaffirm the political relevance and active participation of Irewole and Ikire in Osun State politics.

The antecedents of Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji speak volumes about Ikire’s readiness to lead. His reputation as a competent, visionary, and inclusive leader has earned him admiration not only in Ikire but across Osun State. To suggest that his influence is limited to Ikire is a gross underestimation of his wide-reaching appeal.

Alhaji Oyebamiji’s credentials, leadership qualities, and ability to unite people make him a leading contender for the APC governorship ticket. He represents the aspirations of Ikire and Osun State at large, and his candidacy is a testament to Ikire’s readiness to produce a governor.

Rather than using his platform to uplift Ikire and unite its people, Senator Akogun Lere Oyewumi has chosen to sow seeds of doubt and division. His comments are not only disappointing but also counterproductive to the collective progress of Ikire. Leadership is about building bridges, not erecting barriers, and it is imperative that Senator Oyewumi retracts his statement and works collaboratively with stakeholders to advance the interests of our town.

Ikire is not only ripe but fully prepared to produce a governor who will lead Osun State with vision, integrity, and inclusiveness. Our town has the capacity, the resources, and the people to take on this responsibility. The era of dismissive rhetoric and political marginalization is over.

Let it be clear: Ikire will not be deterred by baseless claims or divisive politics. The time has come for Ikire to claim its rightful place in Osun State leadership. Senator Oyewumi’s remarks will only strengthen our resolve to pursue this ambition with unity, determination, and purpose.

Eni ti o fe ikire yoo se rere.