Ajayi faults Osogbo elites for political timidity, demands bold agitation for 2026
A frontline socio-political activist, Comrade Jimoh Oyekola Ajayi, has issued a strongly worded statement calling on leaders, traditional rulers, political stakeholders and residents of Osogbo to intensify agitation for the 2026 Osun State governorship ticket.
In a press release on Wednesday, Ajayi condemned what he described as “years of silence, fear and political timidity” by Osogbo elites and officeholders, insisting that the capital city has been deliberately sidelined in the state’s political arrangement.
According to him, Osogbo has “crawled for too long” and must now assert its rightful place in the forthcoming political contest.
“Our agitation for the 2026 Governorship must not be a whisper — it must be an earthquake,” he stated.
Ajayi lamented that many political figures from Osogbo, including councillors and local government chairmen, have allegedly chosen personal political survival over collective interest. He accused elites of avoiding open support for the 2026 ambition of Barr. AbdulRasheed Okikiola Adegoke (K-RAD), whom he credited with defending the political relevance of several local politicians.
He said the reluctance of Osogbo leaders to openly back their own has contributed to the city’s weakening political influence.
READ ALSO:
The activist praised elderly women who reportedly participated in Tuesday’s mobilisation, describing them as braver than many political officeholders.
“Yesterday, elderly women — women old enough to be mothers to half of our leaders — joined the struggle with boldness. For their courage, the whole of Osogbo must kneel in honour,” he said.
Ajayi warned that no political party would willingly concede the 2026 ticket to Osogbo without strong, united and forceful agitation.
He also challenged the Osogbo Traditional Council and Elders Council to take a more assertive stance, saying neutrality at this critical time would amount to “political suicide” for the city.
The activist compared Osogbo’s perceived silence to the assertiveness of other notable towns in Osun State.
“The Ooni of Ife walks into Aso Rock at will. The Oluwo of Iwo challenges power with confidence and is respected for it. Influence is not given. Influence is taken,” he said.
Ajayi insisted that Osogbo possesses capable hands and broad public support ahead of the 2026 governorship race but lacks the boldness from its leaders to pursue the goal with conviction.
He concluded with a declaration that the city would no longer accept political marginalisation.
“Osogbo will not kneel again. Anyone who refuses to stand with Osogbo in this agitation should stop pretending to represent the land of our ancestors. This is the beginning of a new Osogbo.”
Ajayi faults Osogbo elites for political timidity, demands bold agitation for 2026