By Adewale Omoniyi
As the 2027 governorship election approaches, Ogun State is steadily assuming a central place in national political discourse. This is neither accidental nor surprising. Ogun has always been politically strategic, culturally grounded, and fiercely conscious of its identity.
The forthcoming election, widely tagged Ogun 27, promises to be one of the most consequential in the state’s recent history.
There is no doubt that surprises lie ahead. Political alignments will shift, ambitions will clash, and long-held assumptions may be overturned. Yet, amid this heightened anticipation, there is a growing development that should concern every well-meaning stakeholder: the rising level of desperation among certain political interests.
When political ambition is driven by fear of extinction rather than a commitment to service, the danger is that the process itself becomes threatened. The signs are already evident. Some actors appear prepared to escalate matters if events do not proceed according to their expectations. Such a trajectory risks turning a democratic contest into a do-or-die struggle, with consequences that could extend far beyond election day.
One may understand the anxiety. For some, the failure to secure the governorship would not merely be a setback; it would represent a political dead end. However, understanding desperation does not justify recklessness. Ogun State has endured too much to be dragged into avoidable tension by individuals who see power as their last refuge.
Equally troubling is the increasing emphasis on short-term gains — what is popularly referred to as “cashing out.” This approach, driven by immediate rewards and transactional politics, is deeply flawed. History teaches us that political decisions made for instant gratification often return with long-term costs. Influence lost, credibility damaged, and public trust betrayed are prices far too high to pay for temporary advantage.
It is important to remind all contenders that Ogun State is not a political blank slate. The people possess a strong sense of history, identity, and collective memory. Communities such as Egba and Ijebu, in particular, have consistently demonstrated that matters of identity, dignity, and heritage are non-negotiable. Political calculations that underestimate this reality are bound to fail.
Recent cultural and public disputes involving prominent traditional figures have already underscored this truth. They have shown clearly that some parts of the state will not exchange their birthright for fleeting benefits. These episodes should serve as cautionary signals to anyone who believes that persuasion can always be bought or that loyalty is endlessly elastic.
As we move closer to 2027, moderation, wisdom, and restraint must guide political conduct. Elections come and go, but reputations endure. Power is temporary, but the judgment of history is permanent. Those who pursue ambition without regard for peace, identity, and long-term stability risk not only electoral defeat but lasting political irrelevance.
Ultimately, Ogun State will chart its own course. Attempts to force outcomes, undermine deeply held values, or manipulate the political process may generate momentary attention, but they will not endure. This is a moment for reflection, not recklessness; for leadership, not desperation. The future of Ogun deserves nothing less.
Adewale Omoniyi is a former Governorship Candidate in Ogun State
