Osun 2026: Barrister Olumide Odutola Backs Call For Governorship Ticket To Osun West

The National Coordinator of Itesiwaju Fun Iran Omo Oduduwa and an Osun State-born lawyer, Barrister Olumide Odutola, has expressed firm support for the zoning of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Osun State to the Osun West Senatorial District.

Odutola, who is also a House of Assembly aspirant for Ayedaade Constituency, echoed the sentiments of party elder and APC chieftain, Oluomo Sunday Akere, on the matter.

Speaking through a press statement on Tuesday, Barrister Odutola emphasized that if the former governor of Osun State and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, decides not to run for re-election in 2026, the APC should uphold the principles of equity and fairness by allowing Osun West to produce the next governor.

Odutola noted that the district, which has remained loyal to the progressive cause, has long been marginalized in state leadership and deserves an opportunity to lead.

“Osun West has consistently contributed to the success of our party, and it is only just that the governorship ticket is zoned to this district. Justice, fairness, and equity must guide the decisions of our great party,” he stated.

He further highlighted the readiness of Osun West to take up the mantle of leadership, stating that the district boasts capable individuals who are experienced and visionary, drawn from various professional and political backgrounds.

Commending Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola for his impactful tenure as governor and his ongoing contributions to the state as a minister, Odutola assured the APC leadership that Osun West would build on the foundation of progress already laid.

He called for unity among stakeholders in Osun West to produce a consensus candidate that can secure victory for the APC in 2026.

“This is not a call based on entitlement, but on the undeniable principle of rotational leadership that ensures balanced representation across the regions. We urge the party to reciprocate the loyalty of Osun West by zoning the governorship ticket to the district,” he added.

Odutola also lauded the courage and leadership of Oluomo Sunday Akere for championing the call for inclusivity and balanced representation. He urged other party leaders to support the zoning agenda as a way of fostering unity and sustaining progress in Osun State.

The legal practitioner assured the people of Osun State that Osun West would not disappoint if given the opportunity to lead.

“Our focus will be on inclusive governance, economic development, education, and improved welfare for all citizens,” Odutola said, pledging to work tirelessly with others to deliver good governance.

He concluded by urging the APC to uphold its tradition of fairness and democracy, ensuring that the zoning arrangement reflects the collective aspiration of Osun West.

“With the support of the people and the leadership of our party, Osun West is ready to lead Osun State to greater heights,” he said.

Read his full press statement below;

Press Statement By Barrister Olumide Odutola, National Coordinator, Itesiwaju Fun Iran Omo Oduduwa, On The Zoning Of The APC Governorship Ticket To Osun West

The National Coordinator of Itesiwaju Fun Iran Omo Oduduwa also an Osun State-born lawyer, and House of Assembly aspirant for Ayedaade Constituency, I, Barrister Olumide Odutola, lend my unwavering support to the statement made by our leader Oluomo Sunday Akere, a respected chieftain of our great party the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State.

In his remarks, chief Akere had rightly emphasized that should the immediate past governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, decline to seek re-election in 2026, the governorship ticket should be zoned to Osun West Senatorial District. This position aligns with the principles of justice, fairness, and equity which are the basic principles of democracy.

As a proud indigene of Gbongan in Osun West, I firmly believe the our senatorial district is the most suitable zone for the governorship ticket if our leader Alhaji gboyega Oyetola decides not to run.
Osun West has long been sidelined in the leadership of our party and our dear state, and it is only fair that the district is given the opportunity to lead particularly for our great party.

We in Osun West are not only ready to take on this responsibility, but we are also equipped with qualified, experienced, and visionary individuals capable of steering ship of our dear State toward progress and prosperity. From academics to professionals, seasoned politicians, community leaders, Osun West is brimming with potential leaders who can deliver good governance to the people of our dear state.

I commend Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola for his selfless service to Osun State during his tenure as governor. His administration laid a strong foundation for sustainable development, and his continued commitment to the state, even as a federal minister, is worthy of emulation. Should he choose not to contest again, we urge the leadership of our great part to demonstrate fairness which they are known for to zone the ticket to Osun West.

The statement made by Oluomo Sunday Akere reflects the collective aspiration of the people of Osun West. It shows a recognition of the need for balanced representation in governance. We cannot overemphasize the importance of inclusivity in ensuring peace, stability, and unity in our dear state.

Osun West has remained loyal to the ideals of the progressive family, and the district has consistently contributed to the party’s success at various levels. It is, therefore, only fair that this loyalty is reciprocated by allowing the district to produce the next governor of Osun State from our great party.

Our position is not based on entitlement but on the undeniable truth that justice demands fairness. The principle of rotational leadership, which ensures that all regions have a stake in governance, must be upheld. It is time for Osun West to take its rightful place in the political landscape of our dear state.

I also extend my appreciation to Oluomo Sunday Akere for boldly championing this cause. His stance demonstrates a commitment to equity and justice, values that should guide all political decisions. His leadership and courage are commendable, and I encourage other leaders in the APC to join him in supporting this noble cause.

As the National Coordinator of Itesiwaju Fun Iran Omo Oduduwa, I assure the APC leadership and the good people of Osun State that Osun West is ready to produce a candidate who will not only win the election but also deliver exemplary governance. We are united, focused, and prepared to work tirelessly to secure victory for the APC in 2026.

Furthermore, I call on all stakeholders in Osun West to rally together in unity and present a consensus candidate who will represent the interests of the district and the entire state. Together, we can prove that Osun West is not just deserving but also capable of leading Osun State to greater heights.
We appreciate the leadership of our great part for its commitment to the principles of democracy.

We also urge the party to maintain its tradition of fairness and justice by ensuring that the governorship ticket is zoned to Osun West should Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola decline to contest. To the people of Osun State, we promise that Osun West will not disappoint. Our focus will be on inclusive governance, economic development, education, and improved welfare for all citizens. We are determined to build on the achievements of past administrations and chart a new course for progress.

Let us work together to ensure that democracy triumphs in Osun State. Let us support a fair and just process that will strengthen our state and unite our people. Osun West is ready to lead, and with your support, we will succeed.

• Thank you.
• Barrister Olumide Odutola,
• National Coordinator, Itesiwaju Fun Iran Omo Oduduwa,
• Osun State-born Lawyer and Osun State House of Assembly Aspirant for Ayedaade Constituency.