Ladoja Clarifies Stance on Oyo 2027 Governorship Zoning, Rejects Claims of Ibadan-Zone Monopoly
In a recent political development that’s stirring debate across Oyo State, Senator Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan-designate, has publicly dismissed assertions that he opposes aspirants hailing from zones outside Ibadan for the 2027 governorship ticket. During a courtesy visit to his Bodija residence in Ibadan by eminent persons from Oke-Ogun and Oyo North zones, Ladoja emphasized fairness, inclusion and quality over geography.
What Ladoja Said, and When
Ladoja’s declaration came during engagements with political stakeholders from Oke-Ogun and Oyo North who had paid him a visit. Among them were former commissioners, ex-deputy governors, and other prominent figures calling for an equitable rotation of power.
He said in no uncertain terms that he has no opposition to a non-Ibadan candidate contesting for governor, provided the person is competent, trustworthy, gentler in demeanour, and capable of delivering good governance. He also pointed out that prominent figures such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Bola Ige, though not Ibadan indigenes, greatly contributed to Ibadan’s development when in leadership positions.
Historical Example & Advice to Aspiring Zones
To buttress his point, Ladoja referred to his past political vision. He recalled that during his previous tenure as governor, he had intended to ensure that his deputy from Ogbomoso (outside Ibadan) would succeed him, while an Ibadan indigene would serve as deputy governor, creating a rotational model that would allow other zones to “have a taste” of the governorship in turn.
However, he also urged those aspiring from non-Ibadan zones to “properly negotiate” with stakeholders in Ibadan, leveraging the city’s substantial population, political weight, and economic influence in the state as part of their strategy to make viable bids. In his view, Ibadan's size and centrality in Oyo politics make collaboration with its leaders a pragmatic step.
Why This Matters: Context & Underlying Tensions
Demographic and political dominance of Ibadan: Ibadan has traditionally produced many governors since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. Non-Ibadan zones have often felt sidelined. This historical pattern has inspired growing calls for fairness in zoning arrangements.
Agitation from other zones: Especially from Oke-Ogun, where socio-political advocacy groups have formally demanded that Oyo State embrace rotation and give other zones an opportunity. One such group, Egbe Ajosepo fun Itesiwaju Gbogbo Wa, has made the case that the lack of rotation has bred inequality, distrust, and notions of exclusion.
Quality vs. zone: By putting emphasis on the character and capacity of candidates over just their origin, Ladoja is attempting to shift the conversation from “where are you from?” to “what can you deliver?”. This resonates with many who feel that governance failures are more about competence than geography.
Possible Implications & What We Might See Next
1. Pressure on political parties: Parties in Oyo State, including both the ruling and opposition ones, may face pressure to present aspirants from outside Ibadan or adopt zoning policies that genuinely rotate the governorship ticket.
2. Negotiations behind the scenes: Aspiring candidates from non-Ibadan zones might start seeking alliances with Ibadan power brokers earlier, recognizing Ladoja’s advice. This could reshape campaign coalitions and power sharing deals.
3. Heightened zone rivalries: While Ladoja’s statement is inclusive, there is potential for backlash from those who believe Ibadan’s dominance is entrenched and can’t easily be shared. The rhetoric may intensify in coming months, especially if Ibadan remains the primary base of influence in candidate selection and resource allocation.
4. Change in voter expectation: Voters outside Ibadan may become more vocal in demanding an “outsider” candidate, which could put non-Ibadan aspirants in a favorable position if they manage credibility and visibility well.
Senator Oba Rashidi Ladoja’s recent remarks have laid down an important marker in Oyo’s march toward the 2027 governorship election: geography should not be the primary barrier to political leadership. By affirming that aspirants from outside Ibadan are welcome, as long as they demonstrate quality leadership, he has opened political space for many who have felt excluded. The test now will be how political parties, stakeholders, and the electorate respond — whether the talk of fairness turns into real rotation, and whether non-Ibadan zones seize this moment to make credible bids.
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