Oyo State's Gender Gap in Political Leadership: The Only South-West State Yet Without a Female Deputy Governor
Since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, women’s representation in political leadership has been a subject of public debate, advocacy, and occasional legislative action. Yet, in the South-West geopolitical zone, one Nigerian state stands out for a less favorable distinction: Oyo State. As of October 2025, Oyo remains the only state in the South-West region that has never produced a female deputy governor. This fact was lamented recently by political activists at a women-focused political sensitization event in Ibadan, the state capital.
The Context: What Was Said
Farmer Omolara Kafilat Svensson Busari, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State and convener of Women in Politics Sensitisation Initiative, expressed deep concern over this persistent gender imbalance. Speaking at the fourth edition of the sensitization programme held in Old Bodija, Ibadan, Busari described Oyo’s record as “heartbreaking” and “depressing.”
The event, with the theme “Understanding Our Role in Active Politics,” was designed to engage elite women in politics (in addition to the usual grassroots participants) and to spotlight examples of underrepresentation in high offices.
Female Senators from Oyo since 1999: Only one—Senator Monsurat Sunmonu.
Female membership in the House of Representatives (from Oyo): At present, only Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, representing Oluyole Federal Constituency.
Governorship candidate running mates: In the run-up to the 2023 elections, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Oyo endorsed Atinuke Adesope, a woman, as its deputy governorship (running mate) candidate. However, being a running mate does not equate to actual attainment of office.
Other South-West states: By implication, all other states in the region have had female deputy governors at some point since 1999. While this article does not list each one, the contrast is drawn to show that Oyo is alone in its omission.
Why This Matters: The Significance of Representation
1. Policy & Governance Impact: When women occupy leadership positions, issues often neglected or only superficially addressed—such as maternal health, gender-based violence, education for girls, economic empowerment of women—are more likely to be given priority. Without women in deputy governorship, there is one less voice to influence executive decision-making.
2. Symbolic Value: The presence of women in high office serves as an inspiration to younger women and girls that political leadership is achievable. It challenges stereotypes and can shift societal attitudes.
3. Equity and Democratic Principles: Democratic governance ideally reflects the population. In Nigeria, women make up about half of the population; political inclusion is both a matter of justice and of developmental effectiveness.
4. Legal & Policy Frameworks: Across Nigeria, there have been advocacies for reserved seats, affirmative action laws, and gender-balanced appointment policies. In Oyo State, this representative gap has given impetus to more intense advocacy among civil society.
What Has Been Proposed, and What Needs to Change
During the sensitization programme, Busari made several calls to action:
Women should not limit themselves to grassroots activism but aim higher in party hierarchies and elective opportunities.
Political parties must be encouraged—if not compelled—to include women in key running mate (deputy) positions.
The proposed Reserved Seats for Women Bill at the National Assembly level, if passed, could provide legal backing to improve female participation.
Additionally, people who spoke at the event emphasized the importance of mentorship, capacity-building, and creating awareness among elite women who often have the resources but perhaps lack encouragement or networks to contest for such lofty positions.
Challenges to Overcome
Cultural & Societal Norms: Deeply rooted perceptions that political leadership—especially high executive roles—is the domain of men, persist in many parts of Oyo. Women often face greater scrutiny, social pressure, or outright resistance.
Party Politics & Power Logistics: In many cases, running mate selections are strategic, often based on regional or ethnic balancing, or patronage, rather than on ensuring gender parity. Women may be excluded at that level.
Lack of Institutional Support: Without party structures or civic groups holding leaders accountable, or without legal mandates, promises of inclusion may not translate into actual candidatures or victories.
Financial and Resource Disparities: Campaigning requires funding, networks, and often enduring bias. Many women candidates struggle with funding, or are not deemed “electable” in the eyes of party leaders and donors.
Looking Forward: Opportunities Before 2027 and Beyond
Electoral Cycles: As Oyo approaches the 2027 governorship election, there is a window for political parties and aspirants to commit to gender-balanced tickets—i.e. selecting female deputy governorship candidates. The pressure from women’s groups is mounting.
Legal Instruments: If the Reserved Seats for Women Bill or similar legislation is enacted, states may be compelled (or strongly encouraged) to adopt gender-inclusive practices in nominations and appointments.
Grassroots & Elite Synergy: Building networks among elite women, grassroots activists, civil society, and political parties to create pipelines for female political leadership. This includes mentorship, training, scouting, and financial backing.
Public Awareness & Media Role: Raising awareness via media campaigns, public discourse, and reportage to keep the issue in the public eye—and to shame or pressure political actors who continue to exclude women.
Oyo State’s distinction—as the only South-West state that has never had a female deputy governor—is a telling reminder of how far Nigeria still must go in achieving gender equality in political representation. While legislative tools and advocacy are necessary, real change will require political will, social transformation, and sustained pressure from civil society and citizens. For Oyo to align with the rest of the South-West, the next electoral cycle must not simply be another opportunity, but a turning point: one in which a woman sits in the deputy governor’s seat in Ibadan, not as a novelty, but as a rightful participant in governance.
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