ABEOKUTA — A socio-political advocate, Dr. Arabambi Abayomi, has called on Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to secure his legacy by ensuring a smooth and indigenous-led succession in the state’s 2027 governorship election.
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, Arabambi warned against what he described as a looming threat of “hostile succession,” urging the governor to prevent non-indigenes or perceived outsiders from taking control of the state’s leadership.
Drawing from Yoruba proverbs and cultural references, the statement emphasized the importance of heritage, identity, and local roots in governance.
Arabambi argued that Ogun State, unlike Lagos, maintains a deeply rooted traditional and cultural structure that should not be disregarded in political leadership decisions.
Referencing themes from Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, he likened the current political climate to “a lizard that forgets its father’s barn,” warning that leaders without deep ancestral ties to the state risk undermining its heritage and long-standing traditions.
He stressed that while Ogun remains welcoming to residents and investors from across Nigeria and beyond, the governorship position carries a unique responsibility as a custodian of Yoruba cultural identity.
“Ogun is not a marketplace where leadership is up for grabs. It is a heritage and a birthright tied to the people of Egba, Ijebu, Yewa, Awori, and Remo.”
The statement also highlighted concerns that wealthy political interests from outside the state may attempt to influence the 2027 elections, potentially disrupting what he described as a necessary “brother-to-brother” transition among indigenes.
Governor Abiodun, who assumed office in 2019 and was re-elected in 2023, is expected to complete his constitutionally allowed two terms in 2027.
Arabambi, however, noted that the governor now faces a defining moment in shaping how history will remember his administration.
“He has the opportunity to break a cycle of contentious transitions and ensure a peaceful handover to a true son or daughter of Ogun State,” the statement read.
He further urged the governor to engage traditional rulers, political stakeholders, and community leaders in fostering consensus around indigenous leadership, rather than allowing what it described as “external influence” to dominate the process.
He appealed to the governor to “protect the inheritance of the people” and ensure that Ogun State leadership remains firmly rooted in its cultural and historical foundations.
