Political tension is steadily rising across Ogun East as discontent grows among stakeholders in Ijebuland over what many describe as increasing political marginalisation under the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
With permutations for the 2027 general elections already taking shape, several political leaders, youth groups and traditional stakeholders within the region have begun openly questioning the place of the Ijebu people in Ogun State’s political structure.
At the centre of the growing controversy is speculation that Governor Abiodun, a Remo indigene who would have completed eight years in office by 2027, may contest for the Ogun East Senatorial seat after leaving office.
The possibility has sparked concern among many Ijebu political stakeholders who argue that such a move could further concentrate political power within one bloc in Ogun East at the expense of the larger Ijebu population.
For many residents and political observers, the issue has evolved beyond ordinary political complaints into a wider movement centred on fears that Ijebuland is gradually losing influence in state affairs.
Several stakeholders insist that the Ogun East Senatorial seat symbolises the broader political aspiration of the Ijebu people and should not become a political retirement option for outgoing governors.
The controversy has also revived long-standing grievances surrounding the loss of the Dangote Refinery project from Olokola in Ogun State to Lagos.
Although the refinery dispute predates the current administration, critics argue that the Abiodun government has failed to recover from what many describe as one of the greatest economic setbacks in the state’s history.
Residents in Ogun Waterside and other parts of Ijebuland continue to lament the relocation of the multi-billion-dollar project, which many believed would have transformed the region into a major industrial and economic hub.
Governor Abiodun has repeatedly maintained that the refinery relocation occurred before he assumed office, blaming the development on the administration of former governor Ibikunle Amosun. However, many critics say the political consequences remain attached to the current government.
Another issue fuelling tension is the controversy surrounding the succession process for the Awujale stool following the death of the revered monarch, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
The Ogun State Government’s involvement in the process, including reported suspensions and security interventions involving some chiefs and kingmakers, has generated outrage in several quarters across Ijebuland.
Many traditional stakeholders described the handling of the crisis as politically insensitive, arguing that the revered Awujale institution deserves greater respect due to its cultural and historical significance.
Concerns have also emerged over the handling of the Nigerian Naval Base project in Abigi.
Critics accused the state government of initially frustrating aspects of the project before later approving land allocation after sustained pressure from stakeholders.
Despite eventual approval for the facility, many residents insist the episode reinforced perceptions that strategic investments in Ijebuland do not receive adequate government support.
Former governor and current senator, Gbenga Daniel, has, however, continued to describe the naval base project as a major developmental breakthrough for Ogun East.
Sports infrastructure has equally become part of the growing political debate in the region.
Many residents expressed disappointment that Ijebuland played no significant hosting role during the recent Gateway Games despite its historical contributions to sports development in Ogun State.
Criticism has also trailed the deteriorating condition of the Gateway Stadium in Ijebu-Ode, which many residents say has suffered years of neglect without meaningful government intervention.
Political analysts believe the mounting grievances across Ijebuland could become a major factor in Ogun’s political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections if not properly addressed.
Observers warn that the combination of concerns over the refinery loss, Awujale succession controversy, arrests of chiefs, naval base politics, sports infrastructure complaints and fears of political domination has now merged into a broader narrative of exclusion among many Ijebu people.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of 2027, many believe the growing resentment in Ijebuland may become increasingly difficult for the Ogun political establishment to ignore.