The Akinfiwatolu of Egbaland, Chief Mustapha Abdulhakeem Owolabi (MAO), has called on the people of Egbaland to resist every form of political imposition and uphold democratic principles as political activities ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship election intensify.
Speaking on Sunday, Owolabi, who is also the Chairman of the Egba Agenda Forum, urged residents to take seriously the recent remarks by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), who maintained that credible elections must begin with transparent and democratic party primaries.
According to the Egba chief, Falana’s position should serve as a timely reminder to political stakeholders in Ogun State that democracy can only thrive when candidates emerge through free, fair and credible primaries rather than through imposition.
He argued that the integrity of any election is compromised once party members are denied the opportunity to freely choose their candidates.
Owolabi also alleged that the process leading to the emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as the preferred governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) sidelined qualified Egba sons and daughters with the competence and experience to govern the state.
He stressed that his position was not driven by personal interests but by the need to uphold justice, fairness, equity and democratic values.
The Egba leader expressed concern that accomplished indigenes of Egbaland who have distinguished themselves in public service could be denied a level playing field through what he described as a flawed political process.
He maintained that democracy should be built on open competition and the will of party members rather than what he termed “coronation or imposition.”
Owolabi clarified that he has never opposed the aspiration of Ogun West to produce the state’s next governor, insisting that every senatorial district deserves a fair opportunity to occupy the state’s highest office.
He, however, stressed that such an opportunity must emerge through a transparent, democratic and credible process that genuinely reflects the wishes of party members.
The Egba chief further stated that Ogun State deserves a governor whose identity, roots and commitment to the state are beyond dispute.
He therefore called on traditional rulers, opinion leaders, civil society organisations, professional bodies and other democratic stakeholders across Egbaland to defend internal democracy and resist any attempt to impose candidates.
According to him, silence in the face of perceived political imposition could weaken democratic governance in Ogun State.
Owolabi urged political stakeholders to place the interest of Ogun State above personal ambitions and ensure that the state’s next governor emerges through fairness, transparency and the collective will of the people.