2026: Why I’m running for Osun governor – Ogunbiyi

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Chairman of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, has declared his intention to contest the 2026 Osun State governorship election, citing the marginalization of the Iwo Federal Constituency as a major reason for his decision.

Speaking in his hometown of Ileogbo, Ayedire Local Government Area of the state on Saturday, Ogunbiyi formally announced his intention to run on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the presence of party members from the Iwo Federal Constituency. He noted that the constituency has been marginalized since the creation of Osun State, and now is the time for it to produce the next governor.

The insurance expert, who said he is joining the race for the APC governorship ticket after consultations with his constituents, expressed confidence in his ability to lead Osun State.

His words: “I am here to declare my intention to run for the office of governor of this state. If you look at history, you will see that Iwo has been marginalized, yet we have remained loyal to the progressive fold over the years.

“Now that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, is no longer contesting, we believe it is time for the Iwo Federal Constituency to field a candidate.

“Iwo Federal Constituency—particularly Iwo township—is fully behind Akin Ogunbiyi. It was only after receiving that consensus that I decided to come out.

“This is not the first time I’m contesting. I’ve made two previous attempts, and it’s because I have the conviction that I possess all it takes to govern Osun. By the grace of God, we will govern Osun to the satisfaction of all its people.”

Reacting to concerns about the number of aspirants within the APC jostling for the governorship ticket, Ogunbiyi dismissed fears of division, noting that the party leadership would ultimately decide the candidate.