Christian leaders call for equity, urge Osun to elect Christian governor in 2026
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
Three Christian groups in Osun State on Thursday insisted that the next governor of the state should be a Christian, citing the need for fairness, justice, and equity in the state’s political leadership.
The groups, in a joint statement signed by Bishop Seun Adeoye, Lead Bishop of the Worldwide Anglican Church in Nigeria; Bishop Mike Adebomi, Osun State Coordinator of the World Bishops Council (Africa Chapter); and Rev. Theophilus Ayodeji, National Leader of the Gospel Pushers Association (GPA), maintained that it was time for a Christian to lead Osun.
According to them, after a careful review during their joint meeting in Osogbo, it was observed that out of the five governors who have led Osun State since 1999, four have been Muslims while only one was a Christian.
The statement listed the former and current governors as Chief Adebisi Akande (Muslim, 1999–2003), Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Christian, 2003–2010), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (Muslim, 2010–2018), Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola (Muslim, 2018–2022), and Senator Ademola Adeleke (Muslim, 2022–date).
The groups noted that by the time Governor Adeleke completes his tenure in November 2026, Muslims would have governed the state for 20 years compared to seven years under a Christian leader.
They therefore called on political stakeholders and parties in the state to support the emergence of a Christian governor in the 2026 election, saying their demand was in line with democratic principles and fair representation.
The statement added that Christians constitute an equal population with Muslims in the state, yet have suffered political marginalization, which must be corrected.
The groups urged major political parties to present credible and competent Christian candidates, pledging to mobilize massive voter support for any party that aligns with their position. They also called on the Christian Association of Nigeria (OSCAN) in Osun to convene a meeting of all Christian aspirants across parties for dialogue and coordination ahead of the polls.
