Osun 2026: Oyebamiji pledges inclusive governance, seeks support of non-indigenes

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has promised to run an inclusive administration that will accommodate non-indigenes and other interest groups if elected in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

Oyebamiji made the pledge on Sunday during a public engagement with members of the Arewa community in Ibokun, Obokun Local Government Area of the state.

The APC candidate, who was represented by a former Special Adviser on Civic Engagement to ex-governor Gboyega Oyetola, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, said his administration would adopt a structured approach to fostering inclusive and participatory governance that accommodates all segments of society.

“This framework will bridge the gap between government and the grassroots, ensuring that public policies reflect the direct needs and input of the people. The administration will bring all of them on board and make them participate actively in governance. It will give them a sense of belonging,” he said.

Oyebamiji affirmed that that residents would be carried along in both policy formulation and implementation, noting that such inclusiveness would help harness the state’s potential in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He further pledged to sustain people-oriented programmes of the APC by engaging with diverse groups, including farmers’ associations, trade unions, artisans, and non-indigene communities, making them key stakeholders in governance.

In his response, the Seriki of the Arewa community in Obokun Local Government Area, Alhaji Ayuba Abubakar, commended the administration of former governor Gboyega Oyetola for its engagement with the community, noting that the immediate past administration supported the Arewa community and resolved communal disputes through the Office of Civic Engagement, thereby preventing crises.

Abubakar appealed to Oyebamiji to sustain the relationship established by the previous APC-led administration and pledged the support of the Arewa community for the APC candidate in the forthcoming election.