A group of United People for the Progress of all Marginalised Zones in Oyo State has called for a power shift and rotational governorship in Oyo State come 2027.
“Àjosepò Fún Ìtésíwájú Gbogbo Wa,” a forum made up of indigenes of Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa zones of the state made their position known at a press conference held in Iseyin recently.
Engr. Dauda Olaifa, Chairman of the forum, argued that since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999, Oyo State has predominantly elected governors from one region, with only one exception—a single term from the Ogbomoso zone.
He cited the list of governors since 1999 – Chief Lamidi Adesina (Ibadan), Oba Rashidi Ladoja (Ibadan), Chief Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala (Ogbomoso), Senator Abiola Ajimobi (Ibadan), and the current governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde (Ibadan) – to illustrate the perceived marginalization of other regions.“Whether this arrangement was deliberate or an oversight is not our focus,” Olaifa stated.
“Our concern is to change the narrative in favor of those of us who have not benefited from the status quo.”AUPPAMZ aims to facilitate the emergence of a governor from any of the marginalized zones in 2027, regardless of religious affiliation, origin, political allegiance, or gender.
They plan to achieve this through diplomacy, persuasion, and strategic alliances. Olaifa announced that a working alliance has already been established between Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa, with efforts underway to include Oyo and Ogbomoso zones.“Our alliance is not a gang-up against any zone,” Olaifa clarified. “We know there are many objective and fair-minded people in every zone who will be sympathetic to our cause.
Our movement shall be all-inclusive.”The group has adopted the slogan “Enough is Enough, It is Our Turn Now,” emphasizing their belief in equality, justice, and fairness. Since its inception on December 12, 2024, AUPPAMZ has been building a strong structure to support its programs.
To maintain neutrality, the group has resolved to avoid financial inducements from politicians and vested interests, relying instead on voluntary contributions from its thousands of members.AUPPAMZ will support any candidate from a marginalized zone who secures the gubernatorial nomination of a major political party in Oyo State.Members have provided office spaces in various local governments to establish a presence throughout the state.
The group plans extensive mobilization efforts, including radio broadcasts, press conferences, billboards, flyers, town hall meetings, and door-to-door campaigns.
Pastor Favour Adewoyin Adewale, the forum’s General Secretary, summarized Olaifa’s presentation in Yoruba to ensure local understanding of the movement’s goals.
Adewale also outlined the reasons behind the formation of AUPPAMZ and their objectives for the 2027 election.
During a Q&A session, leaders addressed concerns about political loyalty, religious bias, and local patriotism, emphasizing that they have engaged with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political stakeholders to ensure inclusivity and gather advice.
Among the AUPPAMZ leaders present were Engr. Dauda Olaifa (Chairman), Pastor Favour Adewoyin Adewale (General Secretary), Mr. Ajuwon Oladejo, Comrade Dr. Jonathan Ojedokun, Professor Olaniyi Jacob Babayemi (Resource Person), and Dr. Sifawu Adejumo (Treasurer).
About Author
