Oke-Ogun and the Long Road to Producing a Governor ~ Bola K. Fasasi

Oke-Ogun and the Long Road to Producing a Governor ~ Bola K. Fasasi

The greatest obstacle to the emergence of a governor from Oke-Ogun may not lie outside the region. It lies within. For decades, conversations about political marginalization have echoed across our towns and communities. Many people believe Oke-Ogun has been denied its rightful place in the political hierarchy. While there may be elements of truth in that sentiment, an honest reflection forces us to confront a deeper and more uncomfortable reality: Oke-Ogun itself has often undermined its own chances.

A community’s political strength depends not only on numbers but also on unity, strategy, and long-term investment. Unfortunately, these are the very areas where Oke-Ogun has frequently fallen short. Instead of presenting a united front, we are often divided by personal ambition, local rivalries, and political short-sightedness. Too many individuals are willing to sacrifice the region’s collective bargaining power in exchange for personal recognition or temporary political advantage.

Politics, especially at the highest levels, is rarely won through goodwill alone. It is built on networks, alliances, financial investment, and years of deliberate preparation. Regions that successfully produce governors do not stumble into power by accident; they build the structures necessary to sustain influence over time. They cultivate loyal followers, develop strong political machinery, and support leaders who are capable of negotiating power within the larger political framework.

Oke-Ogun, however, has often approached politics differently. Rather than investing strategically in long-term influence, many of our political actors settle for short-term benefits. They are content with minor appointments, temporary alliances, or symbolic recognition in the larger political structure. While these may offer immediate satisfaction, they rarely translate into lasting political power.

Another critical factor is the role of wealth and political capital. In modern politics, financial strength plays an undeniable role in shaping influence. Campaigns require resources, organization, and the ability to sustain political networks over time. Across many regions, wealthy individuals and successful business leaders see political investment as a way to protect their economic interests and strengthen the communities from which they come. (This appears to be PBAT’s strategy). They sponsor political structures, mentor younger leaders, and provide the financial backbone that enables their region to compete effectively. We cannot point to one leader in our region who has done this!   

In Oke-Ogun, however, the willingness to make such investments has often been limited. While the region is home to successful entrepreneurs, gas station magnates and accomplished professionals, few have demonstrated a sustained commitment to building political capital that benefits the entire region. Without such investment, political movements struggle to gain the traction necessary to compete with more organized blocs.

Equally significant is the failure of previous leaders to cultivate the next generation. Leadership is not only about occupying positions of influence; it is about building systems that endure beyond one’s tenure. When leaders rise to prominence but fail to mentor others, their influence disappears the moment they leave office. Regions that produce enduring political power do so because their leaders intentionally build people—followers, strategists, organizers, and future candidates who can continue the work.

Oke-Ogun has suffered from a pattern in which leaders rise individually but rarely create institutions that outlive them. Opportunities that could have been used to strengthen the region’s political base were sometimes treated as personal achievements rather than collective victories. The result is a cycle in which each generation starts almost from scratch, lacking the institutional memory and political infrastructure necessary for sustained progress.

Yet the situation is far from hopeless. Oke-Ogun possesses enormous potential. The region has a large population, vibrant communities, and a growing number of educated professionals and entrepreneurs. These assets, if properly organized, could form the foundation of a formidable political force.

The first step toward producing a governor from Oke-Ogun is unity of purpose. This does not mean eliminating disagreements or suppressing political competition. Rather, it means recognizing that certain goals transcend individual ambitions. When the opportunity for regional advancement appears, leaders must be willing to subordinate personal interests for the collective good. E.g. in the last two circles, we were offered deputy governor and party chairmanships!

Second, there must be deliberate investment in political structures. Political influence is built through sustained engagement—supporting party structures, nurturing grassroots organizations, and maintaining a visible presence in the broader political landscape. It requires patience, resources, and a long-term vision that extends beyond the next election cycle.

Third, the region must cultivate a culture of mentorship. Experienced politicians, business leaders, and professionals must take responsibility for developing younger leaders who understand both the aspirations and the challenges of Oke-Ogun. By building a pipeline of capable individuals, the region can ensure that leadership opportunities are not isolated events but part of a continuous process.

Fourth, wealthy individuals and successful entrepreneurs from the region must recognize the strategic importance of political investment. Supporting capable candidates, funding policy initiatives, and strengthening civic institutions are not merely political acts; they are investments in the region’s future prosperity.

Finally, Oke-Ogun must reshape its political narrative. Instead of presenting itself solely as a marginalized region seeking recognition, it must project confidence, competence, and readiness to lead. Political power often flows toward those who demonstrate both unity and preparedness.

History shows that regions rise politically when they learn to organize their strengths and overcome their internal divisions. The path to producing a governor from Oke-Ogun will not be paved by complaints or by isolated ambitions. It will be built through unity, strategic investment, and the deliberate cultivation of leadership across generations and religious divides.

The lesson is simple but profound: when you build people, they build institutions. And when institutions become strong, they create the foundation upon which lasting political power can stand.

Oke-Ogun’s future, therefore, will not be determined solely by the decisions of others. It will be shaped by the choices its own people make—whether to remain divided by personal ambitions or to unite around a shared vision of regional progress.

Bola K. Fasasi