Daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Senator representing Ogun Central, Iyabo Obasanjo has affirmed that the Yewa people have every right to aspire to the governorship in the 2027 general elections, while maintaining that she remains the most qualified aspirant in the race.
Obasanjo, while addressing members of the press at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta on Saturday, acknowledged the long-standing agitation for power rotation to Ogun West, particularly the Yewa axis, noting that inclusivity and fairness are important in a diverse state like Ogun.
According to her, concerning the growing debate over zoning and regional representation in the State, no region should be excluded from pursuing the state’s highest office.
Iyabo Obasanjo stated that democracy guarantees equal opportunity for all qualified citizens, regardless of senatorial district, stressing that competence, vision, and preparation must ultimately guide the choice of leadership.
However, the former lawmaker made it clear that while zoning conversations are legitimate, her experience and depth of exposure to governance place her in a strong position to lead at this time.
“Yewa people also have the right to be governor. I am not saying anyone does not have the right. I’m just saying that at this point, I think I’m the most prepared. I’ve been a commissioner for health.
“The fact that I was a senator for Central, the fact that I know everybody that has been in governance in the state, I’ve been wanted because of my experiences in the state.
“I think I’m well-prepared. And the fact that we also haven’t had a female governor in the country. And that it’s nice that having a female governor, what it does is let girls aspire. It helps girls aspire.
She argued that effective governance requires more than regional balancing, saying that it demands knowledge of the state’s political architecture and development needs.
Beyond experience, Obasanjo argued that development should remain the central focus of the next administration.
She noted that leadership must deliberately build structures that empower communities and create opportunities that naturally produce capable leaders from every region, including Yewa.
Her words “We need to focus on development in a way that will help the people to grow economically. So there’s a lot to it.
