The recent political development in Southwestern Nigeria, not only Osun State.
Undoubtedly, many aspirants and contenders are already positioning themselves for the forthcoming governorship race in Osun State. Notable among them are Akin Ogunbiyi, Hon. Dotun Babayemi, Benedict Alabi, among others. However, the mere mention of Otunba Iyiola Omisore evokes a different level of reaction. Every politically conscious figure in Southwest politics, Osun politics and even Abuja recognises his unmatched political dexterity. He is not just a former Deputy Governor of Osun State—he is a formidable political force.
President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the most influential political figure in Nigeria today, fully understands the political sophistication of Otunba Omisore. Anyone who downplays President Tinubu’s decisive role in the 2018 Osun governorship rerun—which brought Gboyega Oyetola to power through the direct intervention of Otunba Omisore in the Ife Federal Constituency/Ife Central LG—cannot claim political understanding.
Gboyega Oyetola’s rise to govern Osun State from 2018 to 2022 was, in part, tied to the decisive support of Otunba Omisore. When political intervention was required, APC leaders from Abuja and across the Southwest—led by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu—turned to him. Senior figures from the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari (of blessed memory), including the then APC National Chairman Umaru Ganduje, several governors, and other notable APC stalwarts such as Governor Rauf Aregbesola, all visited Ile-Ife. Their mission was clear: to seek Omisore’s support for the decisive rerun after the election was declared inconclusive by INEC.
Through the collective influence of these political heavyweights, Otunba Omisore eventually granted APC the soft landing they desperately needed. His influence neutralised opposition mobilisation and strengthened APC’s grassroots hold. On the rerun day, popular accounts noted how Omisore strategically monitored voter movement, ensuring strict alignment with his political directive. Ultimately, APC secured a landslide victory, temporarily halting Senator Ademola Adeleke’s governorship ambition.
Even respected elder statesmen, including former Osun Governor Pa Bisi Akande, acknowledge Omisore’s political weight. Baba Akande would never describe him as “overrated.” As the Yoruba say: “Oromodie ni ko mo Awodi; iya e lo mo Asa”—it is the inexperienced political players who underestimate Omisore; seasoned leaders who have worked closely with him fully appreciate his capacity.
Gboyega Oyetola himself, as the major beneficiary of Omisore’s 2018 political manoeuvring, understands how far Omisore can go in shaping political outcomes. His role in Oyetola’s emergence as governor remains undeniable.
Therefore, the recent decision to edge out Otunba Omisore from participating in the forthcoming APC governorship primary is not surprising. The self-styled “Progressives” who dominate Southwest politics would rather enter a governorship contest with a weaker candidate than allow someone perceived as lacking “progressive lineage” to secure the ticket. Such individuals may be offered senatorial seats, Reps positions, chairmanship roles or other political offices—but rarely the governorship ticket. A similar situation occurred when the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke and the now-incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke sought APC’s governorship ticket in 2017/2018.
In conclusion, the Yoruba proverb says: “Agbọnrin tó ṣọ́pá, adura olóde ló fi gba”—the weak gazelle becomes an easy catch for the hunter. If Otunba Omisore chooses to repay the APC for this recent disqualification in the same manner he once helped them, it could reshape the 2026 Osun governorship race. Victory may not come from a single political party; rather, from strategic coalitions such as:
- APC + Omisore + Ademola Adeleke + Anti-ADC forces (APC may win), or
- ADC + Ademola Adeleke + Omisore + Anti-APC forces (ADC may win).
What is certain is that no single political party can secure victory in 2026 without forming alliances. Osun’s political landscape has become fragmented, making coalition politics inevitable.
May the Almighty ease the process leading to the 2026 Osun State governorship election and all elections to come.
God bless Nigeria.
Taiwo Lasisi
President, Ta’awun Humanitarian Forum
Lagos