EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ‘Ogun Cannot Afford Back-to-Back Governors from the Same Local Government’ — Hon. Jelili Kayode Amusan Backs Yewa-Awori Governorship
Immediate former Ogun State governorship aspirant and prominent Egba political leader, Hon. Jelili Kayode Amusan (MHR), has declared that the 2027 governorship election should be guided by the principles of equity, justice and fairness, warning that Ogun State must avoid producing back-to-back governors from the same local government and even the same ward.
Speaking exclusively with Newsacross.com on the sidelines of the presentation of Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa Balogun as the running mate to the APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI), before the Ijebu Obas, Amusan said the moment represents a turning point in the political history of Ogun State.
Q: What is your assessment of today’s event?
Amusan: This is a significant milestone in Ogun State’s political journey. The presentation of the deputy governorship candidate before the revered Ijebu traditional rulers demonstrates the growing acceptance of the Yewa-Awori governorship project. It reflects a collective commitment to justice, fairness and political inclusion, which are essential ingredients for a united Ogun State.
Q: You have spoken against what you call “back-to-back governors.” Why is this important?
Amusan: It will be difficult to justify a situation where both the outgoing governor and the incoming governor come from the same local government, or even the same ward. Such an arrangement naturally raises questions about equity and the fair distribution of political opportunities among the various sections of Ogun State. Our democracy thrives when every part of the state feels included.
Q: As an Egba politician, why are you supporting the Yewa-Awori governorship aspiration?
Amusan: As an Egba son, I strongly believe that many of us will continue to uphold the long-standing tradition of fairness that has defined Ogun State politics. Every political bloc has the right to pursue its ambition, but the overall interest of Ogun State must always come first. Justice should never be sacrificed for sectional interests.
Q: How do you see Ogun State’s political structure?
Amusan: Over the years, Ogun politics has evolved around two major blocs—Ijebu/Remo and Egba/Yewa. That understanding has promoted political stability and inclusiveness. Respecting that balance is important if we want to sustain unity and ensure every part of the state has a sense of belonging.
Q: Were you surprised by the level of unity among the Yewa-Awori people?
Amusan: Honestly, many of us from Egba initially thought the historical divisions within Yewa-Awori would once again weaken the governorship aspiration of the zone. But recent developments have proved otherwise. What we are witnessing today is remarkable. The Yewa-Awori people have spoken with one voice behind a single candidate. Even more significant is the convergence of support from past and present political leaders across Ogun State. That level of consensus is extraordinary and deserves serious consideration.
Q: Why do you believe Yewa-Awori deserves the governorship now?
Amusan: After more than five decades since the creation of Ogun State, Yewa-Awori has earned both the moral and political right to produce the governor. This is no longer just a regional demand; it is a call for justice, fairness and inclusive governance. Breaking this over 50-year barrier will correct a long-standing political imbalance and strengthen our democracy.
Q: What is your message to the people of Ogun State?
Amusan: I appeal to traditional rulers, political leaders, party stakeholders and all citizens of Ogun State to support this aspiration, irrespective of ethnic or political affiliations. Beyond the principle of equity, the candidate presented by Yewa-Awori possesses the competence, experience and leadership capacity required to move Ogun State to greater heights. This is an opportunity for Ogun State to make history by choosing justice, fairness and unity over narrow interests.
The presentation of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI)’s running mate, Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa Balogun, before the Ijebu Obas drew political stakeholders, traditional rulers, party leaders and supporters from across Ogun State, further highlighting the growing momentum surrounding the 2027 governorship race.
