By: Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
Otu3nba Tunji Oredipe (OTO), the Otunba Legan of IjeEbuland and a gubernatorial aspirant for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election, has formally declared his intention to contest for the state’s top office.
Oredipe made the declaration at Eagle Square in Atan, Ogun State, where he unveiled a comprehensive development blueprint designed to accelerate economic growth, strengthen infrastructure, and promote inclusive prosperity across the Gateway State.
Addressing citizens across the Gateway State, Oredipe expressed gratitude and humility while seeking the mandate of the people to serve as the next governor. He paid tribute to past and present leaders whose contributions, he noted, have shaped Ogun State’s development trajectory.
The aspirant acknowledged the legacies of former governors, including Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and the incumbent governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, pledging to build on their achievements to advance the state’s economic and social progress.
Oredipe also commended the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as party leaders in Ogun State, for sustaining a vision of development and stability. He extended appreciation to traditional rulers, community leaders, civil servants, entrepreneurs, and residents across the 20 local government areas for their contributions to the state’s growth.
Highlighting Ogun’s position as Nigeria’s industrial hub, he recognized the role of investors, manufacturers, and small-scale business owners in driving economic activity across key industrial clusters such as Sagamu, Ewekoro, Ota, and Ifo.
Central to his declaration was the unveiling of an 8-point development agenda designed to unlock the state’s full potential. The agenda focuses on transport and traffic reform, affordable housing, agricultural transformation and blue economy, technology and talent development, security and governance, education reform, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment.
On infrastructure, Oredipe proposed a modern, integrated transport system featuring expanded rail networks, bus rapid transit corridors, water transportation, and technology-driven traffic management solutions to ease congestion and improve connectivity.
In the housing sector, he pledged to promote affordable housing through vertical development, urban renewal initiatives, and public-private partnerships, while ensuring access to basic amenities such as water, electricity, and sanitation.
The aspirant emphasized agriculture and the blue economy as key drivers of job creation and food security, outlining plans to mechanize farming, expand irrigation, support agro-processing, and develop aquaculture.
He further outlined strategies to position Ogun as a hub for innovation by investing in digital skills, establishing technology hubs, and supporting startups and creative industries, particularly for youth development.
On governance and security, Oredipe promised to deploy technology for effective policing, strengthen community-based security systems, and ensure transparency through digitization of public services.
In the education sector, he pledged reforms aimed at improving quality, integrating digital tools, and promoting science and technology education to prepare citizens for global competitiveness.
Environmental sustainability and renewable energy development also featured prominently in his agenda, with plans to promote clean energy, improve waste management, and protect natural resources.
Reaffirming his commitment to youth inclusion, Oredipe assured that young people would play a central role in governance, with expanded access to skills training, funding, and leadership opportunities.
Describing his agenda as a “promise grounded in experience and passion,” the aspirant said his administration would prioritize job creation, rural development, accessible healthcare, and people-centered governance.
“Ogun State’s best days are ahead. The foundation is set, and the time is now,” he stated, urging citizens to support his candidacy.
The Executive Chairman of Ijebu North East Local Government, Hon. Badejo, has commended Otunba Tunji Oredipe for what he described as a bold and historic step aimed at returning the governorship to Ijebuland, nearly four decades after the tenure of Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, the state’s first civilian governor.
In the same vein, APC State Vice Chairman, Hon. James Dina, expressed profound excitement over Oredipe’s ambition, describing it as a purposeful mission to restore the lost dignity and political relevance of Ijebuland within the state’s leadership structure.
Distinguished dignitaries present at the declaration included Hon. James Dina, APC State Vice Chairman; Hon. Badejo, Executive Chairman of Ijebu North East Local Government; Otunba Remi Onasanya of the APC Ijebu North East Elder Forum; Chief Abayomi Ogunbanwo, Chairman of the Baale-in-Council, Ijebu North East Local Government; Chief Adewole Ayenuga, Secretary of the Baale-in-Council; Dr. Olayiwola Onasanya, Alhaja Sariat Adekoya Iyaloja General Akile, Chief Shakiru Mojeed Babaloja General, malongside other notable personalities.
Oredipe concluded by expressing optimism that Ogun State would emerge as a leading economic powerhouse in Nigeria and West Africa under his leadership.
