Ogun 2027: Iyabo Obasanjo reveals how she was ‘begged’ to contest governorship

By Adejoke Adeleye

An aspirant for Ogun APC 2027 governorship ticket, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo has claimed that she was begged by groups of people to contest in order to continue the good legacies she left behind when she served the state as commissioner for health.

Iyabo Obasanjo made this claim on Tuesday while speaking at the 2026 Ramadan Lecture organized by Ogun state chapter of Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association Of Nigeria (FIBAN).

The event, themed “Fasting Beyond Hunger: Sustaining Hope and Integrity in an Era of Economic Inflation was held at June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, the state capital.

The governorship aspirant who is the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo revealed how people reminded her of the good things she did when she was the commissioner of health in Ogun state.

She said they also told her that the only avenue she can use to bring dividend of democracy close to the people is by being the state governor.

Iyabo Obasanjo further noted that, her declaration for the governorship was not for the popularity sake.

She stressed that she has been popular before now as she is widely known in the state, across Nigeria and across the globe.

She also assured her supporters of victory with claims that her antecedents will speak for her during the poll.

Iyabo Obasanjo added that no resident or indigene of the state would be isolated or deprive from his/her fundamental human right irrespective of religion, ethnicity and political affiliation when she becomes the state governor.

“People like you came to me and said they want me to repeat the good things i did before in order to do more. They said I was given a small position in the past and i did well, so they want me to do more by accepting the big position and be the state governor.

“Initially, I ignored the calls. But when l came back home, people were reminding me what l have done for them, and l later accepted the offer when I see that, it is God that sent them to approach me”, she said.

“My declaration was not just for popularity or playing game like some other people. I’m a well known personality anywhere I am across the globe. So, this journey is going to be a positive one and i will win the election. You all knew what I did when I was a commissioner and I will do more than your expectations if I become the governor of this state. You should also know the wonderful things women have been doing in Ogun state,” she noted.

“By the grace of God, my governance would be an inclusive one, irrespective of religion, ethnicity and political affiliation,” she concluded.

The Guest lecturer of the day, a renowned Islam scholar, Sheikh Abdulfatai Raji As-Thaqofy emphasized tha until the scientists discovered the benefits of fasting to health, human beings only see fasting as religion obligation most especially during Ramadan as a way of obeying the will of Allah by only Muslims.

He added that medical doctors are also prescribing fasting for their patients who are battling with some particular ailments to have quick recovery.

He told Muslims that fasting as one of the pillars of Islam that should not be taken for granted.

Earlier in his address, the chairman of the day, who is the Asiwaju Adinni and Amir Hajj of Ogun state, Alhaji Samsudeen Adebayo Apelogun called on media professionals and Nigerians at large to uphold integrity, sustain hope and strengthen compassion in the face of prevailing economic challenges, describing integrity as their greatest capital.

Alhaji Apelogun, who is also the President of Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), represented at the event by Imam Mikhail Adesanya, the Eketa Adinni of Remo Kingdom, also emphasized that fasting during Ramadan goes far beyond abstaining from food and drink, describing it as a spiritual discipline aimed at attaining Taqwa (piety) and moral consciousness.

Quoting Qur’an 2:183, he reminded participants that fasting is prescribed to develop righteousness and self-restraint, noting that in times of inflation and economic hardship, Ramadan teaches resilience, empathy, and social responsibility.

Citing a Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as recorded in Sahih Bukhari, he stressed that fasting without integrity is incomplete, warning against falsehood, dishonesty, and unethical practices, especially in difficult economic periods.

Referencing Qur’an 65:2–3, he assured participants of Allah’s promise of provision and relief for those who remain steadfast and God-conscious, affirming that while markets may fluctuate, Allah remains Ar-Razzaq — the Ultimate Provider.