Why I’m the best for Ogun next governor – Iyabo Obasanjo

By Adejoke Adeleye/ Ogun

Former Senator, Iyabo Obasanjo, has declared herself the most qualified among aspirants seeking to become the governor of Ogun State in the 2027 election.

Iyabo, the daughter of former President Obasanjo said this while addressing journalists at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta on Saturday.

She, however, 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.

Reacting to growing debate on zoning and regional representation in Ogun and her own governorship ambition, Iyabo Obasanjo said no region should be excluded from pursuing the state’s highest office.

But she stressed that democracy guarantees equal opportunity for all qualified citizens, regardless of senatorial district noting that competence, vision, and preparation must ultimately guide the choice of leadership.

In this vein, Obasanjo said her experience and depth of exposure to governance place her in a strong position to lead Ogun State 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.

Iyabo Obasanjo further 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 in Ogun State.

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.