The Osun 2026 gubernatorial election is over, but its lessons remain. For us as the younger generation in politics, it was a classroom, and we must ensure that the lessons are useful to us.
One of the shining stars of the just-concluded election was Hon. Wole Oke, a fifth-term lawmaker who boasted of being the “landlord of Ijesa North.” Wole Oke told the world that he was an expert in removing sitting Governors. He said Adeleke and Accord would not be on the ballot and that we would not get up to 500 votes in Oriade and OBOKUN local Government. But in the end, he lost his own Federal Constituency by over 2,500 votes, despite all the federal might deployed against the people of Ijesa North, the violence, intimidation and unlawful arrests.
We must learn that, in everything we do, we must give the utmost respect and honour to the people and make them the ultimate consideration. Wole Oke’s former supporters and close associates were arrested, humiliated and detained without any legal basis simply because they were now in different political parties.
Wole Oke uttered too many statements denigrating the people of Oriade Local Government and did so with so much confidence, yet he lost Oriade Local Government by over 6,400 votes, to his complete surprise. This happened because of the courage of the great people of Ijesa North, who stood their ground.
We should, therefore, learn from the aftermath of Wole Oke’s actions against the people of Ijesa North.
Let us look at some of the actions that made the people revolt against Wole Oke in Ijesa North.
1. Pride: Wole Oke Was Too Boastful
Wole Oke’s political capacity is built largely around the belief that he has so much money that no one can upstage him in financing an election, and nothing more. There is no other credible yardstick or quality by which to value Wole Oke in an election. To make matters worse, Wole Oke is very boastful about his wealth. Wole Oke reportedly claimed that he has the entire accounts of the people of Ijesa North and that, without him, they cannot survive.
Wole Oke refused to acknowledge that it is not always about money. The people have minds of their own. He ridiculed the people with his posture of wealth, and they revolted.
2. Wole Oke’s Threats to the People of Ijesa North
At the commencement of the campaign, Wole Oke stated in a video that anyone who was not on his side should bear the consequences of whatever happened to them.
People were arrested for no just reason, the intimidation was too much, and lives were lost. Yet, Wole Oke did not change his position on the statement. He did not withdraw it, nor did he apologise to the people.
3. Lack of Constituency Projects, Empowerment and Visible Impact in Ijesa North
Let us assume that Wole Oke’s first 20 years in the corridors of power were an opportunity for him to stabilise himself politically. Wole Oke’s last four years, during which he was elected by the people of Oriade and Obokun, when compared with those of some of his colleagues in Osun State, particularly Hon. Bamidele Salam, show that Wole Oke has done absolutely nothing.
In the last four years, Bamidele Salam has tarred roads, renovated schools and massively empowered many people, but none of these was seen in Ijesa North. No single project was executed, and no single empowerment programme was carried out since Wole Oke was re-elected in 2023. He has no single law to his credit, either.
4. Denigration of Civil Servants
Wole Oke openly denigrated civil servants in Osun State when he said his fashion designers were better than civil servants. He boasted about how much he pays his fashion designers, claiming that his own fashion designers are richer than Osun State civil servants.
5. Denigration of Respected Elders and the Claim That They Wasted Their Youthful Days
Wole Oke openly stated on live television that his children attend the best schools in the world and that his children cannot attend public schools.
The journalist immediately queried him and demanded to know whose children, then, should attend public schools and what the difference was between his children and those of other people.
Wole Oke boastfully responded that he did not waste his youthful days like others and that he worked very hard. Such a statement was insulting to middle-class families and parents who worked very hard and earned a decent living.
6. Harassment of Original APC Members in Ijesa North
Immediately Wole Oke joined the APC, he moved to take over the party structure in Ijesa North. He did not show respect for the existing structure or other aspirants for the House of Representatives. He was emphatic about the fact that they were of no consequence.
In fact, he allegedly sponsored or supported an attempted suspension of one of the most prominent APC leaders in Obokun from the party.
7. Imposition and Candidate-Selection Controversies
Wole Oke was caught in controversies surrounding the alleged imposition of candidates for the House of Assembly and his own candidature in Ijesa North. People were denied a fair opportunity to contest, and he, as a new member of the party, created the impression that the original APC members did not matter.
8. The Elites of Ijesa North
Wole Oke lost the support of a significant number of elites in Ijesa North. They influence a wide population of voters. Some are retired, while others work outside Osun State, but they provide support for many of their dependants.
When a politician loses their love and goodwill, such a politician is in trouble. They are usually very objective, and their parameters for supporting a candidate are not simply about money.
9. Wole Oke’s Denigration of Governor Ademola Adeleke and His Utterances During the Election
Wole Oke disrespected Governor Ademola Adeleke beyond the bounds of politics. He openly called Governor Adeleke a cripple simply because he uses a walking stick. He also made several dishonourable statements about Governor Ademola Adeleke. That is not honourable.
He started a very horrible slogan in Yoruba, where he said, “Epana Ede, Etana Ikire,” until it eventually backfired. He also released a demeaning video in which he mocked Governor Adeleke, singing, “Oni ni abiku o lo ni ile yii o, oni ni olomo o jere omo.” He also created several AI-generated photos to mock Governor Adeleke.
10. The “Otoge” Sentiment: 24 Years Is Enough
For 24 years, Hon. Wole Oke has occupied the corridors of power representing Ijesa North. That era has run its course.
The call for change is no longer a whisper. It is now the clear position of the people. Across Ijesa North, young and old, men and women, youths and elders are united in one sentiment, 24 years is enough.
The people are of the opinion that what Ijesa North needs now is not dominance or control, but fresh, focused and effective representation. The people deserve a representative committed to strong legislation, accountability and the real development of our constituency.
The biggest lesson is that the people are watching, and to whom much is given, much is expected.
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