I read with immense joy the statement credited to Chief Barr. Sulaimon Ajewole, President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), published on Wednesday, November 20, 2025, by The Eagle Online, with the above caption. As a non‑indigene of Ibadan but a proud citizen of Oyo State, I found his words profoundly reassuring.
Chief Ajewole’s declaration—that the 2027 governorship ticket will not be restricted to Ibadan indigenes and that competence, not cradle, should be the determining factor—is a courageous and forward‑looking position. His exact words bear repeating: “If a candidate is capable and accepted by the people, we will vote for him, even against an Ibadan candidate.” He also emphasized that “Ibadan will not gatekeep the governorship.”
This statement is not merely political; it is a healing balm. For years, many of us from other parts of Oyo State have felt marginalized, as though the highest office was reserved exclusively for Ibadan. Chief Ajewole’s stance counters that divisive narrative. By pointing to the example of former Governor Adebayo Alao‑Akala—who defeated strong Ibadan contenders—he reminded us that Ibadan has always had a history of supporting capable non‑indigenes. That history now finds a strong voice in the CCII President‑General.
I also note that Chief Ajewole, a lawyer and a man of wide exposure, likely drew inspiration from the Olubadan of Ibadanland himself, who reportedly expressed a similar inclusive sentiment when Oke‑Ogun leaders visited him after his coronation. It is heartwarming to see the traditional institution and the CCII walking the same path of unity.
His statement gives people like me a genuine sense of belonging. It assures us that we can aspire to the highest office in the state if we are competent and if we earn the people’s trust. This is the kind of leadership that strengthens Oyo State. If the North had insisted on number alone, they would have monopolized the presidency; instead, wisdom and national unity prevailed. Chief Ajewole is replicating that wisdom at the state level.
I therefore write this rejoinder not to critique but to wholeheartedly commend Chief Barr. Sulaimon Ajewole. His words are progressive, unifying, and deserving of emulation by all leaders across Oyo State.
God bless the Olubadan. God bless Chief Sulaimon Ajewole. God bless Oyo State.
Barr. Waheed Olatunde Lawal
Proud Citizen of Oyo State, from Saki-Okeogun.
