••• Youths and Stakeholders from Irepodun, Ifelodun, Isin Pledges Solidarity for Equity Ahead of Governorship Race
Ahead of the 2027 election cycle youth leaders and stakeholders from Igbomina land gathered in Ajase-Ipo on Saturday to openly declared their support for the agitation that the 2027 governorship seat be zoned to Kwara North.
This position was firmly reinforced during a well-attended town hall meeting organised by the Kwara North Youth Consultative Forum at the Ajase-Ipo Descendants Union (ADU) Hall, where youths and community leaders from Ifelodun, Irepodun and Isin Local Government Areas pledged their solidarity with the North.
Earlier, members of the forum paid a courtesy visit to the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barrister) Ismail Yahaya Mohammed Atoloye Alebiosu, at his palace, where they received royal blessings ahead of the engagement.
Welcoming the delegation, the monarch described the youths as “the future leaders of Kwara State” and commended their commitment to unity and fairness in the state’s political journey.
He said the traditional institution in Kwara South had already taken a position on the zoning arrangement, stressing that equity, justice and fairness must guide political power rotation.
“I am glad to receive you. You are not only future leaders of Kwara North but of the entire Kwara State. I am impressed that among you are doctors, engineers, lawyers and professionals who will shape the future of this state,” the monarch said.
He prayed for divine guidance and urged political leaders not to forget their roots when they eventually get to power.
“Power belongs to Allah and He gives it to whoever He wills. When you get there, do not forget your source. Remember your people, remember your promises and fear Allah,” Oba Alebiosu admonished.
Addressing the town hall meeting, the Forum’s spokesperson, Hon. Nura Muhammad, said the visit was part of a broad consultative engagement aimed at building consensus, trust and unity ahead of 2027.
He noted that Kwara North was not seeking power for conquest but for justice, inclusion and balanced development.
“Our mission is simple — to ensure fairness, inclusion and a sense of belonging for every part of Kwara State. Kwara North is not asking for what belongs to others; we are asking for what is just, what is equitable and what will strengthen the unity of our state,” Nura said.
He pledged that any government produced by the zone would prioritise development, youth empowerment, women inclusion and infrastructure renewal across the three senatorial districts.
Several speakers from Igbomina land threw their weight behind the agitation.
Mr. Olaniyi James of KWASRRA said supporting Kwara North today would guarantee fairness tomorrow when it becomes the turn of Kwara South.
Hon. Kamil Akorede, PhD, Secretary to Ifelodun Local Government, said the people of Ifelodun, Irepodun and Isin — described as “three siblings” — were united in the cause.
“We will not disobey our royal fathers. We are ready to walk with Kwara North,” he declared.
Comrade Ayodele Idowu, Special Adviser on Sports to the Isin Local Government Chairman, assured the forum of political backing, urging the North to present credible and marketable aspirants.
Adebayo Joseph Adeola, Secretary to Isin Local Government, described the gathering as proof that the issue had been settled.
“It is indeed the turn of Kwara North. Go and put your minds at rest — ẹ̀yin lọ́kàn,” he said.
Women voices were also represented, as Ms. Seidu Bola Amudat urged the forum not to forget women, widows and the elderly when power eventually shifts.
The meeting ended with a unified call for cohesion among Kwara North aspirants to enhance acceptability across the state.
Members of the forum present at the event included Muhammad Nurudeen Muhammad (Media and Publicity), Abdullahi Shaba (Organising Secretary), Yebo Audu (Welfare Director), Mohammed Salihu (Assistant Director of Publicity) and Zakari Yusuf Baba.
The Ajase-Ipo engagement has further strengthened the growing momentum behind the Kwara North 2027 governorship project.