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The Osogbo Concerned Youths have distanced themselves from a purported “Coalition of Osogbo Indigenous Groups,” which recently called on political parties to zone the 2026 Osun State governorship ticket to Osogbo, Osun State capital.
The youth group describe the move as “a selfish, politically motivated agenda sponsored by a desperate aspirant within the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
In a statement issued on Monday, the youths dismissed the coalition as a “faceless group” that neither represents the collective will nor the genuine aspirations of the people of Osogbo.
They alleged that those behind the so-called coalition are “known political foot soldiers” of a governorship hopeful in the APC.
The group listed some of the individuals allegedly involved in the scheme to include Oloye Bosun Ode, former Chairman of Ward 12 in Osogbo Local Government; Hon. Maruff Atere, former Councillor of Ward 5, Olorunda Local Government; and Mrs. Odelade Idiat, a member of APC Ward 4 in Osogbo Local Government.
Others mentioned include coordinators of the ODAG and Areopeta Movement.
“It is evident that this gathering was neither convened nor endorsed by any recognized traditional, social, or developmental institution in Osogbo. It is simply a political stunt designed to deceive the public and drag the good name of Osogbo into partisan scheming,” the statement partly reads.
The youths further emphasized that only legitimate and established bodies, namely the Ataoja-in-Council, the Osogbo Elders’ Council, the Osogbo Action Council, the Osogbo Progressive Union (OPU), and the Osogbo Sons and Daughters Worldwide have the moral authority to speak on behalf of Osogbo and its people.
“These respected institutions embody the true voice, heritage, and leadership of our community. Whenever it becomes necessary to take a position on issues of public importance, they will speak in one clear, united, and authoritative voice.”
The statement also revealed that the majority of APC leaders and stalwarts in Osogbo, estimated at about 85 to 90 percent, are aligned with former Commissioner for Finance, Bola Oyebamiji, as their preferred candidate for the 2026 governorship race. The group says this development further exposes the “falsehood and political mischief” behind the purported zoning agitation.
The group urged members of the public, political parties, and the media to disregard the statement issued by the coalition.
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