2027: Showunmi urges Ogun non-indigenes, hunters to support Tinubu

Convener of The Alternative Movement, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has urged non-indigene associations and hunters’ groups in Ogun State to mobilise their members to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Showunmi made the call on Saturday in Abeokuta, the state capital, during a consultation with members of various non-indigene associations and hunters’ groups.

Describing the 2027 presidential election as an “election of liberation,” the Peoples Democratic Party chieftain urged the groups to mobilise support for Tinubu across the three senatorial districts of the state.

He said, “This next election is the election that we are going to call the election of liberation. All the votes, let nobody sleep that day, all the votes must go to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Showunmi said the mobilisation should go beyond winning the election to securing a substantial margin of votes for Tinubu.

“The objective should go beyond merely winning the election to securing a large margin of votes for Tinubu,” he said.

He also argued that the 2027 election would provide an opportunity to demonstrate the political strength of the South, maintaining that political power should continue to rotate among the regions.

“Political power must continue to rotate among the regions, hence, Tinubu must complete his eight-year tenure to deliver Nigeria,” Showunmi said.

The PDP chieftain also appealed to voters from the South-East and other parts of the country to support Tinubu, arguing that the South-West had supported candidates from other regions in previous presidential elections.

Describing non-indigenes living in Ogun as an important component of the state’s social and economic development, Showunmi said he regarded them collectively as the “Ogun Tribe”.

He urged the various communities to participate actively in the 2027 election, stressing that their votes would be significant to the presidential contest.

“All of you are important stakeholders in Ogun State. You have contributed significantly to the development of this state, and your votes will be significant in determining the outcome of the election,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the non-indigene associations, Chairman of the Non-Indigene Association of Ogun State, Egba Zone, Hon. Francis Nwanze, declared the group’s support for Tinubu following Showunmi’s advocacy.

Nwanze said the association had enjoyed Showunmi’s support over the years, including financial assistance during the inauguration of some of its activities.

He maintained that the association, established about 20 years ago, had coordinators across the state’s 20 local government areas.

Nwanze added that representatives from the various local government areas attended the meeting and assured Showunmi that the group would support the Tinubu campaign.

The association comprises members of Igbo, Igede, Tiv, Calabar, Edo and other communities resident in Ogun State.

Similarly, representatives of hunters’ associations at the meeting pledged their support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.

The Araba of Ogun Hunters, Yusuf Alao, said the group had more than 1,000 members and assured Showunmi that the hunters would mobilise their members to support Tinubu at the polls.

The hunters also prayed for the President’s victory in the 2027 presidential election.

Showunmi faults critics for ignoring Tinubu’s achievements

The Convener of The Alternative Movement, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has faulted critics of President Bola Tinubu, accusing them of ignoring the administration’s achievements while focusing on negative developments.

Showunmi spoke during an engagement in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, where he canvassed support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

He accused some presidential contenders of refusing to acknowledge positive developments under the Tinubu administration, alleging that they were quick to celebrate challenges facing the country.

“You will never hear them, especially those so-called presidential candidates. They will never rejoice if anything good comes to Nigeria,” Showunmi said.

“By the time they hear there's a small challenge, they will be rejoicing.”

He urged Nigerians to disregard what he described as negative reports about the President, particularly allegations questioning his health and fitness to seek re-election in 2027.

“Never listen to the ideas of naysayers,” he said. “Never listen to the ideas of people who hate themselves and only laugh at mischief and at bad news.”

Showunmi insisted that Tinubu was in good health and of sound mind, dismissing allegations that the President was on a medical vacation or might not be fit to contest the next election.

“The president has answered that question by saying that this is a world where when you're in politics there's a lot of rumour,” he said.

“The way you saw him bouncing when he was coming from the plane, does that look like someone that is not well?”

He added, “The president is in good health. The president is a sound mind.”

The Alternative Movement convener also defended Tinubu's decision to miss the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, arguing that the President's absence should not be interpreted as evidence of ill health.

Tinubu has missed the UN General Assembly for three consecutive years, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima representing Nigeria at the 79th, 80th and 81st sessions in 2024, 2025 and 2026, respectively.

Showunmi argued that the Vice-President's representation was sufficient, questioning the benefits of the President's physical attendance at the annual gathering.

“The United Nations that people talk about, they don't probably know that the presidency is won. Anywhere you see the vice president acting in capacity as a representative of the president, it is as good as the president standing there,” he said.

He also cited investments in the gas and maritime sectors as reasons Tinubu should concentrate on domestic engagements rather than attend the international gathering.

“Look at the president. Should he have left a 700 billion investment towards gas in this country so that I can sit down and be taking pictures with some people in the United Nations?” Showunmi asked.

“Or should he have left the $7 billion investment in a seaport for our Ogun state while he's busy taking pictures?”

He further questioned the benefits Nigeria had derived from previous presidential attendance at the UN General Assembly.

“The ones we've been going to the United Nations all these days, including the one we even did with Tafal Balewa, the Golden Voice of Africa. What has been the result?” he said.

“The United Nations is just a gathering of one person saying, yes, sir, I'm here. They've seen me. And Nigeria has been represented, and that is enough.”

Tinubu had also dismissed concerns about his health after returning from a four-week stay in Europe in September, declaring that he was “healthy, sound, and ready to go.”

Showunmi has publicly backed Tinubu's re-election bid, arguing that policy continuity is necessary to allow the administration's economic programmes to take effect.

2027 election is for Tinubu to win — Segun Showunmi

The Chief Promoter of the Alternative Movement, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has declared that the 2027 presidential election is President Bola Tinubu’s to win, urging Yoruba voters in the South-West to support the president’s re-election bid.

Showunmi made the declaration on Saturday in Abeokuta during a sensitisation and mobilisation programme organised in support of Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.

He dismissed the growing opposition to Tinubu from politicians in the South, particularly those seeking to challenge the president in the next presidential election.

“This election is Bola Tinubu's election to win,” Showunmi said.

He described politicians who, according to him, were seeking to challenge Tinubu through media appearances as wasting their resources.

“Anyone who says he is going to be running up and down television, deceiving himself, wasting the little resources he has, claiming that he can win presidency here, he is a joker,” he said.

Showunmi also appealed to Yoruba voters to back Tinubu, warning against a situation where the North would produce more votes for the president than the South-West.

“I have come home to beg the Yoruba people that you will not be ashamed.

“Because when the election is over, and the people of North-East, and the people of North-West, and the people of North-Central produce more votes than you, then where will you put your face?Therefore, it is time to work now. We are back to 2003,” he said.

The politician said he had already commenced grassroots mobilisation for the 2027 election, including work at the polling-unit level.

“I've empowered them, I've told them to enter the polling unit and start the polling unit work,” he added.

He added that the mobilisation would subsequently extend to the six local government areas in Ogun Central.

“Thereafter, I'm going to go to each of the six local governments in Ogun Central.

“We are not social media politicians. We are not television politicians,” he stated.

Egba Economic Summit celebrates ex-Shell executive Sobande at birthday

The Egba Economic Summit has felicitated one of its pioneer members, Engr. Ola Munis Sobande, on his birthday, describing him as a passionate and dedicated Egba son whose contributions have helped shape the organisation and advance the development of Egbaland.

In a congratulatory letter dated Tuesday, July 7, 2026, and signed by the President of the Egba Economic Summit, Dr Gbenga Adeoye, the organisation praised Sobande's humility, dedication and unwavering commitment to the vision of the summit.

The letter, addressed to Sobande at his residence in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, said the congratulatory message was issued on behalf of the patrons, Board of Directors, Governing Council, executive members and the entire membership of the summit.

The organisation noted that Sobande, a founding member and pioneer of the Egba Economic Summit, had deployed his engineering expertise and decades of experience at Shell, both within and outside Nigeria, to support the growth of the organisation.

According to the summit, his professional background and selfless service have significantly influenced the direction and impact of the body.

The statement read in part, "We celebrate your humility, dedication, and unwavering love for Egbaland. Your selfless service and commitment to the vision of EES have been a great inspiration to us all.

"As a founding member and visionary of the Summit, you brought your skill as an Engineer and your decades of experience in Shell within and outside Nigeria to contribute to the growth of EES and your contributions have helped shape its direction and impact. We deeply appreciate your continued support and passion for the development of Egbaland."

The summit also prayed for Sobande's continued good health, wisdom, strength and many more years of fruitful service.

"On this special day, we pray that Almighty God grants you good health, wisdom, strength, peace, and many more fruitful years of service," the letter added.

It concluded by congratulating the celebrant once again and expressing joy with his family and friends while wishing him continued success in his service to Egbaland.

Adeoye backs Ogun West for 2027 governorship

 

Adeoye 

A good governance advocate, lawyer and chartered accountant, Dr Gbenga Adeoye, has backed Ogun West Senatorial District to produce the next governor of Ogun State in 2027, saying it would be the most equitable outcome under a rotational governorship arrangement.

Adeoye, in an article on rotational presidency and governorship, argued that political parties should adopt a system that rotates power among senatorial districts to promote fairness, peace and unity.

Using Ogun State as an example, he said the state had witnessed a pattern of governorship rotation between Ogun Central and Ogun East, adding that Ogun West should now be given the opportunity to produce the next governor.

He stated, “The Most reasonable, equitable and intelligent thing to do by all political parties is NOT to produce any candidate from Ogun East towards 2027 election. That is the best thing to do.

“Assuming APC is not the national ruling party and a strong candidate like Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, did not emerge from Ogun West, the chance of Ogun Central becoming the next Governor would have been very high as it aligns with two-way rotation that have been ongoing since but a three-way rotation is the most reasonable.”

Adeoye maintained that it would be unfair for any senatorial district to retain power consecutively when other districts have not had the opportunity to produce a governor.

“It is then unreasonable for anyone to rise up from a senatorial district back to back for the purpose of contesting Governorship election,” he said.

The governance advocate noted that Ogun State has three senatorial districts—Ogun Central, Ogun East and Ogun West—and argued that governorship should rotate among them.

“Therefore from now on, this is how to run the affairs of all parties in Nigeria... Ogun Central, followed by Ogun East and then followed by Ogun West. All political Parties must be reasonable to adopt such peaceful system that breeds unity.”

Adeoye traced the political history of Ogun State, saying previous efforts by Ogun West to produce a governor were undermined by divisions among political actors and parties.

He said Ogun West couldn't unite to produce one candidate when it was their turn.

According to him, the inability of Ogun West to produce one united candidate then led to Central taking it back.”l

He argued that opposition to rotational arrangements was misplaced because capable leaders could emerge from any district.

“Some people argue that rotation is not good and that it is an attempt to deny intelligent candidate from a given Senatorial district, I disagree with this view because intelligent, experienced, educated and men and women of good character can also be identified in the district that such rotation favours,” he said.

Adeoye also advocated rotational leadership at the national level, urging political stakeholders to sustain the principle of power rotation between the North and the South.

He said, “Presidential candidacy should be structured in a manner that North and South rotational presidency should be adopted by lovers of peace and unity.”

According to him, “Nigeria as a country must follow the same principle wholeheartedly for the purpose of Unity.”

He added that rotational arrangements should be adopted across all states and geopolitical zones to strengthen inclusion and national cohesion.

Adeoye concluded, “May God bless our country and may God bless our respective states with reasonable, intelligent, patriotic and selfless leaders who will govern for the greater good of the greatest number of people and indeed for all citizens.”

May Day: NATE calls for improved welfare, training for workers

The Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering, Ogun State branch, Engr Kolawole Ogunwemimo, has urged employers across the country to move beyond verbal commendations and take concrete steps to improve workers’ welfare.

Ogunwemimo made the call in a Workers’ Day message issued on Thursday, as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark International Workers' Day.

He stressed that the annual celebration should not be reduced to mere symbolism but should serve as a period for reflection and renewed commitment by both employers and employees towards building a more functional and inclusive society.

The NATE chairman highlighted the pivotal role played by engineering professionals, describing technologists, technicians and engineers as critical drivers of national development.

According to him, their contributions cut across key sectors, including construction, manufacturing, energy, telecommunications and technology, forming the backbone of systems that sustain everyday life.

“The comfort, safety and progress we enjoy as a society are largely made possible through the skill, creativity and dedication of engineering personnel,” he said.

Ogunwemimo, however, charged employers in both the public and private sectors to demonstrate genuine appreciation for workers through practical measures.

He identified areas requiring urgent attention to include fair and competitive remuneration, continuous staff development through training and certifications, and the provision of safe and well-equipped working environments.

He also called for the recognition and reward of excellence, alongside the creation of clear career growth opportunities for employees.

He noted that improved welfare conditions would boost workers’ morale and productivity, reduce system failures and enhance overall organisational performance.

Addressing workers, the NATE chairman urged them to uphold professionalism, integrity and excellence in their duties.

He advised engineering personnel to prioritise quality and safety, continuously upgrade their skills, maintain discipline and teamwork, and embrace innovation in solving problems.

“Workers must take pride in their roles, knowing that their contributions have a direct impact on industries, communities and the future of the nation,” he added.

Ogunwemimo further emphasised that Workers’ Day should inspire a lasting culture of mutual respect and shared responsibility between employers and employees.

He commended workers for their dedication and called on all stakeholders to collaborate in building stronger institutions and a more prosperous society.

Segun Showunmi blasts Kio Amachree, defends Hitech's Gilbert Chagoury

Showunmi

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Segun Showunmi, has sharply criticised a recent commentary by Kio Amachree, describing it as “misguided” and riddled with contradictions, while mounting a robust defence of businessman Gilbert Chagoury.

In a strongly worded rebuttal released on Thursday, Showunmi accused Amachree of distorting facts and promoting divisive narratives, insisting that Chagoury’s decades-long investments in Nigeria speak for themselves.

Showunmi wrote, “Amachree’s write-up collapses under the weight of its own contradictions, exaggerations, and ironically the same divisive instincts it claims to condemn.”

He took particular exception to what he described as the “most offensive and intellectually lazy premise” in the commentary — the suggestion that Chagoury was “less Nigerian.”

“That is not just wrong — it is dangerous,” Showunmi said. “Gilbert Chagoury is Nigerian by law, by investment, and by decades of continuous engagement with this country. He has lived, built, employed, paid taxes, and taken risks in Nigeria for over half a century.”

The PDP chieftain also criticised diaspora commentators, arguing that distance from Nigeria often leads to oversimplified assessments of complex national issues.

“You do not get to emotionally exit a country and then question the legitimacy of those who stayed and built within it,” he said. “Many of the loudest critics, including diaspora commentators writing from comfortable homes abroad, cannot claim that level of sustained commitment.”

Showunmi maintained that Chagoury’s contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructure and economy were measurable and tangible.

“If contribution is the metric, then let’s be honest: he has contributed more to Nigeria’s physical and economic landscape than many who dominate online outrage cycles. That is not sentiment — it is measurable reality,” he stated.

Addressing allegations surrounding large-scale infrastructure projects, Showunmi rejected claims that contracts had been improperly awarded, describing such assertions as misleading. ⚖️

“This attempt to reduce complex infrastructure procurement into a simplistic ‘$13 billion gift to one man’ narrative is, at best, distortion and, at worst, deliberate misinformation,” he said. “Large-scale infrastructure projects — coastal highways, port rehabilitation, shoreline protection — are not social media slogans.”

He challenged critics to provide evidence of wrongdoing rather than speculation.

“If there are legitimate concerns, then present them properly: Where is the documented breach of procurement law? Which statutory provisions were violated? What evidence exists beyond assertion? Anything less is noise,” Showunmi added.

The politician also faulted what he described as selective references to past legal controversies involving Chagoury.

“The fixation on past legal issues without context, without acknowledging legal closure or evolution betrays selective outrage. If Nigerian law disqualifies an individual from contracts or honours, cite it. If not, then what we are seeing is not accountability — it is opportunistic character assassination,” he said.

Showunmi further accused critics of replacing tribalism with what he termed “xenophobic insinuation.”

“Swap ‘tribe’ for ‘foreigner,’ and suddenly it is acceptable outrage? That is not reform. That is prejudice in a different costume,” he argued.

He stressed that Nigeria’s governance challenges were systemic rather than tied to any individual.

“Nigeria’s challenge is institutional — weak procurement enforcement, elite capture across all divides, opacity in contract structuring, weak accountability mechanisms. Blaming one businessman, foreign-born or otherwise, does not fix systemic failure,” he stated.

Highlighting specific projects, Showunmi pointed to coastal engineering works and urban development initiatives as examples of Chagoury’s contributions. 

“Look at Eko Atlantic, the stabilization of Victoria Island against Atlantic encroachment, and the coastal engineering behind the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. These are not abstract claims — they are visible, technical interventions that have reshaped Nigeria’s coastline and protected economic assets,” he said.

He also suggested that legal remedies could be pursued against what he described as defamatory claims.

“At this point, enough is enough. I strongly encourage the Chagoury Group to consider legal action against defamatory claims and put this embarrassing cycle of uninformed agitation to rest. Public discourse must carry consequences when it abandons facts for sensationalism,” Showunmi said.

He concluded with a message of appreciation to Chagoury, stating, “You have lived the Nigerian Dream in a way many only theorize about. A grateful nation and its more discerning citizens say: Ese. Daalu. Nagode. Thank you.”

Hostility is not journalism, Showunmi tells Mehdi Hassan

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has criticised broadcaster Mehdi Hasan over his recent interview with presidential spokesperson, Daniel Bwala, describing the exchange as hostile rather than professional journalism.

Showunmi said the interview crossed the line between tough questioning and outright hostility, arguing that what viewers witnessed was “an attempted public ambush” rather than a serious engagement.

In a statement, Showunmi said, “There is a clear difference between tough journalism and outright hostility. One serves the public interest. The other serves the ego of the interviewer.”

He added, “Unfortunately, the recent exchange between Mehdi Hasan and presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala fell squarely into the latter category.”

According to him, the tone of the interview from the beginning was aggressively confrontational and appeared designed to embarrass the guest rather than inform the public.

“From the outset, the tone was aggressively confrontational. Questions were framed less as inquiries into governance and more as prosecutorial traps. Responses were repeatedly interrupted before they could develop. Clarifications were brushed aside,” he said.

Showunmi stated that the atmosphere of the interview made it clear that it was not designed as a genuine conversation.

“The atmosphere was unmistakable: this was not a conversation designed to inform viewers but a spectacle designed to embarrass the guest,” he added.

He stressed that serious journalism requires discipline and balance, noting that difficult questions should still allow interviewees the opportunity to provide clear answers.

“The craft of interviewing demands discipline. It requires the ability to ask difficult questions while still allowing the guest to articulate answers. It requires intellectual confidence strong enough to permit disagreement without descending into open hostility,” he said.

Showunmi further argued that the interview missed an opportunity to interrogate the Nigerian government on key national issues.

“Nigeria is currently grappling with a range of serious national challenges — economic restructuring, security threats, governance reforms, and the complex work of stabilising a large and dynamic democracy,” he said.

“A responsible interviewer would have used the opportunity to interrogate the administration’s policies on these matters: What strategies are being deployed? What reforms are underway? What outcomes should citizens expect?” he added.

He maintained that the programme instead focused on “selective outrage and repetitive interruption.”

“Instead, viewers were treated to an exercise in selective outrage and repetitive interruption,” he said.

Showunmi also faulted what he described as insinuations in the interview that political realignment was illegitimate.

“Democratic politics is built on shifting alliances. Individuals and movements evolve. Former opponents become partners when national circumstances demand cooperation,” he said.

“This is neither shocking nor dishonourable; it is one of the defining characteristics of democratic political life.”

He warned that journalism risks losing credibility when interviewers resort to ridicule or humiliation.

“A journalist who openly ridicules or repeatedly attempts to humiliate a guest crosses an important professional boundary.

“The role of the interviewer is to hold power accountable, not to behave like a courtroom prosecutor seeking a viral ‘gotcha’ moment," he said.

Showunmi added that audiences deserved interviews that focused on policy and governance rather than spectacle.

“They deserve interviews that illuminate policy, probe governance, and help citizens understand how leaders intend to confront the pressing challenges of the day.

“What they do not need is a theatrical performance in which hostility is mistaken for intellectual rigour.” he stated.

Showunmi faults presidential spokesperson Bwala over Mehdi Hassan interview

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has criticised the recent interview performance of presidential spokesperson, Daniel Bwala, during an appearance with British journalist Mehdi Hassan, saying it highlighted the importance of professionalism and preparation in government communication.

Showunmi, in a commentary titled 'When Spokespersons Falter: Lessons in Strategic Communication', argued that public communication at the highest levels of government requires discipline, strategic thinking and extensive preparation.

According to him, the role of a spokesperson is one of the most demanding assignments in political leadership because it lies at the intersection of policy, perception and national reputation.

He said, “Public communication at the highest levels of government is not a casual undertaking. The role of a spokesperson is one of the most demanding assignments in political leadership because it sits at the intersection of policy, perception, and national reputation.”

The PDP chieftain noted that every word, tone, gesture and response from a government spokesperson contributes to how both domestic and international audiences judge an administration.

“Every word, tone, gesture, and response becomes part of the narrative through which both domestic and international audiences judge a government,” he said.

Showunmi added that facing experienced international interviewers such as Hassan requires more than political loyalty, stressing that such engagements are high-stakes exercises in narrative management.

“Confronting seasoned international interviewers such as Mehdi Hassan is not merely a media appearance; it is a high-stakes exercise in narrative management,” he said.

He further stated that effective spokespersons are rarely accidental performers, explaining that expertise in political communication is often built through years of experience in campaign messaging, media briefings, crisis communication and policy translation.

Showunmi referenced the widely discussed “10,000-hour rule”, popularised by author Malcolm Gladwell, to illustrate the level of practice required to achieve mastery in complex professions.

“The difference between seasoned communicators and inexperienced voices becomes evident under pressure,” he said.

According to him, professional spokespersons understand how to manage hostile questions without appearing evasive and often rely on structured communication frameworks that keep discussions anchored to the principal’s key policy messages.

He said the interview process should never revolve around the spokesperson personally but rather focus on defending and explaining the policies of the leader or institution they represent.

“The interview is never about the spokesperson. It is about defending, explaining, and contextualising the decisions of the leader or institution they represent,” Showunmi added.

He also stressed the importance of message discipline, warning that spokespersons should resist the temptation to make statements aimed at pleasing narrow political audiences.

“The true target is the broad middle: undecided citizens, neutral observers, and international audiences whose perceptions influence the credibility of a government,” he said.

Showunmi further emphasised the need for situational awareness in media engagements, noting that spokespersons must understand the style of interview platforms, the methods of interviewers and the expectations of their audiences.

Preparation, he said, should include anticipating potential lines of questioning and crafting responses that maintain composure while advancing the government’s narrative.

He also highlighted the role of non-verbal communication, saying tone of voice, cadence, posture and gestures contribute significantly to how audiences perceive credibility.

For governments, Showunmi said the lesson from such interviews is institutional rather than personal, calling for greater investment in professional communication training.

“Strategic communication should be treated as a professional discipline requiring training, mentorship, and continuous preparation,” he said.

He noted that many successful administrations invest in communication war rooms, message simulation exercises and spokesperson coaching to prepare their representatives for difficult interviews.

“In an era where a single media appearance can circulate globally within minutes, spokesperson performance is no longer a minor detail of governance. It is part of statecraft,” he said.

Showunmi added that Nigeria would benefit from deeper investment in professional communication training for officials tasked with representing public institutions.

“Competence in this field is rarely a matter of instinct. It is the result of preparation, experience, and respect for the demanding craft of strategic communication,” he stated.

Odofin Sowunmi vows to rally Keesi indigenes for development

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and Convener of The Alternative Movement, Segun Showunmi, has pledged to mobilise indigenes of Keesi at home and in the diaspora for accelerated development following his installation as the Odofin of Keesi Town in Egbaland.

Showunmi was formally installed on Wednesday at the Ogboni House, Keesi, Abeokuta, amid fanfare, traditional rites and commendations from community leaders and residents.

Speaking shortly after the ceremony, the former Ogun State governorship aspirant described the Odofin stool as a strategic and historic office deeply rooted in the heritage of Keesi, noting that it comes with a responsibility to unite and reposition the community for sustainable progress.

He expressed gratitude to the elders and people of the town for what he called a “profound honour,” adding that the title is traditionally associated with the Akiroku family, from which he hails.

“My grandfather held this title. My father is the present Balogun and my uncle is the Apena. With many of our leaders advancing in age, it is important for the younger generation to step forward and contribute meaningfully to community development,” he said.

Showunmi stressed that his immediate priority would be to rally Keesi indigenes across generations and locations to support a structured development agenda for the town.

He described Keesi as one of four communities that originated from the same ancestral homestead, emphasising that it remains the eldest among them and has historically played a leading role in Egbaland.

Highlighting the town’s legacy, he noted that Keesi distinguished itself early as a pacesetter, being among the first communities in the area to establish a community hall, school, clinic and local power infrastructure.

“We know who we are and we are confident in our identity. By the grace of God, we will continue to add value and drive more development to our people,” he stated.

As part of his development drive, Showunmi disclosed that he recently commissioned a comprehensive needs assessment involving indigenes both at home and abroad to identify priority areas requiring urgent intervention.

According to him, the report will soon be submitted, after which a committee will be constituted to translate its recommendations into actionable projects.

He explained that the initiative is designed to ensure that development efforts are data-driven, inclusive and reflective of the aspirations of the people.

The PDP stalwart further argued that meaningful national transformation must begin at the grassroots, adding that communities must take deliberate steps to organise themselves and harness their human and material resources.

“If you are given the opportunity to transform a state, you can begin from your own community and use it as a model for wider development,” he said.

Some indigenes who spoke at the event said Showunmi’s installation was in recognition of his sustained contributions to the socio-economic growth of the town and his demonstrated leadership within and beyond Ogun State.

They expressed confidence that his emergence as Odofin would strengthen unity among Keesi indigenes, attract fresh investments and accelerate infrastructural and social development in t

he community and its environs.

Egba Economic Summit demands completion of abandoned Abeokuta–Alapako road

Egba leaders under the aegis of the Egba Economic Summit Group have raised the alarm over the prolonged delay in the completion of the Abeokuta Idi-Aba–OGTV–Ajebo–Obafemi–Alapako express road, warning that the stalled project poses serious risks to economic development and security in Ogun State.

In a letter dated January 16, 2026, and addressed to the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, the group said the slow pace of work on the strategic federal road was unacceptable, noting that the project had dragged on for years despite itsh importance as a link to the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

The letter, signed by the President of the summit, Dr Gbenga Adeoye, was also copied to the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; the Osile of Oke Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso; the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola; former Ogun State governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; and the Babalaje of Egbaland, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye.

While acknowledging ongoing federal infrastructure projects across the country, the group said it was compelled to draw attention to the Abeokuta road due to its economic significance.

“We bring warm greetings to you and your entire team on the various Renewed Hope Projects going on across the country. One of it, is the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway which also passed through Ijebu Water Side in Ogun State as well as the award of Badagry-Sokoto Road which passed through Soyoye Rounder area in Abeokuta. The night repairs of Sango-Abeokuta Road is also worthy of note and commendable. We appreciate that,” the letter read partly.

Describing itself as non-partisan, the summit praised President Bola Tinubu and members of his cabinet, including the minister of works, but said it had a responsibility to speak out where critical projects were stalled.

“While we have a duty to commend the government when we see performance, we also have a collective duty imposed on us as Egba people to call the attention of government to any project(s) that is of economic importance especially where execution of such project(s) is slow, stagnant and sometimes, not even conceived,” the group stated.

The summit expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the road after initial sections within Abeokuta city.

“In view of the above, we hereby call your attention to the slow pace of work on Abeokuta Idi-Aba-OGTV-Ajebo-obafemi-express Road which passed through the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta, all the way through OGTV to Obafemi and Ajebo to link the Lagos-Ibadan Express Way,” the letter said.

It warned against a reduction in construction standards outside the city centre.

“We also request that you ensure the designed standard is not lowered after the segment that passed through Abeokuta City, especially in areas that passed through villages as contractors have a way of dropping standards after leaving the main city, thereby reducing durability in some parts of the road,” the letter read.

Listing eight major concerns, the group noted that the project was awarded during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari but remains incomplete.

“The project has dragged for too long, having been awarded during the administration of President Buhari,” it said.

It added that while the stretch from the Federal Medical Centre to Chrisland University was motorable, conditions worsened afterwards.

“The segment in the town from Federal Medical Centre up to Chrisland University appears good but shortly after, it has become difficult for people to drive through,” the added.

The summit also warned that the abandoned road could stall the take-off of the newly established Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta.

“The newly established Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences has its 170 hectares permanent site on the same road at Ajibayo Village and there is no way they can move from their current temporary site to that location if that road construction remains abandoned, stagnant, or slow,” the letter stated.

According to the group, the road also serves as an alternative route to the old Ibadan–Abeokuta road and has the potential to decongest traffic on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

“The road is useful in decongesting regular traffic and gridlocks at Ogere axis of Lagos Ibadan expressway as motorist going to Abeokuta from Ibadan and vice versa will not need to drive through Abeokuta-Sagamu Interchange,” it said.

The summit further argued that the road could transform communities around Ajebo into an industrial hub.

“The road is capable of transforming the economic landscape of Obafe-Ajebo area… [and] will create an industrial hub around Ajebo town and villages like, Erunwon, Abiona Mosafejo and Olosun among others.”

Lamenting the hardship faced by motorists, the group said excavation works had worsened travel conditions.

“Excavation done on the road has now made life very difficult for motorist, whereas it was a smooth drive through as well as a short-cut to Ibadan when it was constructed by the administration of Chief Olusegun Osoba during his tenure as the governor of Ogun State,” it was added

The Egba leaders urged the minister to intervene urgently.

“In view of the above, we plead that urgent action be taken to ensure speedy completion so as it will have direct positive impact on the economy of Egbaland, Ogun state and Nigeria,” the letter said.

They also prayed for adequate funding for the Ministry of Works to complete the project and o

ther ongoing federal roads.