First-class traditional rulers from Kwara South have announced their support for a 2027 governorship candidate from Kwara North. The leaders reached the decision during a joint meeting with Kwara North monarchs at the Ajase Ipo Descendants Union Hall. The meeting focused on insecurity across both zones and the call for a power shift to Kwara North.
The host, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, the Olupo of Ajase Ipo, thanked the visiting rulers for seeking support from Kwara South. He said the monarchs in the zone are committed to backing the 2027 power-shift demand.
Oba Muftau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, the Olofa of Offa, urged both regions to adopt local security structures to address rising threats. He said the request from Kwara North for the governorship aligns with equity.
“In Offa town, we believe in equity and fairness. What Kwara North are asking for is not too much,” he said. “I haven’t witnessed a governor from Kwara North in my 15 years on the throne. We have agreed to support any candidate from Kwara North.”
The Etsu Patigi, Dr. Umar Bologi, thanked the hosts for what he described as a timely show of support. He said Kwara North has long supported Kwara South in state politics and that the region deserves its turn to lead.
The Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Mohammad Kudu Kawu, said leaders in Kwara North are working to improve security by developing a joint local security network. He described the gathering as historic.
“This has never happened before,” he said. “We decided to seek the support of Kwara South traditional rulers ahead of the history we want to make in 2027. We won’t relent. We will meet everyone involved in decision making until we achieve our aims.”
He added that internal saboteurs had been warned to stay cautious, noting that the 2027 agenda is a collective effort.
The Elese of Igbaja, Oba Ahmed Babalola, and the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti, also called for a local security system to curb attacks in both regions. They restated their support for the 2027 governorship shift.
Other monarchs at the meeting included the Alofa of Ilofa, Olosi of Osi, Emir of Yashikira, Emir of Okuta, Olupako of Share, Etsu Tsaragi, Olusin of Isanlu Isin, Emir of Ilesha Baruba, Emir of Kaiama, and Elerin of Erin-Ile.
The meeting followed an earlier declaration by the Kwara North Traditional Rulers to support a candidate from their zone for the 2027 governorship contest.
