The famous Ibadan political philosophy of “Ọmọ wa ni ẹ jẹ o se” is still alive and relevant, Mogaji Gbolagade Moshood Akere, President of the Ibadan Royal Advancement Forum, has declared.
Akere made the remarks while defending the decision
some Ibadan Mogajis to publicly support Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, ahead of the 2027 elections.
His position comes amid controversy over the reported endorsement, with some questioning whether all Mogajis across Ibadanland were consulted before the declaration.
However, Akere argued that the key issue should not be whether every Mogaji agreed with the decision, but whether those who endorsed Makinde have the right to make their own political choices.
According to him, Ibadan’s political history shows that the people have previously rallied behind one of their own.
“Our fathers did it in 1983. They rallied around one of their own, Chief Victor Omololu Olunloyo, against the incumbent governor, Chief Bola Ige. The spirit was Ọmọ wa ni ẹ jẹ o se.
“If they had the right to make that choice then, why should our generation be told that we cannot choose our own today?” Akere asked.
He maintained that supporting an Ibadan indigene should not be interpreted as hostility towards other political candidates.
“If we are truly the sons of the soil, what is wrong with supporting our own? Is there any law that says an Ibadan Mogaji cannot endorse an Ibadan son because some other Mogajis may disagree?” he asked.
Akere further stressed that Ibadanland has never been politically homogeneous, noting that different political opinions can coexist without threatening the unity of the people.
“An endorsement does not have to be unanimous before it becomes an endorsement. Those who support Makinde have spoken for themselves. Those who disagree are also free to speak for themselves. That is democracy,” he said.
He also cautioned against using traditional titles as a means of restricting the political freedom of their holders.
According to him, traditional leadership and individual political choices can coexist, provided political differences are expressed peacefully and responsibly.
“Let us not kill the spirit of Ọmọ wa ni ẹ jẹ o se. Our fathers exercised their political choice. We too have the right to exercise ours,” Akere declared.
He added that no traditional institution or political organisation could single-handedly determine the outcome of the 2027 election, stressing that the ultimate decision rests with the electorate.
“Let Ibadan speak. Let every Mogaji speak. Let every citizen speak. Then let the people decide,” Akere said.
