2027: Owoniyi signals interest in Ifelodun/Oyun/Offa reps seat
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Olaitan Nurudeen Owoniyi, has signalled his intention to contest for the Ifelodun/Oyun/Offa Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Owoniyi, who holds the traditional title of Jaiyeoba of Igbajaland, made his ambition known during a consultation tour to APC stakeholders, party executives, and community leaders at his ancestral ward, Ile Agor, in Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The move followed an earlier visit to the palace of the Elese of Igbaja, His Royal Majesty, Oba Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Babalola Awuni Arepo III, where the APC chieftain sought royal blessings.
The monarch, while receiving him, emphasised that leadership is a responsibility anchored on service rather than force.
At the stakeholders’ engagement held on Friday, which commenced with opening prayers led by Mallam Alamin, party leaders and members took turns to commend Owoniyi, describing him as a loyal party man with the capacity to deliver effective representation.
In separate remarks, APC Ward I Chairman, Alhaji Dawud Kola Afolabi; Ward II Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Asiwaju; and Ward III Chairman, Alhaji Kehinde Bayero, expressed confidence in his leadership qualities and political experience.
Also speaking, party stalwart, Alhaji Muhammad Shilo Awobimpe, alongside elder statesman, Elder Saliu Yusuf Aje, noted that Owoniyi is following in the footsteps of his late father, Alhaji Abdulrahman Owoniyi, the Ajikobi of Igbajaland.
They recalled his father’s contributions to community development and his association with the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as well as his influence in past political developments in Kwara State.
Addressing the gathering, Owoniyi, an alumnus of the University of Lagos and a real estate broker, said his decision was driven by a desire to provide responsive and people-oriented representation.
“Today is a defining moment. For too long, our people have waited for opportunities and leadership that truly listens. I stand before you as a son and a brother committed to building not just structures, but opportunities,” he said.
“If given the opportunity, I will represent our people in Abuja as a voice that will demand opportunities for our youths, attract investment, and prioritise security and economic growth. This is about purposeful leadership and results, not promises,” he added.
He noted that although he has not contested any elective office in the past 12 years, he has remained actively involved in the development of the constituency through various interventions.
Owoniyi further explained that making his intention known at his ancestral ward ahead of his formal declaration was to seek the blessings and support of his people.
Other speakers at the event, including community development advocate, Elder Oyin Zubair, and youth representative, Aleshinloye Saheed, expressed support for his aspiration, urging him to prioritise youth empowerment and human capital development if elected.
