High Chief Akowa Ogunleye Calls on Owo to Unite and Rally Behind the Senatorial Aspiration
By Femi Aluko, Media Director
The highly respected Iloro Elders and Chiefs of Owo, led by High Chief Akowa Ogunleye, have unanimously declared their support for the senatorial aspiration of Prince Adenekan Olateru-Olagbegi, calling on the people of Owo and its various communities to unite behind his bid to represent the Ondo North Senatorial District.
The declaration was made on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, during a gathering in Owo where the Iloro leadership formally identified with Prince Adenekan’s aspiration and expressed their desire to see Owo regain representation in the Senate.
The gathering also featured prayers for the success of the aspiration. Elder Chief Akinsusika, speaking on behalf of the Iloro leadership, prayed that God would guide Prince Adenekan, grant him wisdom and strength, and give him the grace to successfully serve the people.
The Iloro leadership further appealed to the various quarters, communities, elders, youths and political stakeholders across Owo to put aside differences and work collectively towards a common objective.
“OWO MUST COME TOGETHER”
High Chief Akowa Ogunleye stressed that the issue goes beyond the ambition of an individual, describing the 2027 senatorial contest as an opportunity for Owo to speak with one voice and pursue its interests more collectively within Ondo North and the wider political landscape.
He noted that Owo has waited for about 20 years to regain Senate representation and urged the people not to allow another opportunity to pass without a united effort.
According to him, Owo needs to build stronger political coordination across its quarters and communities if it wants to pursue strategic political representation.
“AKOKO HAS STRATEGIC REPRESENTATION — OWO MUST ASK QUESTIONS”
The Iloro elders also drew attention to the level of political representation currently enjoyed by the Akoko axis.
They noted that the current Senator representing Ondo North, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba, is from Ikare-Akoko, while other prominent political figures from the Akoko axis occupy influential positions at the federal level. The National Assembly lists Senator Ipinsagba as the serving senator for Ondo North.
The elders also pointed to prominent federal appointments associated with Akoko, including the Minister of Interior, the Minister of Finance and the Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture, among other positions, arguing that Owo must equally pursue stronger and more strategic representation.
For the Iloro leadership, the issue is not about rivalry with any community, but about ensuring that Owo is sufficiently represented and positioned to attract political influence, opportunities and development.
The elders therefore called for greater unity among Owo stakeholders, insisting that the town cannot afford to remain divided when important political opportunities are at stake.
“OWO CANNOT AFFORD TO REMAIN DIVIDED”
High Chief Akowa Ogunleye urged Owo leaders, elders, youths, community organisations and political stakeholders to rally around the aspiration, stressing that the collective interest of Owo should take precedence over individual differences.
He maintained that the aspiration of Prince Adenekan Olateru-Olagbegi should be viewed as part of a broader effort to restore Owo’s voice and representation at the National Assembly.
The Wednesday gathering also provided an opportunity for Prince Adenekan Olateru-Olagbegi to interact with community stakeholders and supporters as consultations and mobilisation for the 2027 Ondo North senatorial contest continue.
The adoption and prayers by the Iloro leadership represent an expression of support for the aspiration and a renewed appeal for Owo to close ranks and work towards a common political objective.
The message from the Iloro leadership was clear:
“IF OWO WANTS TO REGAIN THE SENATE, OWO MUST COME TOGETHER.”
Femi Aluko
Media Director
