The Osogbo Concerned Youths have distanced themselves from a recent statement credited to a group known as the Coalition of Osogbo Indigenous Groups, which reportedly demanded that political parties zone the 2026 Osun State governorship ticket to Osogbo.
In a release issued in Osogbo, the youths described the coalition as “self-styled, politically motivated, and unrepresentative of the true interests of Osogbo people.”
According to the statement, the coalition’s activities are allegedly sponsored by a particular governorship aspirant within the All Progressives Congress (APC). The group further accused the conveners of being known APC loyalists working to advance the ambition of the aspirant.
The statement listed some of the individuals allegedly behind the coalition as:
Oloye Bosun Ode – Former Chairman, Ward 12, Osogbo Local Government
Hon. Maruff Atere – Former Councillor, Ward 5, Olorunda Local Government
Mrs. Odelade Idiat – Member, APC Ward 4, Osogbo Local Government
Coordinator, ODAG
Coordinator, Areopeta Movement
The Osogbo Concerned Youths maintained that the purported coalition was neither endorsed nor authorized by any recognized traditional, social, or developmental institutions of Osogbo, calling it a “political stunt aimed at dragging the city’s name into partisan scheming.”
The group emphasized that only the following recognized bodies have the legitimate authority to speak on issues affecting the collective interest and progress of Osogbo:
The Ataoja-in-Council
Osogbo Elders’ Council
Osogbo Action Council
Osogbo Progressive Union (OPU)
Osogbo Sons and Daughters Worldwide
“These respected institutions embody the true voice and heritage of Osogbo. Whenever there is a need to take a position on matters of public importance, they will speak in one united and authoritative voice,” the statement read.
The youths also noted that an overwhelming majority—estimated between 85% and 90%—of APC leaders and stalwarts in Osogbo currently back Bola Oyebamiji as their preferred candidate for the 2026 governorship election.
They therefore urged the public, political parties, and the media to disregard the “faceless group” and its “worthless agenda,” insisting that the purported Osogbo agenda does not represent the city’s collective will.
“Osogbo remains a city of peace, dignity, and cultural pride. We will not allow its name to be used as a pawn in the desperate political games of a few self-serving individuals,” the statement concluded.
