Otunba Dr. Adetunji Oredipe Declares Intention to Contest 2027 Ogun State Governorship

The aspiration of Adetunji Oredipe, Otunba Legan of Ijebuland, to contest the 2027 governorship election of Ogun State has been formally declared with a strong commitment to inclusive growth, people-centered governance, and sustainable development across the state.

Addressing citizens and stakeholders across the state, Dr. Oredipe stated that his decision to seek the governorship is driven by a deep sense of duty and responsibility to serve the people and contribute meaningfully to the progress of Ogun State.

“Fellow citizens of Ogun State, I stand before you today with a deep sense of duty and humility to formally declare my intention to contest the 2027 gubernatorial election.

“Driven by a commitment to our shared future, I seek your mandate to lead Ogun State towards monumental development that will uplift every urban center and rural community alike,” he said.

Dr. Oredipe emphasized that Ogun State currently stands at a pivotal moment in its developmental journey.

According to him, the state possesses enormous potential that can be harnessed through visionary leadership, strategic planning, and inclusive governance.

He noted that his vision is to build an Ogun State where development is visible in urban centers and equally felt in rural communities.

“Our state stands at a pivotal moment. I envision an Ogun State where progress is visible in our cities and tangible in the lives of our rural neighbors. My pledge is to champion projects that bridge the gap between urban advancement and rural prosperity, ensuring no community is left behind,” he said.

Dr. Oredipe also called on responsible citizens to participate actively in shaping the future of the state, stressing that leadership should not be left to mediocrity.

“Let us remember: When good people avoid leadership, mediocres take over. This is a caution we cannot ignore. It is time for good men and women, with sincere hearts and clear vision, to step forward and serve.”

Highlighting the values that will guide his leadership, Dr. Oredipe assured the people of Ogun State that his administration would be driven by sincerity, humility, and inclusiveness.

“In this journey, I bring sincerity, humility, and a promise of respectful and inclusive service. Every voice matters, and every community deserves to be heard and valued. I vow to govern with open door and attentive ears, fostering unity and mutual respect among our people.

”As part of his governance approach, Dr. Oredipe announced plans to establish a strong partnership between the government and the people through a community compact designed to ensure accountability and responsiveness.

“I will sign a compact with our communities—a solemn agreement to consult, collaborate, and deliver results. This compact will serve as the foundation of a government that is accountable, responsive, and truly representative of the people.

Drawing from his extensive experience both within Nigeria and internationally, Dr. Oredipe pledged to leverage his relationships and professional networks to attract investments and opportunities that will accelerate development in Ogun State.

“My experience and relationships span both national and international spheres. I will leverage these connections to attract investment, innovation, and opportunities that will drive Ogun State’s development forward, ensuring our state becomes a model for others.”

A cornerstone of Dr. Oredipe’s vision is a comprehensive and balanced development strategy that ensures every part of Ogun State benefits from government policies and investments.

According to him, development must be equitable, strategic, and reflective of the unique economic and social strengths of each region.

Dr. Oredipe explained that his administration will implement policies that promote economic inclusion, infrastructure expansion, agricultural transformation, and human capital development across the four major divisions of the state; Remo, Yewa, Egba, and Ijebu, while ensuring fairness across the three senatorial districts of Ogun Central, Ogun East, and Ogun West.

For the Remo axis, Dr. Oredipe plans to strengthen its role as an emerging economic and industrial hub within Ogun State. His administration will focus on expanding industrial clusters, encouraging technology-driven enterprises, and supporting small and medium-scale businesses.

The Remo region will benefit from improved road infrastructure connecting major towns and industrial areas, expanded technical education institutions, and the development of innovation hubs that will empower young entrepreneurs.

The Gubernatorial hopeful, also intends to support manufacturing industries and logistics services that can take advantage of Remo’s strategic location and proximity to major commercial corridors.

Recognizing the vast agricultural potential of the Yewa axis, Dr. Oredipe intends to prioritize agricultural modernization and rural economic development in the region.

His administration will promote large-scale mechanized farming, establish agro-processing zones, and create agricultural value chains that enable farmers to move beyond primary production to value-added processing.

Rural infrastructure such as feeder roads, irrigation systems, storage facilities, and agricultural extension services will be strengthened to ensure farmers have the support needed to increase productivity.

In addition, youth-focused agricultural programs will be introduced to encourage young people in Yewa communities to participate in modern agribusiness ventures.

As a major administrative and commercial center of Ogun State, the Egba division will benefit from strategic urban renewal initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, transportation systems, and public services.

Dr. Oredipe plans to improve urban planning, expand road networks, modernize public transportation systems, and enhance access to quality healthcare and education in Egba communities.

He also intends to promote cultural tourism by preserving historic sites and encouraging cultural festivals that highlight the heritage of the Egba people while attracting visitors and investors.

Furthermore, support for small businesses, markets, and artisans will be strengthened to stimulate local economic activity and job creation.For the Ijebu region,

Dr. Oredipe aims to expand economic opportunities through commerce, industry, and entrepreneurship. His administration will invest in road infrastructure connecting major towns and economic centers within the region, while also supporting local industries and business clusters.

Ijebu communities will benefit from initiatives that encourage trade, tourism development, and investment in hospitality and cultural industries. Dr. Oredipe believes that the entrepreneurial spirit of the Ijebu people can be further strengthened through government policies that support innovation, access to financing, and improved market opportunities.

Beyond the traditional divisions, Dr. Oredipe emphasized the importance of equitable progress across the three senatorial districts of Ogun State ; Ogun Central, Ogun East, and Ogun West.

Ogun Central will benefit from infrastructure renewal, youth empowerment initiatives, improved public services, and policies that strengthen its role as the administrative and economic nerve center of the state.

Ogun East will see increased investments in commerce, transportation networks, tourism development, and education, ensuring that the district continues to grow as a vibrant commercial and cultural hub.

For Ogun West, Dr. Oredipe plans targeted interventions aimed at expanding agricultural productivity, promoting industrial development, and improving rural infrastructure.

The region’s economic potential will be strengthened through investments in agro-processing industries, rural electrification, and road connectivity that links communities to markets and economic centers.Dr. Oredipe also stressed that youth development will remain central to his governance agenda.

His administration plans to introduce large-scale skill acquisition programs, entrepreneurship support initiatives, and digital training opportunities to prepare young people for the modern economy.Education reform, improved healthcare services, and investment in human capital development will also form key components of his administration’s strategy to ensure long-term prosperity for Ogun State.

Dr. Oredipe’s aspiration is supported by decades of professional experience and community development initiatives that have positively impacted many communities.

Born in 1961, he hails paternally from Oke-Eri in Ijebu and maternally from Odo Legan near Erunwon in Ogun State. He received his early academic training at the College of Agriculture, Akure, before proceeding to the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University.

He furthered his studies at the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom and the University of Ibadan, where he obtained his master’s degree. He also studied at Wye College of the University of London and later completed his Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics at the University of Ibadan.

Additionally, he attended the Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands.Throughout his career, Dr. Oredipe has served as a consultant to numerous national and international organizations.

He gained national recognition as the National Coordinator of the Second National Fadama Development Project (FADAMA II), one of Nigeria’s largest externally financed development projects.In recognition of his outstanding achievements, the Federal Government later appointed him as the National Coordinator of the Multinational NERICA Rice Dissemination Project, where he was tasked with restructuring the project.

Shortly after assuming that role, the World Bank appointed him as a Senior Operations Officer at its Nigeria Country Office. Between 2011 and 2013, he served as Senior Technical Adviser to the then Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Akinwumi Adesina, where he played a key role in implementing Nigeria’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda.

He currently serves as Task Team Leader for several development projects across Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone and is presently on international posting at the World Bank Office in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Dr. Oredipe’s contributions to development have earned him several recognitions and awards. Under his leadership, the Second National Fadama Development Project was declared the best project in Africa by the World Bank.

Among the awards he has received are the Best Worker Award from the Projects Coordinating Unit in 2002, the Award of Excellence from the World Bank in 2007, the People First Award in 2008, and the Vice President’s Unit Award in 2017 for his role in the North-East Nigeria Recovery and Peace Building Assessment and the Additional Financing to the Third Fadama Development Project.Beyond public service, Dr. Oredipe has also contributed significantly to economic development within Ijebuland through private investments and community initiatives.

He is the Chief Executive Officer of Abisola Hotel, Legan Hall Event Centre, A&G Event Centre, Fadreb Petrol Station, Fadreb Farms, and a Cassava Processing Centre, all located within the Ijebu territory.

These establishments have created employment opportunities and contributed to local economic growth.

Through his involvement in development initiatives, he has supported road construction projects, water supply systems, installation of electricity transformers, educational support services, and mechanized farming initiatives, including the establishment of a Tractor Hiring Centre to assist farmers.

He also supported the Ijebu Development Initiative on Poverty Reduction, further demonstrating his commitment to community upliftment.

Dr. Oredipe’s service to communities has earned him several traditional titles and recognitions across different parts of Nigeria.

Among them are Baba Egbe of Egbe Jagunmolu, Akile Ijebu; Otunba Atayese of Noforija Kingdom, Epe; Otunba Atunluse of Ago-Shasha; Otunba Asoludero of Erunwon; Asiwaju of Ijari; Otunba Bobaselu of Iworo; Otunba Bobaselu of Ise Community, Ibeju-Lekki; Maiyederun Bobagunte of Akile Ijebu; Otunba Moyegeso of Ago-Iwoye; and Otunba Legan of Ijebu, among many others.

Dr. Oredipe concluded his declaration by calling on the people of Ogun State to join him in building a future defined by unity, development, and shared prosperity.

“I call on every citizen, every family, and every community to join hands with me. Let us rise together, united by hope and purpose, to shape a future where Ogun State thrives and together, we can achieve lasting development for all.