By Akeem Adelani Alamu
As the 2026 Osun governorship election draws near, our beloved state stands at a defining crossroads — a moment that demands not just a politician, but a visionary; not just ambition, but compassion.
Across the length and breadth of Osun, from Gbongan to Iwo, Ilesa to Ifon, one name consistently rises with respect, grace, and credibility — Omooba Oyedotun Akanji Babayemi (ODB).
He is not just another aspirant; he is a man whose journey has been rooted in humility, guided by wisdom, and powered by service. He embodies the qualities of a true leader — one who listens, unites, and delivers.
A Humble Beginning Marked by Party Loyalty
Unlike many who seek shortcuts to recognition, ODB began his journey with utmost respect for our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Before making his intentions public, he sought counsel from respected leaders, including His Excellency, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, the immediate past Governor of Osun State, and Chief Adebisi Akande, the revered elder statesman and founding father of our great party.
He visited the Osun APC State Secretariat, formally seeking the blessings and approval of the State Executive Committee before embarking on consultations. That humility and discipline distinguished him immediately.
After receiving the nod, ODB became the first aspirant to begin consultation — touring the 30 Local Government Areas and the Area Office of Osun State. He didn’t stop there; he advanced into the 332 wards, and has already visited over 204, engaging directly with farmers, traders, artisans, women, youths, and elders.
These visits are not for show; they are for understanding — listening to the heartbeat of the people, not just the applause of politics.
Delivering the President’s Hope Agenda
Omooba Babayemi is not only building his vision; he is reinforcing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, interpreting its goals in practical, local terms that every Osun citizen can connect with.
He brings the message of hope, unity, and progress to every doorstep — assuring the people that Osun will not be left behind in the new national era of transformation.
He reminds them that leadership is about restoring smiles to faces and dignity to lives. “We will make our people laugh again,” he often declares — a promise that reflects both his optimism and his empathy.
Service Without Office — A Heart That Gives
Even before holding any public position, ODB has demonstrated uncommon compassion through his numerous humanitarian efforts:
Healthcare: Sponsoring medical outreach programs, covering hospital bills, and supporting community health initiatives.
Agriculture: Assisting small-scale farmers with modern tools, seedlings, and access to cooperative funding.
Youth Empowerment: Funding vocational training and mentoring young entrepreneurs across Osun.
Education: Supporting schools, sponsoring indigent students, donating learning materials, and facilitating scholarships for outstanding learners.
Women and Cooperative Development: Supporting traders and cooperative societies to strengthen family livelihoods.
What makes ODB exceptional is that all these achievements were made without the power of office — purely from his passion to help others. This alone sets him apart from those who only give when in power.
A Prince of the Soil — Rooted in Heritage and Humility
Omooba Babayemi is the proud son of His Royal Majesty, the late Oba Babayemi, Olufi of Gbongan, a respected monarch whose reign was marked by wisdom and community development.
Being a true prince of Gbongan, ODB’s royal upbringing instilled in him the values of respect, fairness, and discipline. He remains deeply connected to the traditional institutions of Osun, maintaining cordial and respectful relationships with royal fathers across the state — from the Ooni of Ife to the Ataoja of Osogbo, the Timi of Ede, the Oluwo of Iwo, and many others.
He approaches every palace with respect and every monarch with humility. His understanding of Osun’s culture and heritage makes him a bridge between modern governance and traditional wisdom.
The People’s Testimonies
From one community to another, ODB has won hearts not through noise, but through action.
He listens before he speaks,” says a youth leader in Ifon.He helps even when no camera is watching,” remarks a trader in Iwo.He treats everyone with respect,” adds a teacher in Osogbo.
He is the kind of leader that restores hope,” concludes a farmer in Ejigbo.
These voices are the real campaign — ordinary people who have felt his kindness and seen his sincerity.
Why ODB Stands Out Above anyone
While Osun has witnessed varying shades of governance, the people increasingly believe that ODB brings a rare combination of capacity, compassion, and character — qualities that the present administration struggles to embody.
First in Consultation: He was the first aspirant to begin grassroots consultation, setting a record of genuine engagement.
Service Without Power: His humanitarian achievements outshine many who hold office today.
Humility and Discipline: He represents calm, maturity, and respect — virtues often missing in political leadership.
Economic Vision: His focus on agriculture, cooperative investment, and job creation targets the true drivers of Osun’s economy.
Cultural Balance: His close relationship with royal fathers fosters harmony and stability across communities.
Osun deserves a leader who does not see power as privilege but as service — and that leader is Omooba Oyedotun Akanji Babayemi.
A Call to Our Party Leaders and Members
As a committed member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a grassroots stakeholder, I, Engr. Akeem Adelani Alamu, humbly appeal to our esteemed party leaders, executives, and members — from the wards to the state level — to give due consideration to ODB as the flag bearer of our party in the forthcoming election.
ODB represents unity, vision, and the authentic spirit of the APC. His consultation journey began from the top — seeking wisdom from elders — and now flows to the grassroots where the real heartbeat of democracy resides.
He has carried the flag of our party with integrity, humility, and honour. It is time we entrust him with the opportunity to carry it further — into the Government House of Osun State.
As loyal progressives, our duty is to present a candidate who can win convincingly and govern responsibly. Omooba Oyedotun Akanji Babayemi fits that description perfectly.
Conclusion: A New Dawn for Osun
In ODB, Osun has found more than a candidate — it has found a calling. He embodies the future we envision: a state where compassion meets competence, and tradition embraces progress.
He has served quietly, inspired steadily, and united sincerely. Now, he stands ready to lead boldly.
Osun deserves a governor who feels her pains, understands her culture, and restores her pride. That man is Omooba Oyedotun Akanji Babayemi (ODB) — a true prince of the soil, the people’s hope, and indeed, the best man for the job.