Iyabo Obasanjo: Nigeria’s first elected female governor?

The news of Professor Iyabo Obasanjo’s entry into the Ogun State gubernatorial race, following her declaration for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has generated widespread excitement among her supporters, while simultaneously sending ripples of anxiety through certain political blocs within the state.

Professor Iyabo Obasanjo is certainly not a stranger to Ogun State politics. She has paid her dues and built a political résumé that speaks for itself. She served as Commissioner for Health during the first tenure of Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s administration, where she was credited with notable reforms in the health sector. She later represented Ogun Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, leaving behind records that remain open for public scrutiny and assessment.

The prospect of Nigeria’s first elected female governor emerging from Ogun State and Abeokuta in particular appears symbolically consistent with the long-standing history of the state and its ancient capital.political

Abeokuta has always occupied a pride of place in Nigeria’s socio-political evolution, especially in the area of trailblazing achievements, with women playing prominent roles.

Historically, Abeokuta has produced a remarkable list of female pioneers. The legendary Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was the first woman to drive a car in Nigeria and a fearless champion of universal adult suffrage. Mrs. Ronke Kale became Nigeria’s first female Major General. Mrs. Bisi Igowe made history as the first female police officer to attain the rank of Assistant Inspector General (AIG).

In the corporate and financial sectors, Mrs. Toyin Olakunrin emerged as the first female Chartered Accountant in Nigeria, while the late Chief (Mrs.) Kuforiji Olubi broke barriers as the first female chairman of a Nigerian bank.

At the grassroots political level, Abeokuta also produced the first female local government chairman in the late Mrs. Titilayo Ajanaku. Indeed, the list of firsts associated with Abeokuta women is long and inspiring.

If Professor Iyabo Obasanjo can galvanize the level of grassroots support she enjoyed during her senatorial campaigns and successfully extend that goodwill to the Ijebu and Yewa zones of Ogun State, the possibility of Ogun producing Nigeria’s first elected female governor becomes very real.

Ogun State has historically demonstrated a liberal attitude toward gender, religion, and ethnicity in its political choices. It is therefore unlikely that her aspiration would be undermined purely on the basis of gender or faith.

Ogun voters are generally enlightened, politically aware, and pragmatic with qualities that could work in her favour if her message resonates across demographic and senatorial lines.

However, beyond symbolism and pedigree, significant hurdles remain. Key questions persist: What level of support will she enjoy from her father, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former President of Nigeria? Does he still wield the political influence he once commanded, and to what extent can that influence shape current political outcomes?

There are also formidable contenders who have strategically positioned themselves over the years in anticipation of the governorship. The perennial debate over zoning cannot be ignored. If an Abeokuta candidate is to be accepted amid Yewa and Ijebu claims of political entitlement, will Ogun voters favour another Owu indigene so soon after the administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the immediate past governor?

Despite these complexities, the idea of Ogun State producing Nigeria’s first elected female governor remains both compelling and historic. It would reinforce the state’s reputation as a progressive society that rewards competence, courage, and vision over narrow considerations.

Ultimately, Professor Iyabo Obasanjo’s ambition represents more than a personal political quest it is a potential milestone in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. One can only wish her resounding success in this bold pursuit to make history and further project Abeokuta as a city and people renowned for liberal thinking in faith, politics, and social life.

Ademide Adewale is a political analyst and writes this piece from Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital

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