Osun 2026: Wole Oke’s Boastfulness, Threats, Poor Representation Cost Him Ijesa North — Olajengbesi

 

By Abel Chigozie 

The 2026 Osun State governorship election may be over, but its political lessons, particularly in Ijesa North Federal Constituency, will remain relevant for the younger generation participating in Nigerian politics.

In a post-election reflection, the 2027 Accord candidate for the Ijesa North Federal Constituency and legal practitioner, Pelumi Olajengbesi, said the election demonstrated that political power ultimately belongs to the people and cannot be sustained by wealth, intimidation or perceived political influence alone.

Olajengbesi particularly examined the performance of Hon. Wole Oke, a fifth-term federal lawmaker who had described himself as the “landlord of Ijesa North.”

According to Olajengbesi, Oke had confidently predicted that Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Accord Party would not appear on the ballot and that the party would struggle to secure 500 votes across Oriade and Obokun Local Government Areas.

He said the outcome, however, proved otherwise, with Oke losing his federal constituency by more than 2,500 votes despite what Olajengbesi described as the deployment of federal might, intimidation and arrests during the election.

Olajengbesi said the result should serve as a warning to politicians who underestimate voters or assume that political influence and financial resources automatically translate into electoral support.

The Accord candidate said one of the major lessons from the election was the importance of respecting constituents and treating them as the ultimate stakeholders in political representation.

He alleged that some former supporters and associates of Oke were arrested and detained after moving to other political parties, describing such actions as contributing to resentment among voters.

Olajengbesi also claimed that Oke made several statements about the people of Oriade Local Government but was eventually defeated in the area by more than 6,400 votes.

He attributed the outcome to what he described as the courage and determination of voters in Ijesa North to resist political intimidation.

Olajengbesi accused Oke of relying heavily on his financial strength and political influence while underestimating the independent judgment of voters.

He alleged that Oke had portrayed his wealth as a major determinant of political success and suggested that the people depended on him for their livelihood.

According to Olajengbesi, the election demonstrated that money alone could not guarantee electoral victory because voters retained the power to make independent political choices.

Olajengbesi also criticised statements allegedly made by Oke during the campaign, claiming that the lawmaker warned people who did not support him to be prepared to face the consequences.

He linked the statement to allegations of arrests, intimidation and violence during the political season, arguing that such conduct could alienate voters.

The Accord candidate further questioned Oke’s record of constituency development during his years in the National Assembly.

Olajengbesi contrasted Oke’s record with that of other lawmakers, particularly Hon. Bamidele Salam, whom he credited with road construction, school renovation and empowerment programmes.

He alleged that Ijesa North had not witnessed comparable constituency interventions under Oke’s current tenure and challenged the lawmaker to point to significant legislation and development projects credited to him.

Olajengbesi also faulted Oke over comments attributed to him concerning civil servants in Osun State.

He referred to remarks in which the lawmaker allegedly compared his fashion designers with civil servants, including claims about their earnings.

Olajengbesi described the comments as insensitive and disrespectful to public servants who contribute to the development of the state.

The Accord candidate also criticised comments attributed to Oke regarding his children's education and public schools.

According to Olajengbesi, Oke's assertion that his children attended the best schools and could not attend public schools, coupled with his claim that he had not “wasted” his youthful years like others, was perceived as insulting to families who had worked hard to provide decent lives for themselves and their children.

Olajengbesi further accused Oke of attempting to take control of the APC structure in Ijesa North after joining the party.

He alleged that the federal lawmaker failed to adequately recognise existing party structures and political actors who had been members of the APC before his arrival.

He also claimed that Oke was involved in efforts to suspend a prominent APC leader in Obokun, although the allegation remains a matter of political contention.

The Accord candidate alleged that Oke became embroiled in controversies surrounding the selection of APC candidates for elective positions in Ijesa North.

According to him, some aspirants and party members felt excluded from the process, creating resentment among sections of the party structure.

Olajengbesi identified the loss of support among influential members of the Ijesa North elite as another factor he believes affected Oke's electoral fortunes.

He argued that retired professionals, business people and residents working outside Osun State remain influential within their communities because of their economic and social contributions to their families and dependants.

According to him, such voters and opinion leaders often assess political candidates beyond financial inducements.

Olajengbesi also accused Oke of going beyond conventional political criticism in his attacks on Governor Ademola Adeleke.

He condemned comments allegedly referring to Adeleke's physical condition and criticised campaign slogans and materials which he said were designed to ridicule the governor.

He also alleged that AI-generated images were used to mock Adeleke during the campaign.

Olajengbesi argued that political disagreements should not descend into personal attacks or humiliation.

The Accord candidate said the election also reflected what he described as a growing demand for generational change in Ijesa North.

He noted that Oke had represented the constituency in the corridors of power for about 24 years and argued that many residents now believe the period had run its course.

“Twenty-four years is enough,” Olajengbesi said, describing the sentiment as increasingly shared by young people, elders, men and women across Ijesa North.

He argued that the constituency now requires “fresh, focused and effective representation” centred on legislation, accountability and measurable development.

Olajengbesi said the central lesson from the 2026 election was that political office holders must remain accountable to the people they represent.

“The biggest lesson is that the people are watching, and to whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.

He urged politicians, particularly members of the younger generation, to view elections as an opportunity to serve rather than dominate their constituents.

Olajengbesi concluded that the outcome in Ijesa North should encourage politicians to prioritise respect, accountability, effective representation and tangible development over political intimidation, personal wealth and long-term control of political structure.