ABEOKUTA — The Ogun State Chapter of Afenifere has announced plans to deepen engagement with non-indigenous socio-political and cultural organisations across the state as part of efforts to promote dialogue, peaceful coexistence and a stronger understanding of the interests of the people ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation disclosed this through its newly appointed Publicity Secretary, *Alhaji (Comrade) Akeem Akilo,* who said the initiative would be driven by the need to bring together the diverse communities and interests that make up Ogun State.
Akilo, in a statement on Wednesday, said Ogun Afenifere would not restrict its engagement to indigenous groups alone, stressing that the political future and socioeconomic development of the state concern every resident who contributes meaningfully to its growth.
According to him, the organisation intends to open a structured channel of communication with various socio-political, cultural, professional, community and interest groups, particularly those representing people who have made Ogun State their home.
He said the engagement would provide an avenue for the groups to exchange views on governance, development, security, economic opportunities, cultural integration and the political direction of the state.
“Ogun State belongs to all who live here and contribute to its development. While Afenifere remains deeply rooted in Yoruba values, culture and the interests of the Yoruba people, our commitment to peaceful coexistence and progressive governance requires us to engage constructively with other communities and organisations,” Akilo said.
He said the initiative had the backing of the leadership of the organisation in Ogun State, noting that the *Ogun State Chairman of Afenifere, Giwa (Otunba) Comrade Niyi Osoba, PhD,* had consistently emphasised the importance of dialogue, unity and inclusive engagement in strengthening the state.
Osoba, according to Akilo, said Afenifere must remain open to constructive interaction with all communities and organised interests in Ogun State.
“As an organisation rooted in the history, culture and aspirations of our people, we also recognise that Ogun State is home to people from different backgrounds who contribute immensely to its development. Our responsibility is to promote understanding, peaceful coexistence and responsible citizenship while preserving our cultural identity,” Osoba said.
Akilo maintained that the 2027 political season should not be reduced to ethnic confrontation or partisan hostility, but should provide an opportunity for citizens and organised groups to articulate their expectations from political leaders and hold them accountable.
He said Afenifere would encourage political participation based on issues, competence, development, fairness, inclusion and respect for democratic values.
The Afenifere spokesperson added that the organisation would also engage traditional institutions, community leaders, youth organisations, women groups, professionals, business communities and other relevant stakeholders as part of a broader consultation process.
He said the objective was to strengthen the culture of dialogue and ensure that different voices within Ogun State were heard as political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 elections.
Akilo further said Ogun’s strategic position as one of Nigeria’s leading economic and industrial states makes it imperative for political actors to approach the 2027 elections with a sense of responsibility.
He warned against politics of bitterness, intimidation, misinformation and divisive rhetoric, saying political competition should not destroy the social relationships that bind communities together.
“Politics will come and go, but Ogun State will remain. We must therefore be careful not to allow political differences to destroy the relationships, businesses, communities and institutions that have taken decades to build,” he said.
The Ogun Afenifere spokesman said the organisation would also use the engagement to listen to concerns from non-indigenous communities and identify areas where their interests intersect with the broader aspirations of Ogun residents.
He stressed that inclusion should not mean abandoning indigenous identity or cultural heritage, but rather creating a framework where different communities can coexist while respecting the history and traditions of the host society.
Akilo said Afenifere’s intervention would be guided by its longstanding advocacy for democratic governance, social justice, regional development, cultural identity and peaceful coexistence.
He added that the organisation would make further announcements on its planned engagements with various groups as consultations progress.
The announcement comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with political parties, pressure groups, socio-cultural organisations and other stakeholders positioning themselves for what is expected to be a closely contested political cycle in Ogun State.
Akilo assured that Ogun Afenifere would remain an active voice in the political discourse, insisting that the organisation would engage stakeholders openly and constructively while defending the interests and aspirations of the people.
He said:
“Our message is simple: dialogue before confrontation, engagement before division, and development before political bitterness. Ogun belongs to all of us, and everyone who contributes to its progress must have a voice in the conversation about its future.”
