By: Comrade Rotimi Rahmon Ph.D., FICA.
There is a saying that is gaining relevance in the political conversations of Ogun West in recent times: “One of us is better than none of us.”
At first glance, the statement may sound simple, but beneath it lies a deep political reality that many people in Ogun West will soon understand too well.
For decades, the people of Ogun West have played their part in the growth and development of Ogun State. They have contributed immensely to the economy, politics, culture, and social advancement of the state. Yet many sons and daughters of Yewaland have often felt that when major political decisions are made, their zone is usually left on the sidelines.
This feeling has not been about bitterness or entitlement. Rather, it has been about inclusion. Every community wants to feel represented. Every people desire a voice at the table where decisions affecting their future are made. It is only natural.
That is why the emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has generated so much interest and excitement across Ogun West. To many people, his rise represents more than the success of one individual. It symbolizes the possibility of greater political relevance for a region that has long desired a stronger presence in the leadership structure of Ogun State.
Politics is often about access and influence. When a community has a leader who commands attention and respect within the political establishment, the chances of attracting development and opportunities become stronger. Such a leader becomes a bridge between the people and government. He becomes a point of contact through which the aspirations of the people can be projected and pursued.
This is where Yayi’s story resonates with many people in Ogun West.
Over the years, he has built a reputation as a grassroots politician who maintains close contact with ordinary people. Through various empowerment programmes, educational support initiatives, infrastructure projects, and constituency interventions, he has established a political presence that extends beyond campaign seasons.
Whether one agrees with his politics or not, it is difficult to ignore the fact that he has become one of the most influential political figures from Ogun West in recent times.
His name is now central to discussions about the future of the state and the place of Ogun West within that future.
For many supporters, therefore, the argument is straightforward. If Ogun West has produced a leader with the experience, visibility, network, and capacity to compete at the highest level, why should the region not rally behind him? Why should people with legitimate aspirations remain divided when unity could strengthen their voice?
But this conversation should not be limited to Ogun West alone. It should also concern Ogun Central and Ogun East. The question before the state is not simply about who governs next; it is about what kind of political culture Ogun State wants to build for future generations.
Since the creation of Ogun State, leadership opportunities have largely rotated between Ogun Central and Ogun East. Both regions have produced governors and occupied the highest political office in the state at different times. Ogun West, despite its size, population, economic contributions, and loyalty to the growth of the state, is yet to occupy that position.
For this reason, many believe that supporting Ogun West at this moment is not about politics alone. It is about justice, fairness, and balance.
When one part of a state consistently feels excluded from the highest level of leadership, it creates a sense of political inequality. But when every zone is given a realistic opportunity to lead, it strengthens unity, deepens trust, and reinforces the belief that every citizen belongs.
Ogun Central and Ogun East stand to gain from such an arrangement. Supporting Ogun West would send a powerful message that Ogun State is a family where every section matters. It would demonstrate that leadership is not the exclusive preserve of any particular district but a shared responsibility among all the people of the state.
More importantly, it would help cement a tradition of political inclusiveness that future generations can build upon. Today, it may be Ogun West seeking understanding and support; tomorrow, another region may seek the same consideration. The strength of any democracy lies in its ability to accommodate all interests fairly.
The call, therefore, is not for sympathy but for partnership. It is a call for the people of Ogun Central, Ogun East, and Ogun West to see themselves as stakeholders in a common destiny. It is a call to rise above sectional interests and embrace a broader vision of equity and unity.
This is the essence of the saying, “One of us is better than none of us.”
It does not mean blind loyalty. It does not mean competence should be sacrificed for sentiment. Rather, it means that when a qualified and capable son of a region that has long waited for its turn emerges, supporting such a person becomes an investment in fairness and stability.
Today, many people in Ogun West see Yayi as that rallying point. They see him as someone who can provide the political platform through which the dreams and aspirations of the district can find expression. Whether that hope ultimately translates into greater political achievements remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that he has become a symbol of possibility.
As Ogun State approaches another defining moment in its political journey, the opportunity exists to strengthen the bonds that unite the state. By embracing fairness, encouraging inclusion, and giving every region a sense of belonging, Ogun can continue to serve as a model of peaceful and progressive politics.
That is why the message remains powerful and relevant today: One of us is better than none of us.
For many in Ogun West, it is not merely a slogan. It is a call for recognition, inclusion, and partnership. For Ogun State as a whole, it is a reminder that when every region has a seat at the table, the entire state becomes stronger.
Comrade Rotimi Rahmon Ph.D., FICA.
Osi Quarters, Ota,
Ado-Odo/Ota LG
