By: Femi Emmanuel
From Alao-Akala’s Political Breakthrough to the 2027 Governorship Election, Ogbomoso Is Poised to Rally Behind One of Its Own
The emergence of Engineer Muftau Open Salau as the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) ahead of the 2027 Oyo State governorship election has rekindled Ogbomoso’s aspiration for greater political representation, stronger influence in state governance and accelerated community development.
For the people of Ogbomosoland, this development evokes memories of the late Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, whose emergence as Deputy Governor of Oyo State in 2003 marked a significant milestone in the political history of the ancient town.
More than two decades after that historic development, Salau’s emergence on the APM ticket presents another opportunity for Ogbomoso to strengthen its political relevance and advance the collective aspirations of its people.
As the deputy governorship candidate to Honourable Bimbo Adekambi, the APM governorship candidate, Salau brings to the political landscape a profile that combines professional experience, philanthropy, community engagement and a longstanding commitment to supporting individuals and institutions across different segments of society.
His emergence has therefore generated renewed enthusiasm among supporters who believe that Ogbomoso should rally behind its son to maximise the opportunities presented by the forthcoming election.
Alao-Akala’s Legacy and Ogbomoso’s Renewed Political Aspiration
In 2003, the emergence of the late Alao-Akala as Deputy Governor alongside Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who is now the Olubadan of Ibadanland, represented an important chapter in Ogbomoso’s political journey.
That period strengthened the town’s visibility in the politics of Oyo State and inspired expectations of greater participation in governance and development.
Today, Salau’s emergence has revived similar aspirations among people who desire stronger representation and a greater voice in decisions affecting their communities.
The historical parallel provides an opportunity for Ogbomoso’s political leaders, traditional institutions, professionals, businesspeople, youth organisations, religious leaders and residents at home and in the diaspora to unite around a shared objective.
For supporters of the APM ticket, the task ahead is clear: to mobilise the people, strengthen political cooperation and build a formidable movement capable of advancing Ogbomoso’s interests within the wider political framework of Oyo State.
Salau’s candidacy is consequently being presented as an opportunity for the people to demonstrate solidarity, political maturity and a collective determination to secure a more prominent place in the governance of the state.
Philanthropy That Touches Lives Across Communities
One of the defining features of Salau’s public profile is his reported record of philanthropy and support for individuals, institutions and community development initiatives.
A native of the Alápà dynasty of Isale Òrá, Ìta Aláàsà, in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area, Salau has reportedly extended assistance across several sectors, including education, religious development, youth empowerment, humanitarian intervention and infrastructure.
His supporters regard these interventions as evidence of a generous disposition and a commitment to improving the circumstances of people within and beyond his immediate community.
Among the contributions attributed to him are the donation of a bus to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ogbomoso Zone, and sponsorship of religious programmes on Parrot FM.
He has also reportedly supported the construction of mosques in several communities, demonstrating an approach to community engagement that recognises the importance of religious institutions in promoting social welfare, moral development and peaceful coexistence.
These gestures have earned him recognition among supporters who see his willingness to assist religious organisations and community institutions as part of a broader commitment to the wellbeing of society.
For a community that values generosity, solidarity and service to humanity, such contributions have become an important part of the positive narrative surrounding his emergence on the APM ticket.
Investing in Education and the Future of Ogbomoso’s Youth
Education remains one of the most effective instruments for social mobility, economic advancement and sustainable community development.
Recognising its importance, Salau has reportedly supported educational initiatives through scholarships, the provision of learning equipment and contributions to educational development funds.
His reported interventions include scholarships for 20 students, the donation of 50 laptops to indigent students and a contribution of ₦10 million to the Ogbomoso Education Endowment Fund.
These initiatives represent valuable forms of assistance to students and families who face financial challenges in accessing educational opportunities and digital learning resources.
The provision of laptops, in particular, can help students acquire digital skills, access educational materials and participate more effectively in an increasingly technology-driven world.
His contribution to the education endowment fund also reflects the importance of collective investment in the intellectual development of future generations.
Supporters believe that such interventions reinforce the need to prioritise education and youth development as essential pillars of Ogbomoso’s future.
They are therefore calling on parents, students, educational stakeholders and community leaders to recognise the importance of encouraging leadership that places human development at the centre of its engagement with society.
Empowerment, Humanitarian Support and Economic Advancement
Salau’s reported philanthropic activities also extend to small-business support, humanitarian assistance and interventions aimed at helping individuals cope with economic difficulties.
He has reportedly provided start-up capital to small-scale entrepreneurs, distributed food items during festive periods and donated relief materials valued at more than ₦10 million during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For beneficiaries, such assistance can provide temporary relief, strengthen household welfare and help small businesses overcome some of the challenges associated with limited capital.
His reported annual Ramadan feeding programmes further demonstrate his engagement with humanitarian activities and the welfare of people from different backgrounds.
These interventions reflect the importance of extending a helping hand to vulnerable individuals while encouraging a culture of compassion, mutual assistance and community responsibility.
Supporters see Salau’s record of generosity as a reason for the people of Ogbomoso to give him their encouragement and rally behind his political aspiration.
They maintain that the spirit of service reflected in his community engagements deserves recognition and should inspire greater cooperation between him and the people whose aspirations he seeks to represent.
Infrastructure and Community Development
Beyond individual assistance and educational support, Salau has reportedly contributed to projects aimed at addressing practical community needs.
These interventions include the drilling of boreholes to improve access to water, the provision of a 200KVA transformer at Okin Apa, the distribution of 50 motorcycles and the facilitation of 46 kilometres of township road development in Ogbomoso.
Access to clean water, reliable electricity and functional roads remains important to household welfare, commercial activities and the general development of communities.
The reported provision of a transformer, for instance, speaks to the importance of electricity in supporting businesses, improving productivity and enhancing everyday life.
Similarly, improved road networks can facilitate transportation, ease the movement of goods and services, and strengthen connections between residential communities and commercial centres.
Salau has also reportedly facilitated nine federal and 65 state government appointments for Ogbomoso indigenes, which his supporters regard as a contribution to employment opportunities and the representation of the town within government institutions.
Taken together, these reported initiatives form an important part of the profile being presented by his supporters as they call for greater recognition of his contributions to Ogbomoso.
They believe that his emergence as deputy governorship candidate offers an opportunity to bring his experience, community relationships and development-oriented outlook into the wider political conversation about the future of Oyo State.
Five Local Government Areas, One Common Destiny
The political future of Ogbomosoland extends across five local government areas: Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Orire, Surulere and Ogo-Oluwa.
Although these local government areas have distinct communities and local priorities, they share important interests in education, infrastructure, employment, security, economic development and improved public services.
Salau’s emergence on the APM ticket provides an opportunity for residents across these areas to strengthen their cooperation and support a common aspiration for greater political relevance.
His supporters are calling on traditional rulers, community development associations, professional bodies, market leaders, youth groups, religious institutions, political stakeholders and people in the diaspora to join hands in mobilising support for the APM candidates.
They argue that a united approach would strengthen Ogbomoso’s political visibility and create a stronger platform for presenting the region’s development priorities to the wider state.
The call is not limited to Ogbomoso North, where Salau hails from, or to Ogbomoso South, Orire, Surulere and Ogo-Oluwa. It also extends to neighbouring communities whose residents share cultural, economic and social connections with Ogbomosoland.
For supporters, the message is that the opportunity presented by Salau’s candidacy should be embraced as a collective aspiration rather than the ambition of an individual.
They are urging the people to rise above divisions, strengthen solidarity and work towards a common political objective in the 2027 governorship election.
A Call to Support Salau and the APM Ticket
As the 2027 Oyo State governorship election approaches, supporters of Engineer Muftau Open Salau are calling on the people of Ogbomosoland to rally behind his candidacy and that of Honourable Bimbo Adekambi under the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement.
They believe that Salau’s professional background, philanthropic activities and reported contributions to community development provide compelling reasons for the people to engage with his candidacy and consider the opportunities it presents.
Their appeal is anchored in the conviction that Ogbomoso should take advantage of the political opening created by his emergence to strengthen its voice in the affairs of Oyo State.
They are particularly encouraging community stakeholders to mobilise constructive support, promote peaceful political participation and communicate the aspirations of their communities to the candidates.
For the youth, the call is to become actively involved in shaping the political future of their communities. For professionals and businesspeople, it is an invitation to contribute ideas, expertise and constructive engagement. For traditional and religious leaders, it is an opportunity to encourage peace, unity and responsible participation in the democratic process.
People of Ogbomoso origin living outside the town are equally being encouraged to maintain their connections with home and contribute to conversations about the region’s development priorities.
The collective objective is to ensure that Ogbomoso’s aspirations remain prominent in the political discourse leading to the 2027 election.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Engineer Muftau Open Salau’s emergence as the APM Deputy Governorship Candidate has placed Ogbomoso’s political aspirations in renewed focus.
His reported philanthropic interventions, educational support, humanitarian assistance, empowerment initiatives and contributions to community development constitute significant elements of the positive public profile his supporters are advancing.
As the campaign gathers momentum, they are calling on the people of Ogbomosoland and neighbouring communities to recognise the opportunity before them and demonstrate solidarity with Salau and the APM governorship ticket.
For them, the moment calls for unity, purposeful mobilisation and a shared determination to advance the interests of the people.
The historical memory of Alao-Akala’s political breakthrough serves as a reminder of the importance many residents attach to meaningful representation at the state level.
Now, with Salau occupying a prominent position on the APM ticket, supporters believe Ogbomoso has another opportunity to strengthen its political presence and pursue its aspirations for development.
The message to the people is therefore one of encouragement and collective responsibility: support your own, recognise contributions to community welfare, participate actively in the democratic process and work together towards a future that offers greater opportunities for present and coming generations.
As the 2027 election approaches, the people of Ogbomosoland are being urged to rally around Engineer Muftau Open Salau and Honourable Bimbo Adekambi, strengthen the APM campaign and make their voices heard in the unfolding political contest.
For Ogbomoso, the call is to unite behind the opportunity, support purposeful representation and work collectively towards a future of greater political participation, inclusive development and shared prosperity.
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