From Boardrooms to Communities, Residents Across Ogun East Speak on Their Desire for Change, Development and Tested Leadership

“Ijebu Lokan”: Grassroots Voices Rise Across Ogun East as Support Builds Around Alhaji Femi Omotayo’s Senate Ambition

By Olugbenga James, Ibileye Dare & Naomi Abiodun

For Today Update Magazine and Online Platform

Across the towns, markets, campuses, waterways, and rural communities of Ogun East Senatorial District, a growing political sentiment appears to be taking shape ahead of the coming Senate race — a movement many residents have begun describing with a familiar expression: “Ijebu Lokan” — interpreted by supporters as “It is the turn of Ijebu people.”

At the center of this growing conversation is Alhaji Femi Omotayo, the businessman, infrastructure expert, education advocate, and philanthropist whose Senate ambition is increasingly attracting attention among community stakeholders, artisans, youths, professionals, traditional circles, and religious groups across Ogun East.

For many residents, the attraction is less about political noise and more about what they describe as evidence of competence, delivery, and visible community impact long before any electoral mandate.

Over the years, Omotayo has built a reputation through corporate leadership roles involving multinational oil and gas companies such as Shell, Halliburton, and Talisman Energy, while also becoming associated with public lighting projects through LEDCo, educational support initiatives, and structured humanitarian interventions under the Ar-Rahmah Zakaat Foundation.

But beyond official profiles and campaign narratives, conversations across Ogun East increasingly reveal something deeper — a widespread hunger for a new style of representation grounded in practical results rather than endless political promises.

In the ancient town of Ijebu Ode, traders and transport workers around major commercial areas say many residents believe the district requires experienced hands capable of attracting development and legislative relevance.

Mrs. Kudirat Adekoya, a food vendor near Ita-Ale, described the mood among several local women as one of cautious optimism.

“People are tired of hearing grammar every election season. What many of us want now is somebody who understands development and can actually bring projects home. The talk around town is that this man has already shown capacity before politics.”

At Ago-Iwoye in the Ijebu North axis, students and young professionals expressed strong interest in leadership that prioritizes education, employment, and digital opportunities.

A student leader from Olabisi Onabanjo University, who preferred anonymity, said many youths were paying closer attention to candidates with real-world administrative and business experience.

“A lot of young people here believe Ogun East needs representation that understands both education and economic realities. The fact that he has worked in education management and large-scale business makes many youths curious about his plans.”

In Ijebu North East, particularly around Atan and surrounding agrarian communities, residents linked their expectations to infrastructure and rural electrification.

Mr. Sunday Odugbemi, a farmer, said communities still struggle with poor lighting and weak road connectivity.

“If somebody has experience in energy and infrastructure, people naturally want to listen. Many villages still go dark at night. Farmers want storage, roads, and electricity. That is why people are talking seriously about change this time.”

Along the riverine communities of Ogun Waterside, fishermen and community leaders emphasized the need for representation that understands neglected coastal settlements.

Chief Rasheed Elegbede from Abigi noted that many residents feel disconnected from federal presence despite contributing economically through fishing and maritime activities.

“People here want someone who will remember the waterside communities, not only the big towns. There is growing belief that Ogun East deserves stronger and more practical representation.”

In the Remo axis, particularly around Sagamu and surrounding communities within Remo North, conversations appear centered around economic growth and industrial opportunities.

A commercial driver, Wasiu Adeleke, described the growing “Ijebu Lokan” sentiment as both emotional and strategic.

“Many people feel it is time for leaders who can connect business opportunities with grassroots realities. The slogan ‘Ijebu Lokan’ is becoming popular because people believe the district should produce leaders with competence and credibility.”

Women groups in Ikenne also spoke about the importance of leaders with humanitarian records.

Mrs. Bose Ayanwale, coordinator of a cooperative society, referenced Omotayo’s involvement with charity and educational support initiatives.

“What women usually look at is compassion and accessibility. People say he has helped quietly for years through charity work and educational programs. That kind of reputation matters in politics.”

Meanwhile, religious leaders across both Muslim and Christian communities continue to emphasize the importance of tolerance and inclusive leadership in a politically sensitive period.

An Islamic scholar in Ijebu Igbo noted that Omotayo’s involvement in Quranic educational development and inter-community cooperation has contributed to his growing acceptance.

“People appreciate leaders who can unite different interests peacefully. Ogun East is diverse, and many believe leadership should reflect wisdom, humility, and service.”

Political observers say the “Ijebu Lokan” narrative gaining traction in parts of Ogun East is not merely about ethnic sentiment or zoning conversations, but also about a collective yearning for renewed representation driven by competence, infrastructure development, youth opportunities, and grassroots accessibility.

Supporters repeatedly point to Omotayo’s background in energy, education, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation — including his role in co-founding Alare Radio 88.3 FM to promote the Ijebu language — as evidence of someone they believe already understands the developmental aspirations of the district.

While the political season is still unfolding, one reality appears increasingly visible across Ogun East: many residents are openly expressing frustration with conventional politics and are searching for leadership they believe can translate experience into practical governance.

And in marketplaces, campuses, mosques, churches, community halls, and roadside discussions across Ijebuland and the wider Ogun East axis, the phrase continues to echo with growing intensity:

“Ijebu Lokan — the time for tested leadership and meaningful change has come.”