As Ogun State hosts the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival from May 16 to 30, a former governorship candidate, Prince John Olumuyiwa Adegbola, has voiced concern over the continued exclusion of the Ogun West Senatorial District from the state’s development spotlight.
The festival, widely known as the “Gateway Games,” is drawing national attention as the state government upgrades key facilities such as the MKO Abiola International Stadium and Alake Sports Centre in Abeokuta. The venues are receiving major facelifts, including new athletics tracks, expanded VIP areas, and newly constructed swimming pools, tennis and handball courts.
Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration has also allocated N16.5 million to 33 sports associations in the state to support athlete readiness, with each group receiving N500,000.
But for Prince Adegbola, who contested in the 2019 governorship race, the ongoing preparations expose a familiar pattern—one that sidelines Ogun West in favor of Abeokuta and its environs.
In a statement issued ahead of the festival, Adegbola pointed to what he described as a long-standing neglect of Ogun West, a region that includes Ado-Odo/Ota, Yewa South, Yewa North, Ipokia, and Imeko-Afon LGAs.
“Ogun West continues to play a critical role in the state’s economy. The Agbara Industrial Estate in Ado-Odo/Ota is home to over 500 industries, and our farmers contribute significantly to food security in the state. Yet, the region remains left out in terms of political representation and infrastructure development,” he said.
Since the creation of Ogun State in 1976, no civilian governor has emerged from Ogun West. Adegbola argued that this absence has translated into a pattern of lopsided policies and planning that leaves the region perpetually underrepresented.
He expressed disappointment that none of the festival’s core events appear slated for any location within the district, despite the availability of open spaces and educational facilities that could serve as event venues with minimal enhancement.
For Adegbola, this is more than a matter of sports logistics. It raises broader questions about fairness and equitable growth.
“With the 2027 elections on the horizon, this is an opportunity to correct historical wrongs. The leadership of the state must reflect its diversity. The people of Ogun West are not asking for favors—they are asking for fairness,” he said
Describing the sports festival as a potential unifier, Adegbola called on the state government to embrace all parts of the state in both planning and execution, urging that development must not be limited to select zones.
He closed with a call for a future where Ogun West is not merely recognized for its economic output, but also given a chance to lead the state politically.
“This is a time for inclusion. Let the festival represent the unity and shared future we all desire,” Adegbola stated.
Prince Adegbola, a native of Ado-Odo/Ota and Yewa South, remains a prominent voice advocating for balanced representation in Ogun politics.
