By Adewale Babarinde
In 2003, the people of Ogbomoso spoke with one voice when they rallied behind one of their illustrious sons, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, following his nomination as Deputy Governor to Senator Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja. That unity of purpose changed the political history of Ogbomosoland and gave the zone a strong voice in Oyo State government.
In 2026, history is repeating itself. The Allied Peoples Movement, APM, has nominated a true son of Ogbomoso, Engr. Muftau Open Salawu, FNSE, as Deputy Governor to Hon. Bimbo Adekambi ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Once again, the good people of Ogbomoso Zone and beyond are being called upon to give the same level of unflinching support, love and solidarity to their own.
Engr. Open Salawu is not a stranger to the people. He is a man deeply rooted in Ogbomoso tradition and faith. He hails from Ile Alapa, Isale Ora, Ita Alasa in Ogbomoso North Local Government. Beyond politics, he holds the prestigious traditional titles of Babalaje of Ogbomosoland and Giwa Adini of Oyo State – titles that reflect his wide acceptance across religious and traditional divides.
For years, Engr. Salawu has demonstrated uncommon commitment to the social, economic and spiritual development of Ogbomosoland, without discrimination along religious or party lines. His philanthropic footprints are visible across churches, mosques, schools and communities.
Contributions to Faith and Community:
His support for both Christian and Muslim communities is legendary:
– Donated a bus to the Christian Association of Nigeria, Ogbomoso Zone, in 2021
– Sponsored Rev. Dr. Titilade Adetayo’s Christian radio program on Parrot FM every Friday for the last 10 years
– Donated to various churches across Ogbomoso
– Built the Central Mosque in Ilajue, Surulere LGA
– Built the Central Mosque in Olokoto, Orire LGA
– Built the mosque in Ile Ogiri and that of Tara in Ogbomoso
– Supported the foundation of Ikoyi Central Mosque and roofed several Jumat mosques
– Initiated Itikaf at the Ogbomoso Central Mosque and has funded feeding of 100 participants annually since 2023
– Fed 9,000 people every Ramadan for the past 8 years
– For 10 years, he has been sponsoring both Muslim and Christian programmes on Parrot FM, Ogbomoso
Contributions to Education and Empowerment:
Engr. Salawu believes in building people:
– Provided full lifeline scholarships for 20 students from primary school to university. Many are now in higher institutions
– Gave 50 laptops to indigent students across Ogbomoso
– Granted ₦1 million startup capital each to several traders recently and supported many others with business capital
– Donated 300 bags of rice with cash to party members during festive periods over the last 3 years
– During COVID-19, distributed over ₦10 million worth of food to the community
– Donated ₦10 million to the Ogbomoso Education Endowment Fund and consistently supports all Ogbomoso development programmes
– He is a Board of Trustees member of Ogbomoso University project
Contributions to Infrastructure:
– Gave 50 motorcycles, The Green Bikes, to people across party lines
– Drilled several boreholes in many communities across Ogbomoso Zone
– Provided a 200KVA transformer at Okin Apa to restore electricity
– Facilitated 46km of township roads in Ogbomoso, with work now at an advanced stage
Employment Impact:
His influence has also translated into jobs for Ogbomoso sons and daughters:
– Facilitated 9 Federal Government appointments
– Facilitated 65 State Government appointments
Like Alao-Akala before him, Open Salawu has always been present for the cause of Ogbomoso. He is at home with the kings, chiefs, pastors, imams and the common man on the street. That is why he enjoys cordial relationships with monarchs and religious leaders across the zone.
As 2027 approaches, the message from Ogbomoso is clear: Anyone who wishes to contest against Open Salawu in Ogbomoso must first show the people what he has done for the community before asking for their votes. And even that may not be enough.
Ogbomoso has done it before. The zone is ready to do it again.
Build the People, Free the Nation.
Adewale Babarinde writes from Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo state
