By Apesin-Abiodun Adegoke
Apesin-Abiodun Adegoke Calls for Justice for the People of Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency
It is no longer news that Mr. Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has officially joined the 2026 Osun State governorship race. Reports indicate that he allegedly resigned his appointment on the 13th of November, 2026, in line with constitutional requirements mandating political appointees to step down 30 days before an election. However, the circumstances surrounding his resignation remain unclear, as no official document has been released beyond messages from his media handlers thanking the president for the opportunity to serve. As National Coordinator of the Concerned Citizens of Nigeria and a social critic, I have taken the media communication as confirmation of the current situation at NIWA.
Over the weekend, a reliable source within Mr. Oyebamiji’s camp, who preferred to remain anonymous, revealed that the contest to replace the former NIWA boss is already creating tension among his supporters. According to the source, a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs from Iree Prince Adebayo Adeleke, popularly known as Banik , alongside two former lawmakers from Ilesa East, Hon. Timothy Owoeye and his counterpart from Ife North Hon. Babatunde Lekan Olatunji have all shown interest in the position. This development, reportedly unknown to Mr. Oyebamiji contradicts his alleged initial plan to hold the position in reserve until after the election, said to be an understanding between him and the Hon. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.
As National Coordinator of Concerned Citizens of Nigeria and a proud indigene of Osun State, I find this development both awkward and unacceptable. The NIWA MD/CEO position, having been previously occupied by a son of Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency, should naturally return to the same constituency Our people in Osun West have eminently qualified individuals, including members of the AMBO structure, Omooba Dotun Babayemi’s camp, and Omisore’s group within the Federal Constituency, who are capable of providing effective leadership.
If the position will not be retained within Irewole Local Government for equity, where competent personalities such as Elder Peter Babalola and Mrs. Romoke Edu Abiola-Oloke hail from then equally qualified individuals such as Hon. (Prince) Adelani Ajanaku from Ayedaade Local Government and Hon. Yemi Lawal from Isokan deserves fair consideration. These individuals have served in different previous administrations as chief of staff, commissioners, and special advisers. It would be a gross disservice to the people of Osun West if individuals from Osun Central or Osun East are secretly being positioned for a role originally designated for the said constituency.
On behalf of the Concerned Citizens of Nigeria, I hereby call on the President and the Hon. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy to ensure that the NIWA leadership position, vacated by a son of Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency, remains within Osun West. We seek fairness, equity, and justice for the people of Ayedaade/ Irewole/ Isokan Federal Constituency.
Signed:
Apesin-Abiodun Adegoke
Social Critic & National Coordinator, Concerned Citizens of Nigeria
24/11/2025.
