Osun 2026: Dotun Babayemi Picking Up Steam

By Femi ADESOLA

Prince Dotun Babayemi appears to be re-emerging as a formidable political force in Osun State as the governorship election approaches in 2026. His growing popularity, both online and on the ground, is gaining traction, with increased engagement in various forms of media, including his foot soldiers, and his systemic and osmotic balance in to his new party APC. This renewed resurgence is fuelled by contemporary foot soldiers he shipped out of the PDP his former party to the APC, offering fresh perspectives, fresh mix, particularly those exploring to hear new name in the polity of Osun and solid replacement for Ogbeni Rauf and his Omoluabi brigade that were shown the way out of the APC.

Dotun Babayemi’s recent movement from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has garnered attention from political watchers, not only for its timing but also for the strategy behind it. He has brought along with him an army and network of loyal foot soldiers, many of whom defected with him from the PDP, adding fresh energy to the APC’s grassroots base. This strategic movement, alongside his ability to capitalize on internal rifts within the PDP, especially the long-standing feud between Soji Adagunodo camp and the Adeleke political dynasty and those that were inherited from Akin Ogunbiyi whom they both defected to APC and some Dele Adeleke’s followers gave Babayemi a solid leverage that he brings to the table in the APC.

Babayemi’s early political roots lie in the progressive camp. He contested the Irewole/Isokan/Ayedaade Federal Constituency primary election in 2014 in the APC but lost to Hon. Omidiran who flags the party’s ticket and later won the seat to represent the constituency sake of gender inclusion. In 2017, he aimed for the Osun West Senatorial seat, but was denied the APC ticket. Frustrated by what he described as the party’s culture of imposition, he defected to the Action Democratic Party (ADP), where he garnered over 40,000 votes, an impressive feat for a relatively new entrant on that relatively unpopular platform.

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His political journey has not been without criticism. Many consider his constant party switches from APC to ADP, then to PDP and back to the APC as a sign of political inconsistency. However, some analysts interpret this as tactical flexibility rather than opportunism. They argue that remaining in a party solely out of loyalty, without political reward, is a shortcut to political irrelevance.

Upon his sojourn in the PDP, Babayemi was rumoured to have been offered a senatorial ticket on a platter of gold. However, he claimed he joined the party to support the Adeleke’s, and not for any ticket, not knowing he would later contend for the governorship ticket against the Adeleke’s, a position seen as “reserved” for the Adeleke family. He was backed by former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Chief Olu Alabi, Shuaib Oyedokun who moved with him to the APC and buoyed by support from PDP factions loyal to Akin Ogunbiyi and Soji Adagunodo. Babayemi emerged as a parallel governorship aspirant who claimed he is the bonafide Governorship candidate of the party until the supreme court said otherwise and confirmed Governor Ademola Adeleke as the candidate of the party.

While his political miscalculations may have cost him some opportunities, Dotun Babayemi remains a goal-getter, a reputation solidified by his success in the private sector. A trained lawyer, he practiced in his own law chambers before relocating abroad. He worked with London Underground, one of the world’s largest rail networks, where he served in various capacity and later joined AXA Financial in the United States, where he rose to the position of Vice President and Managing Director.
Upon returning to Nigeria, he worked with Celtel (now Airtel), rising to the position of General Manager, before establishing his Fort Knox Group, a security firm providing services to the telecommunications industry. Today, Fort Knox is reportedly valued at over $20 million and employs thousands across Nigeria.

Despite his seamless integration in to the APC and rising acceptance within the APC, securing the party’s 2026 governorship ticket is no easy feat. The party’s inner dynamics, particularly the influence of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and the dominance of the Lagos-Tinubu political structure will pose a significant challenge for his ambition in the APC. It is widely believed that Mr. Bola Oyebamiji is Oyetola’s preferred candidate. Who is widely understood as the closest to the king (Mr President). However, as the saying goes, “24 hours is a long time in politics,” and Babayemi’s popularity may yet sway the party’s leadership. Although some analyst has said his ambition is just a gamble and that he is only eyeing the senatorial ticket, but no crime in trying so they say.

Prince Dotun Babayemi has proven himself to be resilient, strategic, and deeply rooted in Osun’s political terrain and he is gradually imprinting his name on the mind of the people. His professional success adds weight to his credibility, and his recent political manoeuvres show he is getting to understands the art of perfect timing in politics.
But to truly stake his claim in the 2026 governorship race, Babayemi must go beyond being liked. He must communicate a compelling agenda, one that speaks to the aspirations of Osun people both young and old, business community, civil servants, farmers, and artisans.

Babayemi’s current campaign’s vagueness, lack of a clear and compelling vision for the State is evident. While his personal story is inspiring and his grassroots network is growing, voters are asking: What are his plans for education and healthcare in Osun? How will he drive economic diversification and reduce the state’s dependence on civil service? What are his strategies to revive agriculture, particularly cocoa production and make Osun the largest cocoa producer in Nigeria? How is he going to turn the state to a commercial hub? How will he position Osun as a top tourist destination and what are his job creation strategies? These are questions that Babayemi must answer in his consultation. Osun voters are looking for more than popularity; they want a roadmap, a blueprint for progress that resonates with their everyday realities. As Yoruba use to say ‘Kokoko La n Ranfa Aditi Ki odi o le ba gbo̩ro̩ la se n so̩ leti o̩mo̩ e̩’. Translated to English as ‘We ring a bell for the deaf to ensure they hear; we speak clearly to make intentions known.” We understand it is not yet campaign time, but He needs to be known for what he will do for the people of the state and not just to hijack power from the incumbent government.

Yes, Babayemi has offered scholarships and financial support to many individuals a testament to his welfarist agenda. But it is about time for him to transition from individual acts of kindness to a state-wide policy agenda that will touch the life of everyone either directly or indirectly.

Femi Adesola
adesolafemigab@gmail.com