Olawunmi Ajibike 
The daughter of former Nigerian President, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, has revealed that various groups have urged her to contest the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State in order to sustain what they described as her impressive legacy.
Iyabo Obasanjo made this known on Tuesday while speaking at the 2026 Ramadan Lecture organised by the Ogun State chapter of the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN). The event, themed “Fasting Beyond Hunger:
Sustaining Hope and Integrity in an Era of Economic Inflation,” was held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
She explained that several individuals reminded her of her achievements during her tenure as Commissioner for Health in the state, expressing confidence in her ability to deliver more dividends of democracy if given the opportunity to serve as governor.
According to her, the decision to declare her interest in the governorship race was not driven by the desire for popularity, stressing that she already enjoys widespread recognition within Ogun State, across Nigeria, and internationally. She assured her supporters of victory at the polls, stating that her track record would speak for her.
She further pledged that her administration would be inclusive, assuring that no indigene or resident of Ogun State would be marginalised or denied fundamental human rights on the basis of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
“People approached me and encouraged me to replicate the good work I did in the past on a larger scale. They said I performed well in a smaller position and should accept a bigger responsibility as governor. Initially, I ignored them, but when more people began to recount what I had done for them, I became convinced that the call was divine,” she said.
She reiterated that her ambition is not a political game but a genuine desire to serve, promising to surpass expectations if elected.
The guest lecturer, renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Abdulfatai Raji As-Thaqofy, highlighted the spiritual and health benefits of fasting. He noted that beyond its religious significance, fasting has been scientifically proven to offer medical benefits and is sometimes recommended by doctors for patients battling certain ailments.
He urged Muslims to embrace fasting as one of the pillars of Islam and to make the most of its spiritual and moral benefits, rather than treating it merely as a religious obligation.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Samsudeen Adebayo Apelogun, who is the Asiwaju Adinni and Amir Hajj of Ogun State, called on media professionals and Nigerians to uphold integrity, sustain hope, and show compassion amid prevailing economic challenges. He described integrity as the greatest asset in difficult times.
Represented by Imam Mikhail Adesanya, Eketa Adinni of Remo Kingdom, Apelogun emphasised that Ramadan fasting goes beyond abstaining from food and drink, describing it as a path to attaining piety and moral consciousness.
Quoting Qur’an 2:183 and referencing Hadith literature, he stressed that fasting without integrity is incomplete and warned against dishonesty and unethical practices, particularly during economic hardship. He also cited Qur’an 65:2–3, assuring believers of Allah’s promise of provision and relief for those who remain steadfast and God-conscious, affirming that while economic conditions may fluctuate, Allah remains the Ultimate Provider.