By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.

A member of the House of Representatives, Moruf Afolabi Afuape, has cautioned against divisive zoning agitations, insisting that both Ogun Central and Ogun West Senatorial Districts are equally qualified to produce the next governor.

Afuape, who represents Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, made this known during a media engagement at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Abeokuta, where he addressed concerns over rising political tensions linked to zoning debates.

Positioning himself as a voice of moderation, the lawmaker stressed that while zoning remains an important mechanism for balancing power, it must not be weaponised to create disunity among the people.

According to him, with the incumbent governor emerging from Ogun East, equity and fairness naturally place both Ogun Central and Ogun West in contention for the state’s top seat.

“Both Ogun Central and Ogun West have every right to produce the next governor. Nobody should create the impression that it is the exclusive preserve of one region,” Afuape said.

He warned that attempts by certain groups to project the governorship as the sole entitlement of a particular zone could inflame tensions and undermine the long-standing culture of peaceful coexistence in the state.

Afuape emphasised that competence, leadership capacity, and vision should ultimately guide the choice of the next governor, rather than narrow sectional considerations.

“We must be careful not to allow zoning debates to divide us. Ogun State has always thrived on unity and mutual respect,” he added, urging political leaders and stakeholders to rein in their supporters and avoid rhetoric capable of overheating the polity.

The lawmaker acknowledged that agitations are a natural part of democratic politics but maintained that they must be expressed responsibly to preserve harmony.

Beyond the zoning discourse, Afuape also highlighted his legislative efforts, noting that he has facilitated the reconstruction of key roads within his constituency. He assured residents that ongoing and previously stalled projects would be completed in due course.

As the countdown to 2027 continues, his remarks add to a growing call for a more inclusive and less confrontational political climate in Ogun State, where the battle for succession is already beginning to take shape.