Ila Orangun sits on the highland of Osun State, but its true elevation has always been political. For decades, the ancient town has been more than a voting bloc; it has been a stronghold of progressive politics and a reference point in Osun's political history.
At the center of this enduring legacy stands Chief Abdul-Kareem Adebisi Akande, a statesman whose political sagacity, influence, and pedigree have left an indelible mark not only on Ila Orangun but on Osun State and Nigeria as a whole.
Chief Akande is not merely a son of Ila Orangun; he is one of the foremost architects of modern progressive politics in Nigeria. A political disciple of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and a close associate of the late Chief Bola Ige, the Cicero of Esa-Oke, Akande imbibed and propagated the ideals of welfarism, good governance, accountability, and people-oriented leadership that have come to define the progressive movement.
His public service journey speaks volumes about his leadership credentials. He served as Secretary to the Government of the old Oyo State, rose to become Deputy Governor of Oyo State, and subsequently made history as the second Executive Governor of Osun State following Nigeria's return to democratic rule in 1999. His reputation for discipline, prudence, and principled leadership earned him national recognition within progressive political circles.
Beyond Osun State, Chief Akande played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria's contemporary political landscape. He served as the National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and later became the Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the historic merger that birthed the ruling party. His contributions to the growth and consolidation of the APC remain a significant chapter in Nigeria's democratic evolution.
Today, Chief Akande is widely regarded as one of the foremost national leaders of the progressive movement in Nigeria, a respected elder statesman whose counsel continues to influence political discourse across the country.
For Ila Orangun and the entire Ila Local Government, Akande's influence extends beyond political titles and offices. He established a political culture rooted in progressive ideals and built a structure that has endured across generations. Under his guidance and influence, Ila became one of the most consistent progressive strongholds in Osun State.
The political identity of Ila Local Government became inseparable from the progressive movement. Election after election, the people of Ila demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the ideals championed by Chief Akande. Even during periods when political tides shifted elsewhere, the local government largely remained a fortress for progressive politics, producing impressive electoral victories for the APC and its predecessor parties.
His influence has also shaped generations of political leaders, mobilizers, and grassroots stakeholders within the local government. Many of the political actors currently driving the progressive movement in Ila and beyond emerged from structures and mentorship traditions directly or indirectly influenced by Chief Akande's political philosophy.
Then came 2022.
It was a defining moment in Osun's political history. A political tsunami swept across the state as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured significant victories, winning the governorship election and making substantial gains in legislative contests. Like many other progressive strongholds, Ila Orangun felt the impact of the shifting political climate.
For a community that had long prided itself on its consistency and commitment to progressive ideals, the outcome prompted deep reflection and political reassessment. Yet, history has shown that political communities built on conviction do not remain dormant for long.
They reflect, reorganize, and return stronger.
On Friday, June 20, 2026, Ila Orangun once again demonstrated why it remains a critical force in Osun politics. The inauguration of ward canvassers ahead of the August 15 governorship election was more than a routine political event; it was a reaffirmation of the town's historical identity and political direction.
The objective was clear: to consolidate support for the progressive movement and mobilize voters behind the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).
Across wards and communities, party faithful, stakeholders, youth groups, and supporters gathered in large numbers, signaling renewed commitment to the ideals that have defined the town's political journey for decades.
The event reflected more than campaign enthusiasm. It symbolized the reawakening of a political tradition nurtured by Chief Bisi Akande and sustained by generations of progressive leaders. It was a reminder that the principles inherited from Awolowo, strengthened by Bola Ige, and institutionalized by Akande remain alive in Ila Orangun.
From pathfinder to statesman, from political mentor to national leader, Chief Bisi Akande's legacy continues to shape the political consciousness of his hometown and beyond.
The story of Ila Orangun is, in many ways, the story of progressive politics in Osun State itself: resilient, tested by challenges, yet continually renewed by conviction and purpose.
As the 2026 governorship election approaches, Ila Orangun appears determined to once again play its historic role as a beacon of progressive politics. The town that produced a governor, a national party chairman, and one of Nigeria's most respected progressive leaders is reminding the state that its political convictions are not temporary choices but enduring values.
And when Ila Orangun speaks with one voice, Osun pays attention.
May Osun get it right this time.
AMBO 2026!
AMBO/ATIDE!
This piece is from the office of Chairman media and publicity, Campaign Council, Ila Federal Constituency, Fagbohungbe Olufunsho David.
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