NIWA MD, Bola Oyebamiji’s Foray Into Osun 2026 Governorship Race, Waterways Safety Concerns

By DAPO OLAWUNI

Bola Oyebamiji, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), is reportedly considering entering the 2026 Osun State governorship race, potentially challenging incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.

This development has however sparked a debate among marine and blue economy stakeholders, who fear Oyebamiji’s political ambitions could detract from his crucial responsibilities at NIWA, particularly during a period marked by increased waterways accidents.

According to sources, Oyebamiji, a former Commissioner for Finance under ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, has received Oyetola’s endorsement to be the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.

Already, in its determination to ensure the emergence of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji popularly called AMBO as the candidate in the next year gubernatorial election in Osun State, the chieftains of the APC recently inaugurated grassroot stakeholders across the 30 Local Government areas including the Ife-East Area Office, Modakeke in the state.

The newly-inaugurated stakeholders, according to the party stalwarts, are to ensure the spread of the AMBO’s gospel across the nooks and crannies to facilitate Oyebamiji’s victory as flag-bearer and next governor of Osun come 2026.

Oyetola, Nigeria’s current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has reportedly shelved his ambitions to re-contest the Osun Governorship seat after suffering a terrible defeat in the hands of PDP’s Ademola Adeleke in 2022.

Rather, the Minister has reportedly chosen to push forward Oyebamiji, who heads an agency under Oyetola’s Ministry.

“The former governor believes that Oyebamiji has the right mix of competence, loyalty, and regional appeal to reposition the APC in Osun and reclaim power from the PDP,” a party source stated.

While Oyebamiji has not officially declared his candidacy, his recent political activities, including visits to traditional rulers and consultations with youth leaders, suggest an impending announcement.

This potential candidacy has led to realignments within the APC, with other aspirants like Senator Ajibola Bashiru and former House of Representatives member Taofeek Ajilesoro reconsidering their positions.

However, stakeholders within the marine sector have expressed unease about the timing of Oyebamiji’s potential political foray.

They emphasize that NIWA is currently facing significant challenges, notably a rise in waterways accidents, demanding the full attention of its leadership. The concern is that a governorship campaign could divert Oyebamiji’s focus from these pressing issues.

“NIWA is undergoing a challenging period where Waterways accidents are rife and needs Hundred percent attention,” one stakeholder remarked, highlighting the critical nature of the situation.

A stakeholder who pleaded anonymity, alleged that, NIWA would suffer neglect due to Oyebamiji’s political ambitions, even as he stated that the NIWA MD should resign in order to face his politics.

The 2026 Osun governorship election is shaping up to be a closely watched contest. If Oyebamiji secures the APC nomination and faces Governor Adeleke, it would be the first time in the state’s history that two major candidates from the Osun West Senatorial District compete for the governorship.