As preparations intensify for the 2026 Osun governorship election, the AMBO Movement, a voluntary political group backing the aspirations of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has inaugurated ward coordinators across all 332 political wards in the state.
Oyebamiji, the current Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), is seeking the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The AMBO Movement, which has gained widespread recognition within Osun’s political circles, is leading a robust mobilisation drive to secure his emergence at both the party primaries and the gubernatorial polls.
At the inauguration ceremony held on Monday, the leadership of the movement, along with the newly appointed coordinators, pledged to intensify grassroots campaigns and galvanise broad-based support for Oyebamiji.
The event marked a significant milestone for the group, following previous inaugurations of stakeholders and local government coordinators across Osun’s 30 local councils and the Ife-East Area Office in Modakeke.
Speaking at the inauguration, the immediate past Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and Chairman of the AMBO Movement, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, described the initiative as a strategic response to the need for structured mobilisation efforts.
He stated that the formal launch of ward-level coordination signified the grassroots rollout of the AMBO project across Osun. He called for collective commitment from party loyalists, noting that the project’s spread is being driven by unity and shared values within the progressive political family.
“The grassroots mobilisation for Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji is a task we must all embrace. What we are witnessing is not just political organisation but a movement born out of divine grace and conviction,” Owoeye said.
He urged the coordinators to act as ambassadors of peace and unity in their respective wards and to actively engage local residents in order to build strong support for the movement.
Former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Adebayo Adeleke, advised the newly inaugurated ward coordinators to work closely with their respective local government coordinators for effective campaign implementation. He encouraged them to maintain courage and confidence as the party prepares for its primary election.
“The strength of the AMBO project is evident,” Adeleke said. “This unity is a strong signal that victory is within reach.”
Several prominent politicians delivered goodwill messages, urging the ward coordinators to spread the message of the AMBO Movement across their communities.
Former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Lawrence Babatunde Ayeni; Commissioner of Information and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Hon. Sunday Akere; and former members of the Osun State House of Assembly including Hon. Abiodun Awolola, Hon. Akinola Asifat Olasunkanmi, Hon. Musibau Olanrewaju, Hon. Festus Babatunde Komolafe, Hon. Bosun Oyintiloye, and others, were all in attendance.
In his remarks, Akere encouraged peaceful engagement, grassroots interaction and disciplined campaigning, describing Oyebamiji as a widely accepted and competent aspirant.
“Refrain from insults and confrontations,” Akere advised. “As ward coordinators, your duty is to ensure AMBO succeeds in all wards and units, regardless of the primary method adopted by the party.”
Awolola added: “This is not a fight. We are one family, and once Oyebamiji emerges, we will all rally around him for a united victory at the general election.”
Oyintiloye likened the needed approach to the determined outreach of Jehovah’s Witnesses, urging coordinators to continuously draw support to both the APC and the AMBO Movement.
“Oyebamiji is a man of integrity, character, and compassion. He has shown me what true leadership means. If elected, everyone will benefit from his tenure,” he said.
Hon. Olasunkanmi and Hon. Debo Akanbi stressed the importance of unity and collective effort in what they described as a struggle to liberate Osun from its current state under Governor Ademola Adeleke.
“This is not just politics, it’s a fight for freedom. And freedom is not served a la carte. It demands unwavering commitment and fearlessness,” they noted.
Hon. Adeosun called for a renewal of dedication to the cause, describing Oyebamiji as a blemish-free, principled gentleman who enjoys widespread support and credibility.
Other speakers including Hon. Kayode Oduoye, Hon. Ayeni, Hon. Mulikat Abiola, Hon. Komolafe, Hon. Adekoyejo, Hon. Abolubode, Hon. Olusegun Fanibe, and Hon. Oye Adebayo pledged continued backing for the ward coordinators. They stressed the need for discipline, courage, loyalty, and resilience.
The event was also attended by Hon. Kola Salami, Chairman of Ede-South Local Government; Hon. Goke Odetunde, Chairman of Isokan Local Government; Hon. Azeez Olanrewaju; Hon. Bamigbegbe; and several other key figures.
