OSOGBO – Comrade Pastor Oyeleye Solomon Adewale, popularly known as SWISS, former pastor of Living Faith Church International and Founder of Hills of Purpose International Ministry, Osogbo, has described the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency as a historic political stronghold that has consistently produced influential voices within Osun State, Yorubaland, and Nigeria at large.
Speaking as a guest on the OrionTimes Podcast themed “OSUN 2026: What the Election Revealed About Nigerian Democracy,” SWISS reflected on the political evolution of the constituency and the factors that have shaped its relevance over the years.
According to him, the Ijesa people are widely recognized for their courage, resilience, wisdom, faithfulness, and consistency in pursuing collective visions and developmental goals.
He noted that Obokun/Oriade has long served as a reference point in the political landscape of Osun State, producing leaders whose influence transcends regional boundaries.
The cleric and political commentator highlighted the contributions of notable political figures from the area, stating that the emergence of the late Chief Bola Oge elevated the constituency's political profile and opened new opportunities for broader relevance and participation.
“Obokun/Oriade has always been a hub for the emergence of influential voices. The advent of Chief Bola Oge opened the door to another level of political relevance. The Ijesa nation has a long history of political and governmental significance,” he said.
SWISS further observed that the constituency has witnessed a generational shift in political engagement, particularly through the leadership style of Hon. Wole Oke, which he said has encouraged greater civility in political discourse and increased participation among younger people.
He, however, challenged youths within the constituency and across Nigeria to embrace personal development and entrepreneurship rather than placing sole responsibility for their progress on elected representatives.
Drawing from his personal experience and extensive interactions across the constituency, SWISS said many young people possess untapped potential but often fail to maximize available opportunities for self-improvement.
“I have gone round the entire constituency and have also been an active participant in the political process. One thing I have observed is that many young people are quick to blame those representing them without first exploring the opportunities and resources around them to improve their own lives,” he stated.
He stressed that while government support remains important, individual determination, creativity, and hard work are critical ingredients for success.
According to him, many of today's political leaders started with limited resources and difficult circumstances but were able to build successful careers and livelihoods through perseverance and strategic thinking.
“The political leaders many people criticize today did not begin with abundant resources. Most of them started from humble beginnings and built something meaningful for themselves. Young people must learn to leverage available opportunities and develop the capacity to create value,” he added.
SWISS concluded by urging youths to combine civic engagement with personal responsibility, noting that sustainable development can only be achieved when citizens actively contribute to their own growth while holding leaders accountable through constructive participation in the democratic process.
The podcast discussion formed part of ongoing conversations ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election, focusing on the lessons of democracy, leadership, youth participation, and the future of politics in Osun State.
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