Because of the nature and dominance of men, who consistently outnumber the female population, particularly in emerging countries in Africa, there has been a modest but continuous improvement in the role played by women in politics globally. This is especially true in most African nations, which tend to be patriarchal due to specific cultural beliefs that place women in subordinate positions. As a result, there has been a consistent call from women, academics, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and various international organisations to take action and remove barriers preventing women from entering politics because doing so is essential for the long-term advancement of any human society.

The highest rank a woman has attained in Oyo State up to 2011 was a seat in the House of Assembly; they have never been considered as a running mate for governorship candidates by the major parties. Some women have been appointed to political posts over the years, where they performed admirably. Sunmonu was elected to represent the Oyo Central senatorial district in 2015, and Olawumi Oladeji and Bolanle Agbaje were elected to represent the Ogbomoso North and Ibadan North State seats in the State Assembly, respectively.

As the first female Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in the state, Olubamiwo Adeosun was appointed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in 2019. In addition, the governor promised that his administration would continue to include more women in its ranks. In the Courtesy Room of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the governor made this statement as he welcomed the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen, who was in his office on an advocacy visit.

Women in leadership positions in Nigeria have pushed other women to take the initiative and enter politics rather than simply singing and applauding behind males at political rallies to change the world. During the celebration of International Women’s Day in 2022 in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, some women came to the conclusion that the event was sponsored by the Oyo State section of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

All of the speakers at the event, whose theme was “Women’s Participation in Politics: 2023 in Focus,” agreed that it is past time for women to seize the initiative and actively engage in politics to safeguard the future of their offspring.

Women have been actively included in the administration of Oyo State thus far, which has increased their participation in politics.

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Oyo Truth is an independent online news platform/medium reporting up-to-date events, happenings and activities related to Oyo State, Nigeria.