“We’ve been shut out since 1999”: Irekari LCDA appeals to Gov Aiyedatiwa over APC Reps ticket

Leaders and residents of Irekari LCDA in Ose Local Government say they’ve had enough of being locked out of the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency seat, and are calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to step in before the dispute deepens.

The protest follows rumours that the APC has adopted Olatunji Arowele from the Owo axis as its candidate for the House of Representatives. For Irekari, it would mean another cycle of watching the seat go to Owo and Ekamarun.

– A rotation that skips one district-

Chief Akinwumi Bayode, a Lagos-based lawyer and grassroots politician from Idoani, said the pattern is clear. Since 1999, the constituency has produced four Reps — all from Owo and Okeluse-Ekamarun Ward 11.

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Hon. Bobby Omotosho held the seat for Okeluse-Ekamarun from 1999-2003. Hon. Lad Ojomo from Owo served from 2003-2011. Hon. Eni Omosule returned it to Okeluse-Ekamarun, followed by Hon. Bode Ayorinde from 2015-2019. The incumbent, Hon. Timilehin Adelegbe, also from Okeluse-Ekamarun Ward 11, has held it since 2019 and is set to serve till 2027.

“Irekari is the only district missing,” Bayode said. “We have qualified sons and daughters, but intrigues and subjugation keep shutting us out.”

– Claims of “anointed candidate” drama-

Bayode accused one Samuel Ayodeji Arowele of going around claiming he is Aiyedatiwa’s anointed candidate. He said the claim breeds division and likely isn’t true.

He also mentioned rumours that Finance Commissioner Omowunmi Isaac is backing the move because she is from Owo, though he added she may not be aware of it.

– Neglect beyond politics-

Irekari’s traditional council says the political exclusion mirrors years of neglect. They point to collapsed infrastructure, closed hospitals and schools, no electricity, and relocated courts and banks due to bad roads and insecurity.

The Owo/Ipele and Oba-Akoko/Afo roads, key routes into the area, are said to be impassable. Residents allege road contracts were awarded to contractors who vanished, leaving kidnapping and robbery rampant. With livelihoods collapsing, locals have pooled money to repair roads and keep the general hospital running after several protests at the State Assembly and Government House.

“The statistics are stark,” said Hon. Isaac Obiniran, coordinator of the Irekari LCDA Mandate Group. “Ose LGA has produced four Reps, but three came from a single ward. Irekari remains a footnote.”

– Appeal to the governor-

Bayode, a foundation APC member since the Afenifere/AD days, said President Tinubu does not support marginalisation. He urged Aiyedatiwa to intervene early to prevent “greedy, self-serving politicians” from creating a crisis that could hurt the party’s unity and Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid in Ondo.

He said four Irekari aspirants have rallied behind Engr. Charles Adewumi Adedoja, a PhD holder, or any aspirant willing to step down to ensure Irekari is treated fairly.

“My appeal to Irekari elites, youth groups, traditional councils, and the political class is to remain calm and peaceful,” Bayode said. “But the marginalisation must stop if we want lasting peace.”