From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
A group, the Coalition of Ado-Odo/Igbesa Indigenous Youths, has called on the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, to zone the ticket for the chairmanship of the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area in the forthcoming election to the Ado-Odo/Igbesa zone of the local government.
The group also lamented the longstanding dominance of the Ota axis in the running of the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government at the expense of the people of the Ado-Odo/Igbesa zone.
It noted that, for fairness and equity, the election of the chairmanship of the local government should be rotated between the two axes of Ota and Ado-Odo/Igbesa that make up the council area. The group appealed to the governor to ensure that this imbalance is corrected in the forthcoming local government elections in the state.
The group stated this in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Temitope Ayobami Taiwo, and made available to journalists in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
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“Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, the Ado-Odo/Igbesa state constituency has had minimal representation in the local government council, with only two instances: Musefiu Olatunji Lamidi and Abayomi Tella.
“This contrasts starkly with the Ota axis, which has enjoyed prolonged dominance, as evidenced by the tenures of late Dr. Salami (elected), Rotimi Rahmon (elected) and Wasiu Lawal as a caretaker committee Chairman, among others. Most recently, the election of Sheriff Musa Adewale as the incumbent chairman further solidified this imbalance.
“The Ado-Odo/Igbesa state constituency has also suffered from unequal distribution of developmental projects and resources.
“Under Sherif Adewale Musa’s leadership, 12 projects were commissioned, with only two allocated to the Ado-Odo/Igbesa State Constituency Area: one at Alapoti ward and the other at Lusada.
“This striking disparity underscores the urgent need for a more balanced approach in resource allocation, ensuring that all constituencies benefit equally from the dividends of democracy.
“Community leaders and citizens are now collectively urging Governor Dapo Abiodun and other party leaders to acknowledge the gravity of the situation.
“We appeal that the LG chairmanship candidate for the upcoming council polls should be nominated from Ado-Odo/Igbesa. This would not only help address past inequities but also pave the way for a more inclusive and representative local government,” the statement read.