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Bemoans deplorable condition of roads, epileptic electricity in the area
By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
Leaders and stakeholders from Irekari LCDA in Ose Local Government area of Ondo State have decried what they described as years of political marginalization, with a call for fairness, equity and justice ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The leaders and stakeholders specifically demanded for the zoning of 2027 House of Representatives’ ticket to their area by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and other political parties.
Speaking throughout their
Coordinator, Mr Isaac ‘Dimeji Obiniran at a press conference addressed at the palace of Alani of Idoani, Oba (Major General) Olufemi Olutoye, retd, the stakeholders insisted on rotational representation in the Ose/Owo federal constituency to ensure fairness and development.
At the well attended programme, Obiniran said it was high time to confront what he termed ‘systemic exclusion of Irekari people from key political positions in the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency’.
According to him, “We are gathered here today to shatter the chains of marginalisation and silence the voices of exclusion that have plagued Irekari LCDA for too long”.
Obiniran noted with sadness that despite Ose Local Government producing multiple representatives at the federal level, the positions had consistently been dominated by a single ward.
His words, “The statistics are clear. Ose has produced representatives, yet they all emerged from Okeluse Ward 11, while Irekari remains overlooked”.
The coordinator, who traced the constituency’s representation since 1999, pointed out that political power had rotated within limited areas, leaving Irekari without a fair share.
The imbalanced representation, he lamented, had denied the people of Irekari recognition despite their contributions to the growth of the constituency.
“But we will not be silenced. We will not be ignored. The people of Irekari demand to be heard, represented and counted,” Obiniran declared.
He explained that the community had previously demonstrated loyalty to party leadership, particularly during past electoral decisions, with the expectation of future inclusion.
According to him, the decision by the current lawmaker representing the Owo/Ose federal constituency
the third term has further deepened concerns over fairness and equity in representation.
His words, “It is on this basis that we say no to any third-term agenda. In a constituency of 23 wards, it is only fair that the seat rotates”.
Obiniran, therefore called on political parties to zone their House of Representatives tickets to Irekari LCDA in the 2027 elections, expressing confidence in the capacity of aspirants from the area.
According to him, “We appeal to all political parties and the state leadership to consider our loyalty, commitment and block votes by conceding the ticket to Irekari. Fairness, equity and justice remain the basis of our demand.
“We specially appeal to the ruling party in Ondo State under the chairmanship of Hon. Babatunde Kolawole a.k.a. Amaechi and our amiable and people-oriented Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to kindly give this request and plea careful consideration and oblige us,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, an aspirant for the House of Representatives, Mr. Richard Olomofe, said the rationale behind the press conference was to draw the attention of the government to the dearth of electricity, roads and infrastructure development.
However, two other aspirants from Irekari, Charles Adewumi and Odogun Babayemi, urged the government to repair the dilapidated roads in the community.
