By Kayode Afolabi, Ore
Stakeholders from Odigbo Local Government area have called for equal and fair representation in the forthcoming Ondo South Senatorial bye-election, citing years of political marginalisation despite the area’s size, population and economic importance.
They argued that Odigbo has remained sidelined in political appointments and representation within the senatorial district, a situation they described as unjust and counterproductive to inclusive governance.
The call was made by the Ondo State Patriotic Movement for Democracy in a statement jointly signed by its Convener, Arije Ariyo; Secretary-General, Alabi Julius; and Deputy Women Leader, Febisola Akinniranye.
According to the statement, Odigbo currently has only one state-level appointment and no federal appointment, despite being a stronghold of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
It further noted that the local government remains the most politically marginalised of the six local government areas in Ondo South, stressing that despite its economic relevance, the area continues to be overlooked in federal political representation.
The group recalled that Odigbo last produced a senator many years ago and is presently the only local government in the district without any federal appointment, a situation it described as unfair and unsustainable.
It, therefore, urged the leadership of the APC to zone the Ondo South Senatorial seat to the council in the interest of fairness, equity and balanced development.
The Ondo South Senatorial seat became vacant following the appointment of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as an ambassador by President Bola Tinubu.