…Decries Imbalance Distribution of Political Position in Owo
AN OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR OF ONDO STATE, THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR, AND OTHER DISTINGUISHED LEADERS
The Need for Equity and Fairness in the Election into the Position of Owo Local Government Chairman
Your Excellencies,
With utmost respect and a deep sense of civic duty, I write to draw your attention to the glaring imbalance in the distribution of political positions within Owo Local Government. This persistent inequity has created a sense of alienation among certain communities and undermined the principles of fairness, inclusivity and justice that your administration upholds.
The ongoing contest for the Chairmanship position highlights this disparity, with aspirants predominantly emerging from Constituency 1 and specific wards. The contenders include:
1. Olajide Bolanle (Ehinogbe Ward 1)
2. Olaleke Olateru-Olagbegi (Igboroko I Ward 2)
3. Chief Babatunde Olaposi (Igboroko II Ward 3)
4. Abiola Sikiru Obanoyen (Igboroko II Ward 3)
5. Tope Omolayo (Iloro Ward 6)
6. Labi Daramola (Ijebu I Ward 4)
7. Chief Alaba-Eniola Ajipe (Uso/Emure Ward 11)
It is essential to note that Uso and Emure-Ile are distinct autonomous communities within Ward 11. Yet, despite their longstanding contributions to the socio-political development of Owo Local Government, Emure-Ile remains the only suburban community that has neither produced a Chairman nor Vice Chairman.
This exclusion was nearly corrected four years ago when Chief Barrister Alaba-Eniola Ajipe, a respected son of Emure-Ile, was poised to secure the Chairmanship candidacy. Unfortunately, what can only be described as a “palace coup” disrupted the democratic process and the ticket was awarded to Chief Samuel Adegbegi from Constituency 1, who completed his tenure and now serves as Transition Committee Chairman.
Furthermore, a review of the current distribution of elective and appointive positions in Owo Local Government underscores this imbalance between the Owo metropolis and the suburban communities in the Local Government:
Constituency I
Deputy Governor (Igboroko II, Ward 3)
Majority Leader, House of Assembly (Igboroko II, Ward 3)
Chairman, LGSC (Igboroko II, Ward 3)
Commissioner 1, SUBEB (Isuada/Upenmen/Idasen, Ward 9)
Education Secretary, Owo LGA (Igboroko II, Ward 3)
LG Chairman (Ehinogbe, Ward 1)
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor (Ehinogbe, Ward 1)
State Commandant, Western Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps (Iloro, Ward 6)
Constituency 2:
Federal Commissioner (Ijebu I, Ward 4)
Commissioner for Finance (Isaipen, Ward 8)
House of Assembly Member (Ipele, Ward 7)
Special Adviser on Environment (Iyere, Ward 10)
Deputy Chief of Staff (Uso/Emure, Ward 11)
It is noteworthy that Ijebu and Isaipen in constituency 2 are part of the Owo metropolis that enjoyed the political patronage most. While the suburb holds few key positions, it is notable that communities such as Emure-Ile remain marginalized in terms of Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship roles. The urban-centric dominance of Constituency 1, combined with the proximity of Ijebu and Isaipen wards to the metropolis, underscores the urgency of addressing this inequity.
For equity and fairness, the Chairmanship position should be ceded to the suburban communities, particularly Emure-Ile, which has yet to occupy this critical role. Doing so would not only rectify historical marginalization but also promote a sense of belonging and unity across Owo Local Government and as a reward for best performing ward in Owo Local Government in the just concluded gubernatorial election in the state.
I respectfully urge Your Excellencies to consider this matter with the utmost seriousness and prioritize the inclusion of all communities in the distribution of political leadership. May your administration continue to champion justice, equity and inclusivity for the greater good of our state.
Yours faithfully,
Hon. Ibrahim Hammed (Iwalewa)
Former Councillor, Uso / Emure – Ile Ward 11
November 25, 2024.
Peoplesmind
