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Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun has been urged to correct the imbalance that exists in political representation of Yewa North Isokan State Constituency I at the Ogun State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general election.
This is contained in an open letter addressed to the governor by a group acting under the aegis of Concerned Stakeholders of Yewa North Isokan State Constituency I which was obtained by SunOnline on Friday.
The stakeholders noted that while the seat has historically rotated between the Iju and Ayetoro zones, it has been overwhelmingly dominated by the former.
This development, they said, has left Ayetoro zone feeling left out.
The stakeholders said, “Yewa North Isokan State Constituency I, a critical political bloc within Ogun State, is composed of seven wards, namely: Idofoi Ward, Ayetoro Ward 1 (Ward 2), Ayetoro Ward 2 (Ward 3), Sunwa Ward, Joga/Ibooro Ward, Imasayi Ward, and Ibeshe Ward. These wards are distributed across two major zones: Iju Zone and Ayetoro Zone.
“Since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999, democratic governance has provided an opportunity for inclusive representation.
“However, a careful examination of political representation within our constituency reveals a significant imbalance that calls for urgent correction.
“Historically, Hon. J.O. Bankole from Joga/Ibooro in Iju Zone served as the pioneer representative from 1999 to 2003. His tenure marked the beginning of democratic representation in the constituency under the current republic.
“He was succeeded by Hon. Sunday David Kojeku from Ibeshe Ward, also in Iju Zone, who served from 2003 to 2011. This extended the representation of Iju Zone to a continuous twelve-year period.
“In 2011, the pendulum shifted briefly to Ayetoro Zone with the emergence of Rt. Hon. Prince Suraj Ishola Adekunbi from Ayetoro Ward 1. Who served from 2011 to 2019, including his distinguished service as Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly.
“Following this period, representation reverted to Iju Zone with the election of Hon. Adegoke Awoso from Ibeshe Ward in 2019, who continues to serve to date, further extending the dominance of Iju Zone.
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“A holistic analysis of this timeline reveals that out of 28 years of democratic governance, Iju Zone has held representation for approximately 20 years, while Ayetoro Zone has only had the opportunity to serve for 8 years.”
The stakeholders noted that while this disparity may not be intentional, it runs contrary to the principles of equity and fair political distribution that strengthen democratic institutions and foster unity among constituents.
They emphasized that political inclusiveness is not merely a moral obligation but a strategic necessity for sustainable peace, development, and cohesion within any constituency.
They added, “The current political structure already reflects a concentration of key positions within Iju Zone. The Zone presently holds the office of Commissioner as well as the Executive Chairman of Yewa North Local Government.
“While Ayetoro Zone is privileged to have produced a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, this does not substitute for equitable representation at the state legislative level, which directly impacts grassroots governance.
“Democracy thrives when every segment of society feels seen, heard, and fairly represented.
“Denying or delaying such balance risks fostering political alienation and weakening collective progress.”
Copied in the open letter were former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, and 2027 governorship candidate of APC, Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi).
“This appeal is not borne out of sentiment or sectional bias but rather anchored on verifiable historical realities and the collective aspiration for balanced political inclusion among the constituent zones of our constituency,” the stakeholders added.
They also appealed to the elders, leaders, and stakeholders of Yewa North Isokan State Constituency I to lend their voices in support of this equitable course, ensuring that unity and fairness prevail over division.
