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Residents of Igede-Ekiti have petitioned the Governor of Ekiti State, seeking greater grassroots involvement in the selection of candidates for local and state elections. The appeal, submitted on behalf of the Onigede of Igede-Ekiti, Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II, the Oba-in-Council, Igede town committee, APC stakeholders, youth leaders and community members, underscores growing concern over the recent consensus-based nomination of candidates for the Ekiti State House of Assembly, local government chairmanship and councillorship positions.
In a statement by the community leaders, Igede-Ekiti residents commended the Governor’s leadership and developmental strides across Ekiti State. “The people of Igede-Ekiti remain firmly supportive of your vision, your government and the APC,” the appeal read, reiterating loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and the party’s leadership. However, the community expressed deep concern over the selection of candidates perceived to lack strong grassroots engagement. The appeal highlighted the tenure of the outgoing local government chairman, describing his administration as having failed to deliver tangible projects to the people of Igede-Ekiti. “Attempts to recycle the same leadership through a consensus arrangement are widely perceived as a repetition of failure and a departure from the principles of accountability,” the letter noted.
Similarly, the tenure of a former House of Assembly member was criticised for lack of visible impact on Igede-Ekiti, despite seven years in office. The appeal stressed that representation must translate into measurable development for the community. Of particular concern is the emergence of Temitayo Adetona Ojo as a consensus candidate to replace the outgoing House of Assembly member.
Community stakeholders warned that selecting a candidate without proven legislative experience or deep community engagement risks “taking Igede-Ekiti backward once again” and perpetuating weak representation.
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The appeal further noted that past councillorship representation had largely failed, with only one of the three councillors performing creditably. The community argued that the current consensus process bypassed key stakeholders, including the Oba-in-Council and APC members, undermining internal democracy and grassroots confidence. The Igede-Ekiti stakeholders emphasised that their appeal was not a critique of the governor or the APC but a call for inclusion and merit-based selection. They requested the opportunity to propose credible, loyal and competent candidates for the councillorships for the three wards in Igede-Ekiti, chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government and member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly for Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency I.
“The intention is to recommend men and women of proven integrity, competence and service who will reconnect governance to the grassroots, strengthen the APC and positively project both Igede-Ekiti and the administration across Ekiti State,” the appeal stated.
The letter called for unity, consultation, accountability and merit-based selection to consolidate the party’s strength and promote sustainable development in Igede-Ekiti, appealing to the governor’s leadership and wisdom for intervention in the matter.
