Youths of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area in Ogun State have expressed frustration over the longstanding dominance of the Ota axis in the management of the local government.
The youth group, under the aegis of The Coalition of Ado-Odo/Igbesa Indigenous Youths, called for fairness and equality in the governance of the local government in a statement released on Tuesday. The statement was signed by the group’s Coordinator, Temitope Taiwo.
The coalition argued that the chairmanship of the local government should alternate between the two axes—Ota and Ado-Odo/Igbesa—that make up the council area. They believe this would address past inequities and foster a more inclusive and representative local government.
The statement reads: “Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the Ado-Odo/Igbesa constituency has had minimal representation in the local government council, with only two representatives, Hon. Musefiu Olatunji Lamidi and Hon. Abayomi Tella.
“This contrasts sharply with the Ota axis, which has enjoyed prolonged dominance, with tenures held by individuals such as Late Dr. Salami, Hon. Rotimi Rahmon Arúgbó,and Hon. Wasiu Lawal, who served as caretaker Chairman. Most recently, Hon. Sheriff Musa Adewale (Sam 20) further solidified this imbalance.
“The Ado-Odo/Igbesa constituency has also experienced unequal distribution of developmental projects and resources. Under Hon. Sheriff Adewale Musa’s leadership, 12 projects were commissioned, with only two allocated to the Ado-Odo/Igbesa constituency—one at Alapoti ward and the other at Lusada.
“This stark disparity highlights the urgent need for a more balanced approach to resource allocation, ensuring that all constituencies benefit equally from the dividends of democracy.”
The youth group has urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to address the issue in the forthcoming local government elections by ensuring that the chairmanship ticket is zoned to Ado-Odo/Igbesa.
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