ADO ODO AND THE QUESTION OF FAIR REPRESENTATION IN ADO ODO OTA LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Since the return of democratic governance in 1999, the distribution of political offices and key appointments within Ado Odo/Ota Local Government has followed a pattern that deserves urgent public attention.

A careful review of records from 1999 to 2026 reveals a clear imbalance in representation, particularly when examined across major blocs such as Ota, Igbesa/Ado Odo regions.

At the highest level of political leadership, the position of Deputy Governor, currently occupied by Her Excellency Engr Noimot Salako Oyedele, is from Ota, further reinforcing the dominance of the Ota axis in top government representation.

In the Senate, which represents the highest legislative office at the district level, the story remains the same. Distinguished Senator Akin Babalola Odunsi, who served from 2011 to 2015, is from Ota. He was succeeded by Distinguished Senator Joseph Gbolahan Dada, who also served from 2015 to 2019 and is equally from Ota. Since 1999, no individual from Ado Odo has occupied this position.

The House of Representatives presents a slightly broader spread, yet still reflects a pattern. Between 1999 and 2026, Ota produced representatives such as Hon Remi Babawale and Hon Kazeem Salako. Igbesa has also maintained strong representation through Hon Jimoh Ojugbele, who served multiple terms from 2003 to 2007, 2015 to 2019, and 2019 to 2023, as well as Hon Tunji Akinosi, who is currently serving. Ado Odo, however, has only had a brief representation through Hon Tunde Ogunola between 2011 and 2015.

At the level of state executive appointments, particularly commissioners, the trend is even more pronounced. From 1999 to date, Ota and Igbesa have consistently produced commissioners under successive administrations. Under Chief Olusegun Osoba, the commissioner from the local government was from Ota. During the administration of Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Ota and Igbesa shared the position. Under Senator Ibikunle Amosun, both appointees from the local government were from Ota. In the current administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, the commissioners have emerged from Igbesa.

At the grassroots level, the chairmanship of Ado Odo Ota Local Government further reflects this imbalance. Since 1999, Ota has dominated the position, producing the majority of elected and appointed chairmen, including transition and caretaker leaders. Igbesa has also held the position multiple times. Ado Odo, despite its prominence, has only produced a chairman once in over two decades of democratic governance.

Beyond elective offices, statutory and federal appointments also show a similar pattern. Positions such as Chairman of the Federal Housing Authority, Federal Character Commissioner, Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board, Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, and other key roles have predominantly been occupied by individuals from Ota.

When these records are carefully examined, one fact becomes undeniable. Since 1999, Ado Odo has remained significantly underrepresented in comparison to other blocs within the same local government.

This reality brings to the fore a fundamental question of fairness and inclusion.

Ado Odo is not a minor community. It is one of the largest and most historically significant towns in the local government, with numerous communities under its influence, a growing population, and a strong political base. Yet, its absence at the highest legislative level, particularly in the Senate, remains glaring.

The call for Ado Odo to produce the next Senator is therefore not based on sentiment or personal interest. It is a legitimate demand rooted in equity, justice, and balanced representation.

Political history has shown that meaningful change begins with a clear and unified demand. The Ogun West agenda did not begin with a candidate. It began with a collective voice insisting on fairness. That voice grew into a movement that eventually reshaped the political landscape.

The same principle must now apply.

This is not the time to focus on personalities. It is the time to focus on principle.

The principle is simple. Representation should be fair. Opportunities should be inclusive. Every major bloc should have a sense of belonging.

For over two decades, Ado Odo has waited.

The time to correct this imbalance is now.

Ado Odo deserves the Senate.