Editorial – DDNewsOnline
As the countdown to the 2027 general elections intensifies, Ado-Odo/Ota State Constituency I a pivotal battleground in Ogun West (Yewa-Awori) Senatorial District stands at a historic crossroads. This economically vibrant constituency, straddling urban Ota and its sprawling rural hinterlands, has long been a powerhouse of electoral influence and revenue generation for Ogun State. Yet beneath the surface lies a deepening divide: urban wards that have monopolised representation for decades versus rural communities that now demand their rightful turn at the Ogun State House of Assembly.
Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com
The political history is telling. From the military era, when Honourable Olayiwola Waliu Taiwo represented Ota Ward 1 during General Sani Abacha’s regime, to the democratic dispensation where Honourable Nurudeen Akinpelu Aina (popularly referenced as Nurudeen Aino) served two terms from 2011 to 2019 under the APC banner, representation has consistently emanated from the urban core. The current occupant, Honourable Yusuf Sherif Abiodun (Ibeman), born in Ota and a former transition chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government (2011-2012), has held the seat since 2019. As Majority Leader of the 10th Assembly, he is now eyeing a third term. A move that has ignited fierce debate about zoning, equity, and performance.
The constituency’s four urban wards (Ota 1, 2, 3 and Sango axis) have enjoyed consistent representation. In contrast, the rural wards Ijoko, Atan, Iju and Ilogbo which form the backbone of the area’s agricultural and industrial base, have produced no assembly member in living memory. Residents here ask pointedly: Why must the rural majority continue to generate revenue and votes while suffering chronic neglect of basic infrastructure?
The numbers speak volumes. At least nine credible aspirants have emerged from the rural wards, including Honourable Okikiola Olundegun (Atan), Honourable Solomon Bankole (Ilogbo), Engineer Jamiu Yakubu Ajayi (Ilogbo), Honourable Kemi Adeogun (Iju), Father Kay (Iju), Honourable Ashade Ayodele (Atan), Oyede Oke (Iju), Honourable Jubril Yusuf (Ijoko), Honourable Kareem Quari (Iju) and Honourable Salako Wasiu Olayiwola (Atan). Only Honourable Sherif Yusuf flies the urban flag. This is no coincidence it is a deliberate rural revolt against perceived marginalisation.
Engineer Jamiu Yakubu Ajayi (Ilogbo Ward) a standout figure who previously served as Chairman of the Atan-Iju-Ilogbo LCDA. Widely regarded as one of the most impactful and overall best-performing chairmen of his era, Engineer Ajayi earned accolades for exemplary leadership, dedication, compassion, and visible development in his domain. His tenure drew commendations from state authorities and cross-party admiration, with endorsements flowing from both ruling APC figures and opposition voices urging him to contest the assembly seat. Rural communities view him as a vibrant, youthful leader capable of delivering not just rural-focused bills but holistic constituency-wide progress infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment that benefits all.
The most powerful signal yet came in early March 2026, when six out of eight councillors in the constituency spanning both rural and urban wards unanimously endorsed Prince Oyede Oke of Iju Ward (a rural axis) as their preferred candidate. Led by Rt. Hon. Gbadamosi Mutairu (Ilogbo Ward and Leader of the House), the councillors praised Oyede Oke’s legislative experience, grassroots connectivity and “people-oriented” vision. Their statement was unambiguous: the time has come for “experienced, accessible and proactive representation… specifically from the Rural Ward.”
Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com
This rural resurgence is not mere politicking. It is rooted in painful reality. Rural communities have endured decades of infrastructural decay pothole-riddled roads, inadequate schools, dilapidated health centres and water scarcity. The 16-kilometre Atan-Ado-Odo road, abandoned for over 30 years, was only recently awarded a ₦37 billion reconstruction contract by the Federal Government in 2025 after relentless advocacy. Over 20 villages (Atan, Ilogbo, and others) suffered isolation that crippled farming, trade and daily life. While Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) has commissioned projects including the Ilogbo Road and school blocks, and Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration continues palliative works, residents insist these are insufficient without a dedicated rural voice in Abeokuta.
Ado-Odo/Ota’s strategic importance cannot be overstated. As an industrial and border gateway with massive IGR contributions, the constituency deserves balanced development not token gestures. The urban area may boast relative progress, but the rural majority drives electoral victories and economic output. Continuing to sideline them risks breeding apathy and undermining APC dominance in Ogun West.
DDNewsOnline calls on all stakeholders the APC leadership, traditional rulers, party elders and the good people of Awori land to prioritise equity, competence and zoning justice. The rural wards have waited long enough. As Honourable Sherif Yusuf seeks a third term and multiple rural heavyweights throw their hats into the ring, the message is clear: 2027 must deliver genuine representation, not recycled urban control.
Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com
The stage is set for a fiercely contested primary and general election. DDNewsOnline will continue to monitor every twist, analyse the key issues and hold every aspirant accountable. The rural voice is rising and Ado-Odo/Ota I deserves to hear it loud and clear.
The ball is now in the court of the party and the electorate. Let justice, development and equity prevail.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
Send tips to: adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
09164987165 / 08168555497
©️ 2026 DDNewsOnline