By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
The Rural Wards Frontiers Advocacy (RWFA) has issued a strong and urgent call for the immediate zoning of the Ado-Odo/Ota State Constituency I seat in the Ogun State House of Assembly to the rural wards, citing long-standing political exclusion and infrastructural neglect of the area.
In a statement issued on Wedneday, March 25, 2026, the group’s Convener, Elder Gilbert Olumuyiwa Richard, described the agitation as a necessary step toward restoring equity, fairness, and inclusive governance in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.
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According to RWFA, since the return to democratic rule in 1999, representation in the constituency has consistently come from the urban axis particularly Ota and Sango while rural communities have been left without a single representative in the State Assembly, with the notable exception of Hon. Ashade from Iju Ward, who served for three years during the 1999 transition period.
Past and present representatives, including Hon. Leye Odunjo, Hon. Nurudeen Akinpelu Aina, and the incumbent Hon. Yusuf Sherif Abiodun (Ibeman), have all emerged from urban wards, leaving rural areas such as Ijoko, Atan, Iju, and Ilogbo without representation in living memory.
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“This is not a political attack on any individual,” Elder Richard stated. “It is a demand for fairness. Rural communities have contributed significantly to electoral victories and economic growth, yet they remain neglected when it comes to representation and infrastructure.”
RWFA emphasised that the rural wards including communities like Ilogbo, Iju, Owode-Ota, Tigbo, Ijoko-Ota, Atan, Itele, Iyano Ilogbo, Oke Osa, Ijako, and other agrarian settlements serve as the economic backbone of the constituency through agriculture, labour supply, and grassroots political mobilisation.
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Despite their importance, these communities continue to suffer from: Poor and impassable road networks, Inadequate educational facilities, Dilapidated healthcare centres, Limited access to potable water and Minimal government presence.
The RWFA Secretary, Pastor Olufemi Babalola, stressed that the agitation is rooted in lived realities rather than mere political ambition.
“Rural development is not optional it is essential. Our people face daily hardship due to infrastructural decay. Zoning the assembly seat is the first step toward addressing these long-standing issues,” he said.
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The group highlighted the significant voting strength of rural communities, noting that they played a crucial role in the emergence of the current administration at both state and federal levels.
RWFA is therefore calling on all major political parties including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other opposition parties to demonstrate commitment to equity by fielding candidates from the rural wards in the 2027 election cycle.
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The advocacy group also urged traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations, and civil society groups across Awori land to support the demand for inclusive representation.
“Democracy must not remain an urban privilege,” the statement concluded. “The time has come for rural communities to be seen, heard, and represented.”
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RWFA reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful engagement, stakeholder consultations, and sustained advocacy until justice is achieved.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
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