Prominent stakeholders and indigenes of Ife-North Local Government Area in Osun State have expressed deep frustration over what they describe as agelong marginalisation and a lack of democratic dividends. They assert that the council has not produced any meaningful political officeholders since its creation approximately 37 years ago.
Concerns Over Neglect
Speaking during a media briefing in Ipetumodu on Thursday, Bolaji Olabode, chairman of the Coalition, and Akinnibi Miftahudeen, its secretary, highlighted that towns and communities within the council have been relegated and deprived of amenities enjoyed by other parts of the state. They claimed the LGA has been reduced to a "third-class status" among its federal constituents.
"This system has tacitly rendered our people incapable of taking on leading roles, particularly within the political space of our federal constituency and Osun State at large," they said.
Voting Strength Not Rewarded
The stakeholders expressed surprise that despite their large numerical voting strength, the council has never been rewarded. No son or daughter of the LGA has been deemed fit for appointment as a state commissioner, House of Representatives member, minister, or ambassador since its creation.
Describing Ife-North as one of the most strategically positioned LGAs with politically conscious populations, the stakeholders stated: "This imbalance not only contradicts the principles of equity and justice but also undermines the very foundation of representative democracy within our constituency."
Infrastructure and Economic Neglect
They noted that schools and public infrastructure remain in deplorable condition with little sustained intervention. Economic strengths, particularly agriculture and farm produce, are neglected, leaving farmers without adequate support. "This is not the failure of a single political party; it reflects a systemic pattern across different administrations," they emphasised.
Demand for Zoning Framework
The people demanded a clear, transparent, and enforceable zoning framework that recognises Ife-North as a legitimate stakeholder and guarantees rotation of key political offices within the Ife Federal Constituency. They requested that all political parties, especially the APC and ACCORD Party, zone their 2027 House of Representatives tickets to competent members from Ife-North.
"We ask for deliberate and enforceable commitment to equitable political inclusion in both elective and appointive positions. We are prepared to mobilise and work with any party willing to enter a concrete agreement on the House of Representatives ticket and appointment of a commissioner in the forthcoming governorship cycle," they stated.
Lack of Development and Empowerment
Coalition member Taiwo Babalola decried the level of development compared to other cities in the senatorial district. He criticised the current House of Representatives member and senator for poor performance in youth empowerment and engagement compared to Ife Central, Ijesaland, and Ilesa.
"We are not interested in collecting N10,000 or N20,000. We have graduates capable of receiving appointments or job opportunities at federal parastatals. When election time comes, they call us for support, but when distributing opportunities, they marginalise us," Babalola stated.
