Oriire Chairmanship: Ward 5 seeks Makinde’s support for fair representation 

As political consultations continue ahead of the forthcoming local government elections in Oyo State, stakeholders from Ward 5 of Oriire Local Government have appealed to the leadership of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) and the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, to consider the ward for the office of Executive Chairman of Oriire Local Government.

According to the stakeholders, the appeal is based on the principle of fairness, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging. Since the creation of Oriire Local Government from the defunct Oyo Local Government on 27 August 1989, every other ward has, at different times, produced occupants of key elective positions, particularly the office of Executive Chairman and members of the Oyo State House of Assembly. Ward 5, however, has yet to produce an Executive Chairman, Vice Chairman, Member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, or, according to the stakeholders, even a Local Government Secretary. They believe this long-standing pattern makes a compelling case for greater inclusion in the interest of justice and unity.

Records of the local government show that the chairmanship has been occupied over the years by leaders from Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 10, while representation in the Oyo State House of Assembly since the return to democratic rule in 1999 has come from Wards 1, 2, 7, 8, and 10. Stakeholders argue that this history presents an opportunity for the party to promote balanced representation by giving Ward 5 the chance to produce the next Executive Chairman.

Speaking on behalf of leaders in the ward, Hon. (Deacon) Adewole Ogunniran and Hon. Adebayo Abdulrasaq Olodo explained that Ward 5 is not merely requesting consideration but has also demonstrated preparedness by presenting a pool of credible and qualified aspirants for the party to choose from. The aspirants include Hon. Bankole Oladapo, Hon. Jacob Abiodun, Hon. Taiwo Ogunniran, Hon. Ogunniran Michael, and Joshua Ojo Aderemi Akin. According to them, the list reflects a blend of experienced leaders and vibrant younger aspirants who possess the capacity to provide purposeful leadership for Oriire Local Government.

The stakeholders therefore appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde, whom they described as a leader committed to fairness, justice, and inclusive governance, to encourage the party leadership in Oriire Local Government to give sincere consideration to Ward 5 during the chairmanship selection process. They expressed confidence that such a decision would strengthen party unity, foster greater inclusion, and reinforce the confidence of party members across all communities in Oriire.

The leaders stressed that their appeal is not intended to diminish the contributions of leaders from other wards, all of whom have served Oriire in various capacities. Rather, they described it as a respectful call for equitable representation after many years without Ward 5 occupying any of the major elective leadership positions in the local government.

They concluded by expressing confidence that granting Ward 5 the opportunity to produce the next Executive Chairman would promote unity, deepen the people’s sense of belonging, and further strengthen the ideals of fairness and justice within the party and across Oriire Local Government.