Deborah Hundenu
Community leaders from Idofa, Kajola/Agberiodo, and Ilara wards of Zone 3 in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, Ogun State, have raised concerns over what they describe as long-standing political and administrative marginalization.
In an open letter addressed to the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the leaders are calling for immediate redress to ensure fairness and equity in political representation and appointments in the local government area.
The leaders, under the banner of “Concerned Community Leaders,” stated that since the creation of Imeko-Afon Local Government Area in 1996, their zone has been consistently sidelined in critical political appointments and opportunities.
According to them, while other zones in the local government — Imeko and Afon — have enjoyed significant political patronage, Zone 3, which comprises Idofa, Kajola/Agberiodo, and Ilara wards, has been largely overlooked.
They pointed out that although Zone 3 produced the first executive chairman of the local government and a caretaker chairman, subsequent political appointments have been disproportionately tilted in favour of Ilara ward, leaving Idofa and Kajola/Agberiodo wards out of the equation.
“This unfair treatment has persisted despite the contributions of all the wards in the zone to the development of the local government area,” the statement reads.
“It is disheartening that whenever the zone is considered for political appointments, the choice is automatically given to Ilara ward, further marginalizing Idofa and Kajola/Agberiodo wards.”
The community leaders are appealing to Governor Dapo Abiodun to use his office to address what they describe as a “perpetual injustice.”
Specifically, they are urging the governor to ensure that the position of Secretary to the Local Government (SLG) is zoned to Zone 3 and micro-zoned to Idofa and Kajola/Agberiodo wards in the upcoming political appointments.
“This move will not only promote peaceful coexistence among the people but also foster communal development across the local government,” the leaders said.
“We believe it is time for the state government to take holistic steps to rectify the anomaly and ensure every ward is given a fair chance to contribute to governance.”
The letter was copied to key stakeholders in Ogun State, including the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, and notable political figures such as Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, Hon. Gboyega Isiaka, Hon. Jemili Akingbade, and Hon. Wasiu Isiaka.
The appeal concluded with a plea for Governor Abiodun to prioritize fairness in political representation, emphasizing that such steps would strengthen unity and encourage joint development efforts in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area.
“Please, come to Macedonia and help us,” the letter concluded, invoking a biblical call for support.
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