Ondo State Deserves Equity, Not Subjugation.
In the current political dispensation, it is increasingly evident that Ekiti State, carved out of the old Ondo State, enjoys a disproportionate share of federal appointments and political recognition, particularly under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is both perplexing and concerning, especially considering that Ondo State delivered more votes for the President in the 2023 general election than Ekiti and many other states in the federation.
At the federal legislative level, Ekiti has secured key leadership positions: Senator Opeyemi Bamidele serves as Senate Leader, Senator Yemi Adaramodu is the Senate Spokesperson, and Hon. Akin Rotimi is the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives. While the political representation is welcome, the pattern here suggests an imbalance that cannot be overlooked.
More troubling is the recent development where the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, reportedly sought to dictate Ondo State’s nominee to the South West Development Commission, an appointment constitutionally and politically under the purview of the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. This overreach is not only disrespectful but a clear affront to the people and leadership of Ondo State.
Such an act would never have been attempted, let alone go unchallenged, under the watch of the late Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, a man known for his courage and principled stance on federalism and equity.
The real failure, however, lies with some of our own politicians. Those who are loud at home but silent and ineffective in Abuja. If not for the presence of Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Ondo State would be nearly invisible in the national political space. This should be a wake-up call for our political actors to shed the “local champion” mentality and start playing strategic, national politics that will benefit the majority of our people.
Let it be made clear that any attempt by anyone, regardless of position, to reduce our Governor or the people of Ondo State to a subordinate role will be strongly resisted. We demand that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu take immediate steps to correct this imbalance and restore the respect and recognition Ondo State rightfully deserves.
We have delivered our votes. We have fulfilled our part of the democratic contract. Now, we expect our Governor, Hon. Aiyedatiwa, to be fully empowered to speak and act on behalf of our people, without interference.
Jonathan Obatola writes from Akure.