Concerned stakeholders in Ikere-Ekiti have demanded that the Ekiti South Federal Constituency I seat in the House of Representatives be ceded to Ikere Local Government in the 2027 general elections, citing twenty-three years of political marginalization.
They noted that Ekiti South-West and Ise/Orun local governments had occupied the position over the last 23 years, insisting that it was only fair for Ikere Local Government to produce the next representative in 2027.
A communiqué issued after a series of meetings and consultations held in conjunction with the Supreme Council of Ikere Youths (SCIY) and signed by Otunba Sola Adewunmi; the Asoju Oba of Ikere Kingdom, Chief Akin Afuye, including twelve others called on authorities concern to address the alleged iniquity.
Specifically,the leaders called on Governor Biodun Oyebanji and leaders of all the political parties in Ekiti State to ensure that only indigenes of Ikere Local Government emerge as candidate(s) for the Ekiti South Federal Constituency I in the forthcoming 2027 National assembly election.
The stakeholders lamented that Ikere Local Government had been denied the opportunity to produce a member of the House of Representatives for the constituency for the past 23 years.
They described the development as an injustice and a violation of the rights of Ikere people within the federal constituency.
The communiqué stressed that the agitation for representation was rooted in fairness, equity, justice and the principles of representative democracy as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
They declared that the demand reflected the collective position of Ikere indigenes both at home and in the diaspora, adding that the community remained resolute in ensuring the realization of the aspiration.
The group also appealed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji and leaders of political parties in Ekiti State to ensure that only candidates of Ikere extraction emerge for the Ekiti South Federal Constituency I seat in the forthcoming National Assembly election.
Other signatories to the communiqué include: Tunde Arifayan, Oluyemisi Adefarati, Elder Olawumi Adeyemi, Prof. Florence Modupe Osalusi, Prince Feyi Ogoji, Pastor Tope Orolu, Foluso Alaba, Dr. Wale Afolabi, Prof. Damilola Olajide, Engr. Oludare Olajiga, Clement Adu and Barrister Toba Alaba.
The Communiqué reads, “Following several meetings and consultations held by Concerned Ikere stakeholders in conjunction with the Supreme Council of Ikere Youths (SCIY) on the marginalization of Ikere Local Government with respect to representation in the National Assembly particularly the House of Representatives over the last twenty-three (23) years; The forum resolved and hereby declares that:
“Ikere Local Government has not been opportuned to produce a representative for the Ekiti South Federal Constituency I in the last twenty-three (23) years. We view this lack of representation as an act of injustice and a violation of our rights as members of the Federal constituency.
“Ikere Local Government desires to have an indigene as an elected Member of the House of Representatives representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency I, come 2027 and this is the position of all Ikere indigenes at home and abroad.
“This desire is in the spirit of fairness, equity, justice and representative democracy as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Considering that Ekiti South-West and Ise/Orun LGAs have occupied the office for the past 23years, it is only fair and just that Ikere Local Government be allowed to produce the representative for the Federal Constituency in 2027.
“We are resolute on this demand and are committed to ensure that this desire becomes a reality.
“We call on the Governor of the State, His Excellency Governor Biodun Oyebanji and leaders of all the political parties in Ekiti State to ensure that only indigenes of Ikere Local Government emerge as candidate(s) for the Ekiti South Federal Constituency I in the forthcoming 2027 National assembly election.
“We appeal to all Ikere indigenes, particularly our youths to remain calm and be peaceful and not allow any unscrupulous individual to take advantage of this testy situation.
“Ikere community and the stakeholders have confidence in the ability of the State Governor and other leaders in Ekiti State to resolve this matter without much ado”.