Monarchs call for Reps seat in Ondo, decry marginalisation
Traditional rulers in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State have called for the zoning of the Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives to
Traditional rulers in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State have called for the zoning of the Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives to Akure North ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing over two decades of political exclusion.
In a statement made available to The Nation in Abuja, the monarchs said their position was driven by “urgent public interest, justice, and democratic fairness,” stressing that their intervention was not political but necessary to safeguard equity and peace.
The statement was signed by the Ogbolu of Itaogboluland and Chairman, Council of Obas, Akure North Local Government, Oba Faborode Idowu.
The monarchs decried what they described as a long-standing imbalance in political representation within the constituency, noting that since the return to democratic rule in 1999, all elected members of the House of Representatives from the constituency have emerged from Akure South.
“Today, we speak with one voice—a voice rooted in history, driven by justice, and compelled by the growing realities facing our people. This is not a political outburst, but a measured, responsible, and necessary intervention in the interest of democracy and peace.
“Since 1999, the Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency has witnessed a consistent and troubling pattern in which every single elected Member of the House of Representatives has come from Akure South, with not one emerging from Akure North. For over two decades, Akure North has been completely excluded from representation, and we are compelled to ask: is this democracy, is this fairness, and is this justice?, ”the monarchs said.
The traditional rulers emphasised the political and economic significance of Akure North, describing it as a key contributor to the constituency's development.
"Akure North is not a minor player in this constituency; we have 12 wards, more than Akure South, and we are a multi-town local government rich in culture, population, and economic potential. We serve as the agricultural backbone of this constituency, host the Akure Airport corridor along the Ilu-Abo/Oba-Ile axis, and stand today as an emerging industrial hub. Yet, despite all these contributions, we remain politically sidelined—an outcome that is not accidental but clearly a case of systemic marginalisation," the royal fathers said.
They also raised concerns over the growing insecurity in the area, warning that the absence of representation at the national level was worsening the situation.
The monarchs said Akure North is currently facing a rising spate of insecurity that is placing the people under serious pressure.
"Our farmers are increasingly afraid, our communities are strained, and our local economy is being disrupted. At a time like this, our people need a strong, visible, and committed representative—one who understands the terrain and can speak forcefully at the national level for security and development. However, this becomes impossible when we are continuously denied representation," they said.
They further pointed to what they termed a concentration of political power in Akure South, noting that the area currently holds both the senatorial seat and the House of Representatives position.
“Let us also place on record a glaring imbalance within the current political arrangement: Akure South is presently hosting the Senator representing the district as well as the sitting Member of the House of Representatives, and yet the same Akure South is positioning to retain both offices.
"This concentration of political power in one local government is neither equitable nor sustainable in a democratic system. We therefore state clearly and without hesitation that equity demands that the House of Representatives seat be conceded to Akure North," they said.
The traditional rulers appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to intervene.
“We therefore appeal to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, His Excellency, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to urgently intervene and ensure that the 2027 House of Representatives ticket is zoned to Akure North. This is not a favour, but a democratic necessity grounded in justice, fairness, and inclusion.”
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While reaffirming their commitment to peace, the monarchs warned of potential political consequences if the situation persists.
“As custodians of peace, we remain committed to maintaining stability; however, we must speak the truth that continued exclusion will inevitably breed discontent, weaken trust in party structures, and potentially alienate a loyal and critical voting population. We therefore urge leaders to act promptly before this situation evolves into a deeper political challenge," they said.
They also reaffirmed their loyalty to the President, stating, “We seize this opportunity to clearly reaffirm that we, the traditional rulers of Akure North, remain unwavering in our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Our people are loyal, committed, and ready to mobilise massively in support of the President's second term bid in the forthcoming elections, but we say this with sincerity and conviction that loyalty must be matched with fairness.”
The rulers called for urgent action to address the perceived imbalance.
“This is a defining moment, and we call on all leaders of conscience to act swiftly and decisively so that justice may be done, fairness may prevail, and democracy may truly speak through inclusion rather than exclusion. Akure North deserves representation, Akure North demands will not be ignored," they said.
