Akoko Solidarity Group Outlines Stand on Ondo North Senatorial Seat

*BACKGROUND INFORMATION*

Presently, the Ondo North Senatorial seat is occupied by Senator Ipinsagba from Ikare-Akoko. This follows three consecutive terms by Senator Ajayi Boroffice from Oka-Akoko. By the time Senator Ipinsagba completes his four-year term, Akoko indigenes will have held the seat for sixteen unbroken years.

Akoko Land is still willing to retain the seat. However, whether former Senator Ajayi Boroffice and incumbent Senator Ipinsagba have performed well compared to their counterparts elsewhere is not for this group to judge. Public opinion and the residents of Ondo North Senatorial District shall decide.

Currently, five aspirants from Akoko Land are jostling for the position. The group recalls a similar situation in 2017 during the Ondo State gubernatorial race. Both Senator Ajayi Boroffice and Dr. Segun Abraham, from Akoko Land, contested. All efforts to persuade then-serving Senator Boroffice to step down for Dr. Abraham failed. Former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, eventually emerged after defeating Dr. Abraham by about 34 votes at the primary election.

Had Senator Boroffice stepped down for Dr. Abraham, both the governorship and senatorial seats could have come to Akoko Land. Akoko did not benefit significantly from that administration in terms of road construction and other infrastructure. We commend the current Governor, Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, for embarking on aggressive road construction in Akoko Land.

*INTERVENTION COMMITTEE*

On this premise, Akoko Solidarity Group constituted a Five-Man Committee to interact with the five aspirants and explore modalities for producing a consensus candidate. This was to avoid a repeat of the 2017 scenario.

The Committee comprised:

1. Dr. Gabriel Ayimoro – Chairman

2. Hon. Olayode Jayeola – Secretary

3. Mr. Abayomi Starling – Member

4. Dr. B.A. Abiloye – Member

5. Chief Mrs. Osanyintuyi Feyisayo – Member

*COMMITTEE FINDINGS*

The Committee extended invitations to all Akoko APC Senatorial Aspirants for a consensus interface meeting at Ikare-Akoko. To ensure receipt, invitations were also publicized in the media.

It was with rude shock that none of the aspirants showed up at the venue on the scheduled day. No apology, notice of absence, or explanation was received from any of them.

From this attitude, there is clear evidence that the Akoko aspirants are not ready to foster unity among themselves. The likely outcome is another total loss, as history is about to repeat itself. Akoko Solidarity Group believes such unpalatable experience must not reoccur.

*ENGAGEMENT WITH CHIEF ALEX AJIPE*

The Group therefore activated machinery to research the only aspirant from Ose and Owo Local Government Areas, Chief Alex Ajipe. After preliminary findings, the Group invited him to Ikare-Akoko. He responded within 24 hours and arrived at the venue before some Committee members.

After extensive interaction, the Committee observed that Chief Ajipe:

1. Is a grassroots mobilizer with experience, having contested for the position twice.

2. Is well-rooted and a philanthropist of note.

3. Is not self-centered and promises true representation.

4. Pledged to positively impact Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, describing it as the legacy of the first Executive Governor of Ondo State, the late Pa Adekunle Ajasin.

5. Emphasized youth and women empowerment to reduce poverty in the region.

6. Stated that Senators must show empathy because the people of Ondo North are going through hard times.

7. Committed to stimulating economic activities to lift the area out of extreme poverty.

8. Promised to deploy technology, traditional, and orthodox means, and cooperate with the Governor to stamp out insecurity. He noted that no area can achieve exponential growth in an atmosphere of insecurity.

9. Lamented that the Senate is large and that a selfless Senator can facilitate numerous projects to his district. Without this, a Senator can spend twenty years in the Red Chamber with nothing to show.

*RESOLUTIONS*

After engagement, the Group is satisfied that Ondo North will enjoy dividends of true representation under Chief Alex Ajipe if given the opportunity. We informed him that we expect performance comparable to that of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in Kogi State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi in Ogun State, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele in Ekiti State, and other serious-minded Senators across the country.

Enough of motionless representation in Ondo North Senatorial District.

Akoko Solidarity Group shall set up a committee to monitor his progress and performance after winning the election.

This Group states clearly that the time has come when every aspirant, irrespective of position, must be engaged. Outcomes of such engagements must be documented, signed by both parties, and used to monitor progress and achievements. Without this, the quality of representation will continue to diminish, and the electorate will continue to suffer.

*Signed:*

*Hon. Akeem Suleiman*

Chairman

*Hon. Olayode Jayeola*

Secretary