Ariyo demands end to Odigbo’s political marginalisation, momentum builds for Akinfolarin’s senate bid
By Julius Alabi, Akure
A political activist in Ondo State, Hon Arije Ariyo has renewed calls for the inclusion of Odigbo Local Government Area in federal and state appointments, insisting that the area — one of the largest voting blocs in Ondo South Senatorial District — has been “consistently sidelined” despite its electoral weight.
Hon Ariyo who is a convener of the Ondo State Patriotic Movement for Democracy, described Odigbo as “the most politically marginalised” among the district’s six councils, lamenting its limited presence in both state and federal structures.
“Odigbo has done its part for the state. It has only produced Senator Meroyi many years ago and remains the only local government in Ondo South without any federal appointment,” Ariyo said in a statement on Friday. “We have just one state appointment and none at the federal level. This imbalance cannot continue.”
Ariyo contrasted the situation with what he termed the “robust political visibility” enjoyed by neighbouring LGAs.
In Okitipupa, he noted, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim recently nominated for an ambassadorial post serves alongside several federal appointees, including Kemi Iyantan and Jide Adewinle.
Ilaje Local government area, he added, is home to multiple high-ranking officeholders, among them Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the NDDC commissioner, the OSOPADEC chair, the state representative on the Federal Character Commission and a HYPREP commissioner.
Ariyo pointed out that Irele, Ese-Odo and Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo LGAs all enjoy representation in the House of Representatives in addition to other federal board and agency positions.
“Only Odigbo is left without meaningful representation,” he said. “It is time to correct this long-standing oversight.”
He urged stakeholders to back Rt. Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin , a former Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly and two-term member of the House of Representatives for the vacant Ondo South Senate seat, describing him as “well qualified” and politically tested.
“Akinfolarin came second in the governorship primary. Others went to court, but he didn’t. And in the last presidential election, Odigbo local government came first in the southern senatorial district and second in the entire state,” he said.
Supporters argue that Akinfolarin’s eight-year stint as Deputy Speaker and his service in both state and national legislatures underscore his legislative depth and understanding of governance. Political observers say his continued relevance within party structures, especially through reconciliation efforts and grassroots engagements, has strengthened his ties across all six LGAs.
Former colleagues recall his committee contributions and reputation for building cordial, cross-party relationships, attributes they believe would serve him well in the Senate.
Community groups in Odigbo also credit him with supporting youth and development initiatives during and after his time in office, describing his sustained involvement as evidence of his long-standing commitment to the district.
Advocates for Odigbo’s turn maintain that a candidate with Akinfolarin’s profile would finally give the district “experienced and effective representation,” though they acknowledge that the ultimate decision rests with party leaders and voters.
“The district needs fairness and equitable rotation, and Odigbo deserves its turn,” Ariyo said.
