Ahead of the 2027 elections, the Okun Development Association (ODA), the umbrella body for the Okun and Oworo people, has raised the alarm over the continued marginalization of Yoruba-speaking communities in Kogi state.
Speaking at a stakeholders summit in Abuja on Thursday, President General of ODA, Ambassador Rotimi Akenson criticized successive administrations for intensifying a “pattern of exclusion” that has become intolerable to the Okun and Oworo people.
“Successive civilian governments in the state have compounded the trend of marginalization to a level that has become intolerable to the generality of our people,” he said.
He noted that any society flourishes only when it embraces the enduring values of equity, justice and fairness, likening the current imbalance to a man who has three wives yet caters solely for one and her children, a move that would deliberately sow discord in his household.
Ambassador Rotimi called for greater unity and a collective sense of purpose among the Yoruba-speaking communities, stressing that the region’s progress depends on its ability to speak with one voice.
He noted that as a respected socio-cultural organisation representing the Yoruba nation, the association recognises that unity remains its greatest strength, while fragmentation poses the greatest risk to progress.
He emphasised the need to harmonise divergent views, identify common interests, and align efforts toward shared and achievable goals in the collective interest of the people.
“The essence of this summit is for shared goal and the advancement of the best sociopolitical deal for the Okun people,” Rotimi added.
“The summit seeks to build a collaborative framework to build a stronger Okun Nation for the political emancipation of our people. Today we will have a turning point for our people.”
Prince Olushola Akanmode, former Deputy Chief of Staff to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, reminded the gathering that since Kogi was carved out in 1991, hopefuls from the West senatorial district have repeatedly featured in newspaper headlines with their bids for the governorship, yet none has ever succeeded.
He stressed that while political power was not necessarily an entitlement, governance must reflect fairness and inclusiveness for society to function harmoniously.
According to him, relying solely on population arguments to determine political access undermines cohesion.
The former Chief of Staff to the Vice President highlighted the intellectual capacity within his constituency, describing it as one of the most resourceful in the state.
“Intellect exists across the state, but perhaps the concentration is higher in our area. Denying such a group the opportunity to contribute at the highest level may mean denying the state quality leadership,” he noted.
He warned that continued marginalisation could deprive Kogi of potential transformational leadership.
He also criticised the lack of transparency and inclusiveness in current governance structures, arguing that equitable distribution of the dividends of democracy has been insufficient.
“Nigeria’s wider problem is that many people believe development only comes when their own person is in power. This is an indictment of those who have held leadership positions without delivering equitable development,” he said.
“Its time we take part in the forming of solid base for good governance at all levels beyond 2027, our political journey as a people has taken us to different political party, but it is time we create an institution that can stand the test of time.
“Power is not served a la carte, you must be prepared, you must be strategic for the obstacles ahead and this summit is the right forum to create a pathway,” Akanmode asserted.
