Pastor Stanley Ajileye.
“He who calls for equity must come with clean hands.”
This age old saying is neither sentimental nor decorative, it is a moral compass. It speaks directly to our present political reality in Kogi West and challenges us to examine whether our loud calls for justice in Kogi State are matched by fairness within our own house.
In recent months, voices from Kogi West have risen in passionate demand for equity in the power equation of Kogi State. These calls are legitimate, timely, and just. However, it is intellectually dishonest to restrict the idea of equity to the governorship alone. Equity is not selective, and justice does not begin and end at the highest office in the land.
True equity must cascade, from the Presidency to the Senate, from the Senate to the House of Representatives, from there to Local Government Chairmen, Councillors, and even Ward leadership.
Anything short of this is hypocrisy disguised as agitation.
One of Nigeria’s greatest democratic misconceptions is the belief that democracy is rigid and uniform. No, this is not true. And as a Political Scientist, I can say this loud.
Democracy is not a one-fits all toga.
On the contrary, democracy is the most flexible system of government ever devised by man. Its strength lies in its ability to adapt to culture, history, and social structure. Democracy does not impose identity, it absorbs it.
This is why no two nations practise democracy in exactly the same way. The democratic culture of the United States of America differs fundamentally from that of the United Kingdom, not because one is superior, but because each reflects its own peculiarities. It was from this understanding that I once described democracy as a demonstration of Idiosyncrasy. (Demo- Cracy)
Democracy allows nations and communities to express their uniqueness in leadership selection. It empowers societies to govern themselves in ways that resonate with their traditions and lived realities.
In most parts of Africa, and particularly in Nigeria, rotation of leadership is not a political invention, it is a cultural heritage. Traditional rulership across our land is largely rotational, designed to ensure inclusion, fairness, and peace. This system was not adopted for amusement. It was crafted to prevent domination, suppress resentment, and foster harmonious coexistence. When modern democracy ignores this wisdom, it breeds tension and instability. Therefore, whether written or unwritten, coded or uncoded, rotation of political offices should be a natural expectation in our democracy, especially in culturally homogeneous regions like Kogi West.
Let’s talk about Senate
Kogi West Senatorial District is made up of three Federal Constituencies, Ijumu, Kabba Bunu Federal Constituency, Lokoja, Koton-Karfe Federal Constituency, and Yagba East, Yagba West, Mopamuro Federal Constituency, commonly known as Yagba Federal Constituency.
A review of senatorial representation since 1999 is revealing. Between 1999 and 2003, the seat was occupied by Senator Jonathan Tunde Ogbeha of PDP from Lokoja.
From 2007 to 2015, Senator Smart Adeyemi from Ijumu served, initially under PDP and later APC. Senator Dino Melaye, also from Ijumu, served from 2015 to 2019 under PDP. Smart Adeyemi returned from 2019 to 2023.
From 2023 to the present, the seat has been occupied by Senator Sunday Steve Karimi from Yagba under APC.
The facts are unambiguous. Ijumu, Kabba Bunu Federal Constituency, particularly Ijumu Local Government, (my LGA) has enjoyed more than its fair share of the senatorial seat. Equity therefore demands restraint. Morally and culturally, Ijumu should sidon look for at least the next three election cycles or even more. Justice requires patience.
For 2027, the senatorial seat should remain in Yagba Federal Constituency. From 2031, rotation should move to Lokoja, Koton Karfe, allowing Koto-Karfe their turns. Thereafter, rotation should come to Kabba Bunu, with Ijumu respectfully excluded, having already benefitted disproportionately. This is not punishment, it is balance.
Now to the House of Reps.
I will love to restrict myself to Ijumu/ Kabba-Bunu Federal Constituency.
If we demand fairness externally, we must practise it internally. Within Ijumu, Kabba Bunu Federal Constituency, the House of Representatives seat has rotated as follows. From 1999 to 2003, Hon. Samuel Abiodun Ojo from Ijumu Oke, served under PDP.
From 2003 to 2007, Hon. Durosimi Meseko from Bunu served.
From 2007 to 2011, Sen. Dino Melaye from Ijumu Gbede served.
From 2011 to 2023, Hon. Tajudeen Ayo Yusuf from Kabba served three consecutive terms.
From 2023 to the present, Hon. Idris Salman from Ijumu Gbede has been in office.
From this pattern, it is clear that Kabba Bunu has just concluded an extended run, while Ijumu is currently in its first term after a long interval. Equity therefore dictates that Ijumu should retain the seat for at least one more term. However, fairness within Ijumu itself must apply. Ijumu Arin, the only district that has not produced occupied the seat representative since 1999, deserves priority consideration. Justice must be both horizontal and vertical.
When we practise equity at home, our voice becomes morally authoritative beyond our borders. But when we ignore fairness internally, our agitation externally loses credibility. Kogi West must rise above sentiment, ambition, and convenience. Our democracy must reflect our culture, our history, and our collective conscience.
Only then can we speak boldly for justice in Kogi State, and be heard.
Equity is not a slogan, it is a lifestyle.
– Pastor Stanley Ajileye, a journalist, writes from Lokoja.
