By Ismail Olawale.
In a bold move, Oba Clarence Olafemi, a former Acting Governor of Kogi State, has emphasized the need for fairness and equity in political representation in Yagba Federal Constituency.
Speaking with national newspaper in a recent interview, Oba Clarence argued that the constituency, comprising Mopamuro, Yagba East, and Yagba West Local Government Areas, has experienced an imbalance in representation over the years.
Olafemi’s stance is a direct challenge to Hon Leke Abejide’s attempt to seek a third term in office. This move has been widely criticized by stakeholders, including the Yagba Restoration Mandate, which described Leke’s ambition as a “pride-driven” attempt to “monopolize” the seat.
His position is rooted in the history of the constituency, where Mopamuro produced the first representatives, but has only held the position for a single term.
In contrast, Yagba East and Yagba West have held the seat for 12 years combined. Olafemi argued that it’s time for the seat to return to Mopamuro, ensuring fairness, equity, and justice.
In a scathing condemnation of Leke’s ambition, Olafemi warned that the trend of one individual monopolizing a political position is “unhealthy” for the future of the people. He praised Governor Ododo’s stance on not imposing candidates on constituencies and urged him to support the agitation for rotational representation.
A group, Yagba Restoration Mandate, has thrown its weight behind Olafemi’s call for fairness, warning that Leke’s third term ambition would “spell doom” on the political future of Yagba land.
In a statement issued by Adeyemi Gabriel on Saturday, the group urged elders, traditional rulers, and opinion makers to call Leke to order, emphasizing that his ambition is a recipe for crisis and division.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Olafemi’s call for fairness and equity has struck a chord with stakeholders, and Leke’s third term ambition is facing stiff opposition. The people of Yagba Federal Constituency deserve fair representation, and it’s time for their voices to be heard.
Listen to Oba Clarence Olafemi’s full interview: