People of Okene Enslaved Others
The people of of Kogi Central have long lamented what they described as political domination by the Igala people during periods when the eastern axis of Kogi State controlled the affairs of government. For years, many voices from Kogi Central Senatorial District argued that power was concentrated elsewhere and that the Ebira-speaking communities were marginalized in the distribution of political appointments and development opportunities.
However, with the return of political power to Kogi Central under the leadership of Ahmed Usman Ododo, expectations were high that fairness and balance would prevail among the local governments within the district. Many people believed that the era of marginalization had ended and that all communities would now benefit equally from the dividends of power.
Ironically, recent developments have sparked a new debate. Critics now argue that the imbalance once attributed to others appears to be repeating itself within the district. According to these concerns, the distribution of key political appointments seems to heavily favor Okene Local Government Area at the expense of other local governments in Kogi Central.
A notable example often cited is the removal of Hon. Abdullah Bello, popularly known as “Dolla.” Many observers described the development as a political setback for Adavi. Rather than replacing him with another candidate from Adavi Local Government Area, the governor reportedly nominated his cousin as the state party chairman. This decision, critics argue, further strengthened the perception that Okene continues to dominate the political space.
Currently, several strategic positions in the state government are said to be occupied by individuals from Okene LGA. These include commissioners, the Accountant-General, and the Chief of Staff, among other influential offices. In addition, the Majority Leader of the Kogi State House of Assembly also comes from Okene, reinforcing the perception that power is disproportionately concentrated in one local government.
For many residents of other local governments, this situation raises an important question: why should one local government control so many strategic positions while others struggle to be recognized?
Some commentators have also pointed to the situation of Ogori‑Magongo Local Government Area, which they claim is often treated as politically insignificant, almost as if it were merely a ward within Okene. Such perceptions, whether accurate or not, have fueled growing dissatisfaction among political stakeholders in the district.
Observers recall that during the era of former governor Yahaya Bello, although there were criticisms, attempts were sometimes made to spread appointments across the different local governments in the district. Historical references are also made to the political arrangements during the time of leaders such as A.T. Ahmed and the late Abetemi Usman, when efforts were made to maintain a balance in political representation. For instance, Philip Salau from Okehi served as Deputy Governor while the senatorial position came from Okene, creating a sense of shared ownership of power.
The present concerns, therefore, serve as a wake-up call to political stakeholders across the district. Many argue that the struggle for power shift was a collective effort involving people from all five local governments, and the benefits should not be seen as belonging to only one section.
Political analysts also point to the rise of Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan, who moved from being Barrister Natasha Akpoti to becoming a senator. Her political journey is often cited as an example of how opposition voices were able to capitalize on the grievances of marginalized communities.
Within the ruling All Progressives Congress, some members now argue that the party should learn from this- experience and avoid allowing opposition figures to champion the grievances of people who traditionally support the party. Names such as Chief Momoh Yusuf Obaro and Hon. A.K. Salihu have been mentioned by supporters as possible future representatives who could unite the district if given the opportunity to serve as Senator.
Ultimately, the call from concerned citizens is clear: political leaders must ensure fairness, inclusiveness, and equitable distribution of opportunities among all local governments in Kogi Central. They urge elders, youths, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to speak out constructively in the interest of unity and the future of their communities.
The message being echoed is simple—power should unite, not divide. The struggle for justice and representation was fought collectively, and the dividends of that struggle must be shared collectively as well.
– Comrade Simpa Abraham Sadiq
Adavi Obidient Movement
