Since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, the distribution of political power and key appointments within Ado Odo/Ota Local Government has followed a pattern that is increasingly drawing scrutiny from stakeholders and residents.
A detailed review of political records spanning more than two decades reveals a persistent imbalance in representation across the major blocs within the local government, particularly between Ota, Igbesa, and Ado Odo. While all three areas play significant roles in the socio political and economic life of the region, the distribution of leadership positions has not reflected this balance.
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At the highest level of political leadership, the dominance of the Ota axis is evident. The current Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako Oyedele, hails from Ota, further reinforcing the area’s strong presence in top government representation. This trend is not new but rather a continuation of a long standing pattern.
In the Senate, which remains the most influential legislative position at the district level, the imbalance becomes even more pronounced. Since 1999, representation from the local government at the National Assembly has consistently come from Ota. Akin Babalola Odunsi, who served from 2011 to 2015, and Gbolahan Dada, who served from 2015 to 2019, are both from Ota. Notably, no individual from Ado Odo has occupied the Senate seat since the beginning of the Fourth Republic.
The House of Representatives presents a slightly more diverse picture, yet still reflects a recurring pattern. Ota has produced notable representatives such as Hon Remi Babawale and Hon Kazeem Salako, while Igbesa has maintained strong representation through figures like Hon Jimoh Ojugbele and Hon Tunji Akinosi. Ado Odo, however, has had only a brief moment of representation through Hon Tunde Ogunola between 2011 and 2015, a gap that many consider disproportionate given the town’s size and political relevance.
At the state executive level, particularly in the appointment of commissioners, the pattern becomes even clearer. Across successive administrations in Ogun State, appointments from the local government have largely rotated between Ota and Igbesa. From the era of Olusegun Osoba to Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun, and the current administration of Dapo Abiodun, Ado Odo has remained largely absent from these critical positions.
At the grassroots level, the chairmanship of Ado Odo/Ota Local Government further reflects this imbalance. Since 1999, Ota has produced the majority of elected and appointed chairmen, including those in transition and caretaker capacities. Igbesa has also held the position multiple times. In contrast, Ado Odo has produced a chairman only once in over two decades, a statistic that continues to fuel concerns about exclusion.
Beyond elective offices, the trend extends to federal and statutory appointments. Key positions such as Chairman of the Federal Housing Authority, Federal Character Commissioner, Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board, and Chairman of the Civil Service Commission have predominantly been occupied by individuals from Ota. This pattern reinforces the perception of systemic imbalance in the sharing of opportunities.
Taken together, these records point to a consistent reality. Since 1999, Ado Odo has remained significantly underrepresented compared to other blocs within the same local government.
This situation has reignited conversations around fairness, equity, and inclusion. Ado Odo is not a peripheral community. It is one of the largest and most historically significant towns in the local government, with a wide network of communities, a growing population, and a strong political base. Its continued absence from top tier representation, particularly in the Senate, raises fundamental questions about balanced governance.
Advocates argue that the call for Ado Odo to produce the next Senator is not driven by sentiment but by a legitimate demand for justice and equitable representation. They point to past political movements, such as the Ogun West agenda, which began as a unified call for fairness and eventually reshaped the political structure of the state.
For many stakeholders, the moment calls for a similar collective voice, one that prioritises principle over personality. The principle, they insist, is straightforward: representation must be fair, opportunities must be inclusive, and every major bloc must have a genuine sense of belonging within the political system.
After more than two decades of perceived marginalisation, the demand is growing louder. For the people of Ado Odo, the issue is no longer just political, it is about recognition, inclusion, and rightful participation in the leadership of their local government.
The message from advocates is clear: the time to address the imbalance is now, and the path forward must be guided by equity, justice, and a shared commitment to fair representation.
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