For Justice, Equity and Fairness: Why Ikole Local Government Should Produce the Next Senator in Ekiti North Senatorial District
The issue of senatorial representation in Ekiti North Senatorial District should be guided by the principles of justice, fairness, equality, and balanced political representation among the local governments that make up the district. Since the return of democracy in 1999, several local governments have had the opportunity to produce senators, but the distribution of the senatorial seat has not been equal. This is why there is a growing call for fairness and equity in the rotation of the senatorial seat.
A review of the senatorial history of Ekiti North shows that Ido/Osi Local Government has spent the highest number of years in the Senate, totaling about 12 years.
Senator Olubunmi Adetunbi served for 8 years, while Senator Cyril Oluwole Fasuyi is currently serving and has spent about 4 years so far. This clearly shows that Ido/Osi Local Government has had significant representation in the Senate compared to other local governments in the district. For the sake of justice and equality, the senatorial seat should move away from Ido/Osi Local Government to other local governments that have had less opportunity.
Looking at the remaining local governments in Ekiti North Senatorial District, Oye Local Government and Ikole Local Government are the zones that should produce the next Senator. Oye Local Government has only produced a senator once through Senator Ayo Arise, who served for just 4 years, while Ikole Local Government has not produced a senator at all since 1999, making it the only local government in Ekiti North that has never occupied the senatorial seat in the Fourth Republic.
The argument for Ikole Local Government to produce the next senator is very strong when viewed from the perspective of equity and fairness. Politics should be guided by fairness and justice, and since all other local governments in Ekiti North Senatorial District have produced senators except Ikole, it is only fair and equitable that Ikole Local Government should now be given the opportunity to produce the next senator.
In addition, political balance is very important for unity and stability within the senatorial district.
Power should not be concentrated in a few local governments while others are left out. Allowing Ikole Local Government to produce the next senator will promote political balance, fairness, and unity across Ekiti North Senatorial District.
It is also important to note that Ikole Local Government is one of the largest and most politically active local governments in Ekiti North in terms of population, voting strength, and political participation. Such a local government deserves representation at the Senate to ensure inclusiveness and a sense of belonging for the people.
If the senatorial seat continues to rotate among Moba, Oye, Ido/Osi, and Ilejemeje while Ikole is left out, it may be seen as political marginalization. Democracy is about representation and inclusion, and every part of the senatorial district should have a sense of belonging in the political structure of the district.
In conclusion, looking at the senatorial history of Ekiti North Senatorial District from 1999 till date, Moba Local Government has produced senators, Oye Local Government has produced a senator, Ido/Osi Local Government has produced senators for many years, and Ilejemeje Local Government has also produced a senator. Only Ikole Local Government has not produced a senator since 1999.
Therefore, based on justice, fairness, equity, political balance, and inclusive representation, it is reasonable and politically appropriate that Ikole Local Government should produce the next Senator representing Ekiti North Senatorial District. The senatorial seat should move to the zones that have been least represented, which are Oye Local Government and Ikole Local Government, especially Ikole which has never produced a senator.
This is not just a political demand; it is a call for justice, equality, fairness, and balanced representation in Ekiti North Senatorial District.
Author: Concerned Ekiti North Youth
