Why Ikole Local Government Should Produce the Next Senator for Ekiti North Senatorial District
Since the return of democratic governance in 1999, the Ekiti North Senatorial District has produced several distinguished senators who have represented the zone at the National Assembly. Over the years, the senatorial seat has rotated among a number of local governments within the district, giving different communities the opportunity to contribute to the political leadership and legislative representation of Ekiti North.
A brief look at the history of senatorial representation in Ekiti North reveals the following:
Senators Representing Ekiti North Senatorial District (1999 – Date)
Senator Joseph Olatunji Ajayi – 1999 to 2003
From Moba Local Government
Senator James Kolawole – 2003 to 2007
From Moba Local Government
(as reported by The Nation Newspaper)
Senator Ayo Arise – 2007 to 2011
From Oye Local Government
Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi – 2011 to 2015
From Ido/Osi Local Government
Senator Duro Faseyi – 2015 to 2019
From Ilejemeje Local Government
Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi – 2019 to 2023
From Ido/Osi Local Government
Senator Cyril Fasuyi – 2023 to 2027
From Ido/Osi Local Government
A Case for Equity, Justice and Political Balance
From the historical record above, it is clear that several local governments in Ekiti North Senatorial District have had the opportunity to occupy the senatorial seat more than once. Moba Local Government produced senators consecutively from 1999 to 2007, while Ido/Osi Local Government has produced senators for three different terms — 2011 to 2015, 2019 to 2023, and currently 2023 to 2027.
Similarly, Oye Local Government and Ilejemeje Local Government have also had their turn in the Senate through distinguished sons of the soil.
However, one major local government remains conspicuously absent from this historical list of representation:
Ikole Local Government
Despite being one of the most politically significant, populous, and strategically important local governments in Ekiti North Senatorial District, Ikole Local Government has never produced a Senator since 1999.
This glaring imbalance raises a legitimate and unavoidable question:
If not now, when for Ikole?
Why Ikole Deserves the Next Senatorial Slot
1. Equity and Fairness Demand It
Politics, especially in a diverse and sensitive district like Ekiti North, must be guided by the principles of justice, fairness, and inclusiveness. No part of the senatorial district should feel perpetually marginalized or politically excluded.
Ikole has remained loyal, active, and deeply involved in the political process of the district and the state at large. Yet, since 1999, it has not had the privilege of producing a senator. In the spirit of fair play, the next senatorial ticket should naturally and morally go to Ikole Local Government.
This is not merely a political demand; it is a call for historical correction and democratic balancing.
2. Ikole Is a Major Political and Demographic Force in Ekiti North
Ikole Local Government is not a minor stakeholder in Ekiti North politics. It is one of the largest and most influential local governments in the senatorial district, both in terms of population, voting strength, and political contribution.
Over the years, Ikole has consistently delivered support during elections and has remained a key pillar in determining electoral outcomes in the district. A local government of such political weight should not continue to be sidelined when it comes to the highest legislative office in the zone.
A district that truly values inclusion must recognize the importance of Ikole and give it the opportunity it has long deserved.
3. Political Stability Is Strengthened Through Inclusion
One of the most effective ways to maintain peace, unity, and loyalty within any political district is by ensuring that all sections have a sense of belonging.
When leadership opportunities are monopolized by a few local governments while others are repeatedly overlooked, it can create avoidable dissatisfaction, resentment, and political disaffection.
Allowing Ikole to produce the next senator will not only correct an imbalance, but it will also strengthen unity, deepen trust, and promote harmony across Ekiti North Senatorial District.
Inclusion is not weakness — it is wisdom.
4. Ikole Has Qualified and Competent Individuals
The argument for Ikole is not based solely on sentiment or zoning. It is also grounded in the fact that Ikole has produced many capable, educated, experienced, and politically mature individuals who are fully qualified to represent Ekiti North at the Senate.
The local government is blessed with sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in public service, politics, academia, business, administration, law, and community leadership. Therefore, the issue is not whether Ikole has capable hands — it certainly does.
The real issue is whether the district is ready to embrace justice and balance.
5. Rotation Strengthens Democratic Culture
A healthy democracy thrives when political opportunities are fairly circulated and not concentrated in one axis. Rotation of elective offices, though sometimes informal, has become an important political culture in Nigeria because it helps preserve unity and encourages wider participation.
Looking at the pattern in Ekiti North, it is evident that many local governments have had their turn. The next logical and politically mature step is to ensure that Ikole is not left behind.
To ignore Ikole again after 2027 would be difficult to justify before the people and before history.
The Time Has Come for Ikole
As Ekiti North begins to look beyond the current political cycle and toward the future, stakeholders, party leaders, elders, youth groups, and political actors must begin to confront the issue with sincerity and courage.
The demand for Ikole to produce the next senator is not a call for division. It is not an attack on any present or past office holder. Rather, it is a reasonable, fair, and timely appeal for political justice and inclusive representation.
For too long, Ikole has waited.
For too long, Ikole has supported.
For too long, Ikole has been asked to be patient.
Now, that patience deserves recognition.
Conclusion
The history of senatorial representation in Ekiti North Senatorial District clearly shows that Moba, Oye, Ido/Osi, and Ilejemeje have all had the opportunity to occupy the Senate seat since 1999. Some have even had the privilege more than once.
Ikole Local Government remains the only major local government in the district yet to produce a senator in this democratic dispensation.
That reality alone presents a strong moral, political, and democratic case.
Therefore, as 2027 approaches and conversations about succession begin to gather momentum, justice, equity, fairness, and political balance all point in one direction:
The next Senator from Ekiti North should come from Ikole Local Government.
It is fair.
It is just.
It is timely.
And above all, it is Ikole’s turn.
Comrade Idowu Afuye,
CEO, ISAPOL CONSULTANCY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION FIRM.
