Ogun State Residents Demand Equal Representation in Local Government

A socio-political group, Progressive Patriots, Afon zone, in Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State has demanded equal representation and opportunities for the zone. The group, led by Chairman Biyi Ogunrinola, made this call during a news conference held in Abeokuta on Thursday.

According to Ogunrinola, the Imeko Afon Local Government is divided into two zones – Imeko/Ketu division and the Afon zone, also known as Isokan division. However, the Imeko/Ketu division has dominated the local government since its creation 28 years ago, leaving the Afon zone to play second fiddle.

Ogunrinola expressed his frustration, stating that the Afon people are feeling pained by the seeming injustice and urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to recognize the group’s plight and take corrective measures. The Chairman emphasized that it is the right of the Afon zone to produce the next local government chairman, and the group would no longer accept anything less.

The group provided statistics, pointing out that Presently Imeko Ward and Ketu Division have held various political offices, including Member, Federal House of Representatives, Member, Federal Character Commission, Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, and Consultant to the Governor on Media. Furthermore, the immediate Past LG Chairman and LG Secretary were from the zones.

The Chairman appealed to the State Governor, APC leaders, and other stakeholders to recognize the injustice and take steps to address it in the upcoming local government election. “We will no longer accept marginalisation and exclusion,” Ogunrinola declared. “It is time for equal representation and opportunities in our zone.”

The Progressive Patriots Afon zone is calling for an end to the systematic denial of opportunities for the zone, which has been plagued since the creation of the local government in 1996. They demand a free, fair, and transparent local government election to elect a chairman from the Afon zone.