ONDO SOUTH SENATORIAL SEAT: One Local Government Cannot Hold Governor, Party National Vice-Chair, and Senator

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ONDO SOUTH SENATORIAL SEAT: One Local Government Cannot Hold Governor, Party National Vice-Chair, and Senator


 — Consensus Is Not the Problem; Imposition Is




In the interest of equity, fairness, and democratic balance within Ondo South Senatorial District, the following position is submitted for the consideration of party leaders, stakeholders, and the general public:


A genuine consensus arrangement can promote party unity, reduce cost, and ensure strategic coordination. But once a decision is imposed from above without proper consultation, transparency, and broad acceptance, what is called “consensus” is no longer consensus at all. Consensus without equity is imposition in disguise.


The Facts Are Clear:

The Governor, H.E. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is from Ilaje. The APC National Vice Chairman, South West, is from the same Ilaje/Ese-Odo axis. To now zone the Senate seat to the same zone is not consensus — it is monopoly.


Democracy is about equity and spread, not concentration of power in one corner. One LGA cannot produce Governor, Party National Vice Chairman, and Senator and still call it a “party decision.” That is not zoning. That is domination.


1. On Senatorial Zoning and Equitable Representation

If Hon. Isaac Kekemeke is being projected for the Ondo South Senatorial seat by the Governor and Ilaje political gladiators, then democratic convention demands that Governor Aiyedatiwa step down from the governorship seat. Hon. Kekemeke is no doubt fit, but both men hail from the same Local Government Area. Allowing one LGA to produce both Senator and Governor violates the principles of equitable distribution, inclusion, and power balancing that have kept Ondo South stable.


The recent Ore meeting presided over by the Governor, which sought to zone the senatorial seat to Ilaje/Ese-Odo — his own area — cannot stand as consensus. It reduces Okitipupa, Irele, Odigbo, Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo, and other blocs to spectators in their own senatorial district.


2. On Existing Zoning Arrangements

The senatorial seat was democratically zoned before Ambassador IFJ was elevated to his current diplomatic position. By that subsisting arrangement, the seat shall either:  

a) Remain within Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency; or  

b) Rotate to Oke-Igbo/Ile-Oluji/Odigbo Federal Constituency in the spirit of peace, justice, and inclusion.


Therefore, the current Senate seat should either return to Okitipupa or be re-zoned to Irele, Odigbo, or Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo. Any attempt to impose a candidate from Ilaje or Ese-Odo as a “consensus” senatorial candidate is unacceptable to stakeholders.


3. On Political Conduct and Peace in the Region 

We reject any backdoor arrangements or imposition by the Governor’s camp that violates the existing zoning understanding. Democracy demands consultation, not coronation.  


Furthermore, political gladiators from Ese-Odo, reportedly emboldened by one Ilaje group and championed by Mr. Governor, must desist from actions capable of brewing unrest in an area long known for peace. The Governor’s foot soldiers should not be allowed to cause community unrest within the region. Peace in Ondo South is non-negotiable.


True Consensus Means:

1. Consultation with all blocs — Okitipupa, Irele, Odigbo, Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo;  

2. Transparency in how decisions are reached, not Ore-biased meetings;  

3. Equity in power distribution, so no local government feels subjugated to another.


Oke-Igbo/Ile-Oluji, Ore, and other areas are not slaves to Ilaje. Ondo South is not a family estate. If the APC wants unity, let it practice justice. Let another bloc produce the Senator. That is democratic rotation. That is real consensus.


Prayer 

That all leaders and stakeholders in Ondo South:  

1. Respect the subsisting zoning arrangement;  

2. Avoid concentrating the Senatorial, Governorship, and National Vice-Chairmanship seats in one zone;  

3. Desist from inflammatory moves that threaten communal peace; and  

4. Extend the olive branch where necessary so that equity, justice, and democratic standards prevail ahead of 2026.


Imposition breeds rebellion. Equity builds parties. Choose wisely.


Mike Olatunji

🇳🇬writes from Lagos.

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