Akure North Monarchs Demand Reps Seat, Decry ‘Decades of Marginalisation’

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

AKURE—Traditional rulers in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Tuesday demanded that the House of Representatives seat for the Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency be ceded to Akure North ahead of the 2027 general election, citing what they described as over two decades of political exclusion.

Addressing a press conference, the monarchs, led by the Chairman of the Council of Obas in Akure North and Ogbolu of Itaogbolu, Oba Faborode Idowu, said since the return to democracy in 1999, all elected members representing the constituency in the House of Representatives had emerged from Akure South.

They described the trend as “a consistent and troubling pattern,” insisting that Akure North had been completely shut out of federal representation for more than 20 years.

“For over two decades, Akure North has been excluded from representation. We are compelled to ask whether this reflects the principles of democracy, fairness and justice,” the monarchs said.

The traditional rulers argued that Akure North was a major stakeholder in the constituency, noting that the local government has 12 wards—more than Akure South—alongside significant population and economic contributions.

They highlighted the area’s role as the agricultural backbone of the constituency and its strategic importance, including the Akure Airport corridor along the Ilu-Abo/Oba-Ile axis, as well as its emerging status as an industrial hub.

Despite these contributions, they said, the area had remained politically sidelined.

The monarchs also raised concerns over rising insecurity in Akure North, warning that the situation was affecting farming activities, local livelihoods and economic stability.

They stressed the need for a representative who understands the terrain and can effectively advocate for improved security and development at the national level.

“At a time when our communities are under pressure, our people need strong and visible representation. This becomes difficult when we are continuously excluded,” they said.

The traditional rulers further pointed to what they described as an imbalance in the current political arrangement, noting that Akure South presently holds both the senatorial seat and the House of Representatives position.

They warned that allowing one local government to retain both positions would be inequitable and contrary to democratic principles.

Accordingly, they called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intervene by zoning the 2027 House of Representatives ticket to Akure North.

“This is not a favour, but a democratic necessity grounded in justice, fairness and inclusion,” they said.

While reaffirming their commitment to peace and stability, the monarchs cautioned that continued exclusion could breed discontent and weaken trust in political institutions.

They also reiterated their support for President Tinubu, pledging to mobilise voters in Akure North for his second-term bid, but emphasised that loyalty should be matched with fairness.

The monarchs urged political leaders to act swiftly to address the imbalance, warning that failure to do so could escalate into a broader political challenge within the constituency.