Ogun poll: Group seeks Abiodun’s backing, decries alleged marginalisation

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, urging Governor Dapo Abiodun to support the zone in producing the next LG Chairman.

The Chairman of the group, Biyi Ogunrinola made this call at a news conference held on Thursday in Abeokuta.

Ogunrinola explained that the LG is divided into two zones of Imeko/Ketu division and the Afon zone also called the Isokan division.

He however lamented that since the creation of the LG 28 years ago, the people of the Imeko/Ketu division have always been leading the the local government while the Afon people played second fiddle.

He said that the Afon people are feeling pained by this seemingly awful situation and a clear case of injustice, urging Abiodun to rise to the heartfelt cry of the people and ensure that the next chairman of the local government comes from the Afon zone.

Ogunrinola stated that Imeko-Afon LG remains the collective patrimony, belonging to both the Ketu and Isokan divisions, not the Ketu division alone.

He added that it is the right of Afon zone to produce the next local government chairman, saying that the zone would no longer accept anything less.

Ogunrinola said “Presently Imeko Ward and Ketu Division have the following political offices:

“Member, Federal House of Representatives, member, Federal Character Commission, Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, member, Ogun State College of Science and Tech, SSA on Media, and others are Consultants to the Governor on Media.

He also said the immediate Past LG Chairman and the immediate Past LG Secretary were from the zones.

He appealed to the State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and the APC leaders in the state to recognise their plight and take corrective measures to address the injustice and ensure that the upcoming local government election was free, fair, and transparent.

Ogunrinola said “We will no longer accept marginalisation and exclusion. It is time for equal representation and opportunities in our zone.

“It is important to address the pressing issue that has plagued the Afon division popular known as Zone 2 comprising: Afon, Owode-Obada, Agboro/ Olorunda, and Atapele Wards of Imeko-Afon Local Government.

“Since its creation in 1996, despite our significant contributions to the agitation for the creation of our local government, our zone has been systematically denied the opportunity to produce the Local Government Chairman, a position monopolised by the Imeko Township and Ketu division.”