2027 Reps Race: Odigbo’s Turn as Zoning Formula Holds in Ondo Constituency

 

Recent political developments within the Odigbo and Ileoluji/Okeigbo Federal Constituency of Ondo State have once again brought to the fore the long-standing power-sharing arrangement between the two local government areas. Stakeholders and political observers widely acknowledge that, based on this established convention, it is the turn of Odigbo Local Government Area to produce the next representative for the Federal House of Representatives in 2027.

Since the advent of Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation in 1999, the constituency has maintained a relatively stable pattern of rotational representation between the two local governments. This unwritten yet respected agreement has fostered political balance, inclusiveness, and mutual trust among constituents.

Historically, the arrangement has unfolded as follows:

1999–2003: Hon. (Mrs.) Janet Febisola Adeyemi from Ileoluji/Okeigbo Local Government was elected under the Alliance for Democracy (AD), serving one term.

2003–2011: Hon. Barr. Emmanuel Adedeji from Odigbo Local Government, elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), served two consecutive terms.

2011–2015: Hon. Johnson Adeoba from Ileoluji/Okeigbo, under the Labour Party, served one term.

2015–2023: Rt. Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin from Odigbo Local Government served two terms (initially under PDP and later under the All Progressives Congress, APC).

2023–2027: Hon. Festus Adefiranye from Ileoluji/Okeigbo, currently representing the constituency under APC, is serving a single term expected to end in May 2027.

This sequence clearly reflects a consistent pattern: Odigbo Local Government typically holds the seat for two terms, while Ileoluji/Okeigbo holds it for one term. This gentleman’s agreement, though informal, has effectively guided political transitions in the constituency for over two decades.

In addition to this historical precedent, demographic and electoral factors further strengthen the case for Odigbo’s turn.

 Odigbo Local Government comprises two state constituencies and approximately 304 polling units, compared to Ileoluji/Okeigbo’s single state constituency with about 191 polling units. This numerical advantage underscores Odigbo’s significant voting strength and reinforces the argument for equitable representation.

As the 2027 general elections approach, political analysts and stakeholders are already projecting potential candidates from Odigbo. Among the names gaining attention is Barr. Ogundeji Iroju, a seasoned legal practitioner and experienced politician. He previously served as the Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly and later as a Commissioner in the state executive council.

Barr. Iroju is widely regarded as a grassroots mobilizer with a reputation for transparency, administrative competence, and inclusive leadership. Hailing from Ore town with the largest political ward in Nigeria and the fastest growing commercial town in Nigeria, in Odigbo Local Government, his political experience and track record position him as a strong contender capable of sustaining the constituency’s developmental aspirations.

In conclusion, both historical precedent and political equity strongly support the argument that Odigbo Local Government should produce the next representative for the Federal Constituency in 2027.

 Upholding this rotational arrangement remains crucial for maintaining political harmony, fairness, and stability within the constituency.