Following the concerns raised about the marginalization of Ekimogun indigenes, particularly the allocation of the majority of Councillorship slots, 7 out of 12 wards to non-indigenes within the APC leadership structure in Ondo West, indigenous members of the APC have appealed to His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to urgently intervene and address the matter before it escalates further.
At an emergency meeting held today in Ondo West, Hon. Lanre Akinkuotu called on the governor to address the issue, emphasizing that no party leader was consulted in what he described as a “Gestapo-style arrangement.” He appealed for fairness and transparency in the party’s decision-making process.
Corroborating Akinkuotu’s position, Hon. Bola Fisayo, a chieftain of the party, expressed his displeasure with the irregularities that occurred in Ondo West. He emphasized that the people should be allowed to freely choose their representatives.
Citing Article 20 of the APC Constitution, which clearly outlines the procedures for such decisions, Fisayo called for immediate action by the concerned leaders. He also warned that if the matter is not resolved, the affected members might seek legal redress.
Speaking further on the matter, Hon. Akintunde John Folajimi highlighted the cultural significance of Wards 3 and 8, describing them as the traditional strongholds of the Ekimogun people. He passionately appealed to Governor Aiyedatiwa to wade into the crisis to prevent discord and disunity within the Ondo community.
Chief Ogundolie Patrick, a prominent figure in Ondo Kingdom, has expressed his disappointment regarding the transfer of the birthrights of Ondo indigenes to non-indigenes.
He described this act as a deviation from tradition and called on both the Governor and others involved to cease such actions. Chief Ogundolie warned that this practice has the potential to foster distrust among the Ekimogun people and urged for immediate measures to preserve the heritage and unity of the Ondo community.
Adding her voice to the appeal, a representative of the Market Women’s Association expressed her dissatisfaction with the ongoing situation. She stressed the urgent need to resolve the lingering tension between the indigenous people and non-indigenes, warning that such conflicts could disrupt the harmony and progress of the community.
The Ekimogun APC members have reiterated their commitment to a united and progressive Ondo West but insist that equity, fairness, and respect for indigenous rights must prevail. They strongly urge Governor Aiyedatiwa to intervene and restore trust within the party and the community at large.
