Open Letter to Preserve Justice and Fairness in Ward 2, Ondo West: A Call to Uphold Our Time-Honored Principles
We, the Association of Non-Indigenes (Ajoji Parapo) in Ondo West Local Government Area, write this open letter to reaffirm our commitment to the democratic traditions and rotational leadership principles that have sustained our community since the 1950s. We also bring to light the troubling attempts to disrupt these principles by imposing candidates on our people, an act we vehemently oppose.
Our Legacy of Equity and Order
For decades, our association has stood firm as a pillar of equity and fairness in political decision-making. From the days of the Awolowo Action Group to the Ajasin UPN, and through the administrations of Olomilua, Adebayo Adefarati, Olusegun Agagu, and Olusegun Mimiko, our norms were respected, and our internal democracy was untainted. Past Members of the House of Representatives for Ondo East and West (1999-2019) upheld these values, promoting harmony and inclusiveness in our community.
Ward 2, a community with 95% non-indigene residents, has always decided its political representation through consensus and rotation, ensuring that all villages have a fair share of leadership opportunities. This practice has maintained peace and unity in our locality for generations.
The Current Crisis
Today, we face an unprecedented challenge. The current MHR for Ondo East and West is interfering with our internal democracy, attempting to impose candidates and disrupt our well-established rotational system. This interference has not only caused tension but threatens to undermine the fabric of our peaceful coexistence.
We reiterate that no village has ever held the position of councilor twice, as leadership is rotated among the villages to promote fairness. This tradition must be respected. Our unanimous choice for the next councilor is Lukman Kolawole Adeyemi, whose village has not previously held the position.
Our Appeal
We call on the following stakeholders to intervene and help preserve justice, equity, and peace in our community:
1. His Excellency, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa
2. APC Leadership (National, State, and Local)
3. Ondo State Police Command
4. Ondo West Police Command
5. Ondo West APC Foundation Leaders
6. Well-Meaning People of Ondo Kingdom
Our Stand
We say NO to imposition. We demand that our internal democracy be respected and that our status quo remains intact. The traditions that have sustained us for decades cannot be abandoned for personal or political gain.
Our association remains committed to peace, fairness, and justice. We trust that all stakeholders will join us in upholding these principles for the greater good of Ondo West and Ondo State at large.
Signed,
The Leadership and Members
Association of Non-Indigenes (Ajoji Parapo)
Ward 2, Ondo West Local Government Area.