As we welcome 2026, I extend warm greetings to all sons and daughters of Ilupeju Ekiti at home and in the diaspora. Over the years, our people have demonstrated uncommon commitment to community development, collective progress, and social responsibility. That legacy is admirable.
However, as the political clock ticks toward the 2027 general elections, it has become clear that development without deliberate political strategy is incomplete. The moment has come for Ilupeju Ekiti to translate her demographic strength and civic relevance into structured political power. Ilupeju Ekiti is not lacking in capacity; In human capital, intellectual depth, leadership pedigree, and socio-economic relevance, our town ranks prominently within Ekiti North Senatorial District, yet, paradoxically, Ilupeju remains politically short changed at the national level. To date, Ilupeju Ekiti stands as the only major bloc within Oye Constituency II that has never produced a representative to either the House of Representatives or the Senate. This historical exclusion persists despite our consistent voter turnout and contributions to electoral victories.
Political participation is not charity; it is negotiation. Representation in Abuja is not ceremonial —it is instrumental .Communities with lawmakers at the National Assembly enjoy strategic advantages such as access to federal infrastructure projects, stronger advocacy for budgetary inclusion, empowerment programmes for youths and women, constituency interventions, and influence over national policy decisions.Without a seat at the table, Ilupeju Ekiti remains a spectator in decisions that shape her future.
Ekiti North Senatorial District—comprising Ido/Osi, Ikole, Ilejemeje, Moba, and Oye LGAs have enjoyed uninterrupted representation since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999.However, a critical review of the political trajectory reveals a clear imbalance. Over the last 25 years, senatorial representation has largely rotated within the Ido/Osi–Moba–Ilejemeje axis, Since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999, Ekiti North Senatorial District has been represented in the Senate by the following individuals:_
Joseph Olatunji Ajayi (1999–2003) First Senator of Ekiti North in the Fourth Republic._
James Kolawole (2003–2007) Continued senatorial representation from the district._
Sylvester Ayodele Arise (2007–2011) The only Senator produced from the Oye/Ikole Federal Constituency to date.
Olubunmi Adetunmbi (2011–2015; 2019–2023) Served two terms with notable national legislative engagement.
Duro Faseyi (2015–2019) Represented the district during the 8th National Assembly.
Cyril Fasuyi (2023–date) Current Senator representing Ekiti North in the 10th National Assembly, meanwhile the Oye/Ikole Federal Constituency has produced only one senator, Senator Sylvester Ayodele Arise (2007–2011).
So also, since 2007, the Oye/Ikole Federal Constituency has been represented in the House of Representatives by the following lawmakers:_
Aribisala Adewale – 2007–2011 6th National Assembly
Abimbola Oluwafemi Daramola (ACN) – 2011–2015 (7th Assembly)
Kehinde Agboola (PDP) 2015–2019 (8th Assembly)
Peter Owolabi (APC) 2019–2023 (9th Assembly)
Akintunde Rotimi (APC) – 2023–Present (10th Assembly)
Yet, despite this rotation, Ilupeju Ekiti has never produced a representative, underscoring a long-standing political exclusion that must now be addressed deliberately. Historical Context Before 1999 even before the Fourth Republic, Oye axis communities have had national-level representation, including_:
Senator Dele Adu from Ijelu Ekiti
HRM Hon. Segun Ojo from Ire Ekiti
This imbalance has continued to generate legitimate agitation for equity, fairness, and inclusion.
The same pattern reflects in the House of Representatives. While both federal constituencies in Ekiti North have produced lawmakers over time, Ilupeju Ekiti has remained absent, despite its strategic importance in the local political economy. This is no longer sustainable. Against this backdrop, recent political movements deserve attention. Hon. Sunday Jejelowo Adunmo (Galaxy)has, over time, demonstrated growing political relevance through sustained grassroots engagement, support for APC initiatives, empowerment programmes, and strategic alliances at local and state levels. Though yet to make a formal declaration, his body language and political investments indicate serious interest in national representation—either at the House of Representatives or Senate level.
Similarly, Engr. Christopher Oluwafemi Fagbemi, the National Youth President of Ilupeju Ekiti has declared interest in national office, injecting youthful energy and urgency into the 2027 political equation. While both ambitions are commendable, political wisdom suggests that unity, early consensus, and strategic alignment will be critical. Internal division or delayed decisions will only reinforce Ilupeju’s marginalization, while collaboration can unlock long-awaited political breakthrough.
The truth is simple:Ilupeju Ekiti has never lacked capable hands. What has been absent is coordinated political will.The 2027 elections offer a defining opportunity to correct historical injustice, reposition Ilupeju Ekiti within Ekiti North, and move from being political foot soldiers to political stakeholders.If community leaders, Ilupeju Development Association( IDA), political actors, professionals, youths, and grassroots mobilizers act with clarity and unity, Ilupeju Ekiti can:break the cycle of underrepresentation;Produce its own national leaders, Attract targeted federal projects and investments, Secure its rightful place in state and national decision-making.
History rewards communities that organize,negotiate, and act decisively. Ilupeju Ekiti stands today at a crossroads, the choices we make now will determine whether we remain politically invisible or finally take our rightful place on the national stage.
By Law Ibitoye
