- Seeks Aiyedatiwa’s support
- Laments Marginalisation of Aye
The traditional council of Aye Kingdom in Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency of Ondo State has adopted Hon. Bidemi Joshua Obayangban as their preferred candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election, urging Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to support him.
The position of the community was contained in a letter signed by Oba Williams Akinmusayo Akinlade, the Alayelope of Aye Kingdom, and High Chief G. A Famodu, the Luwoye of Aye Kingdom, dated April 4, 2026, addressed to the governor, where the community formally presented Obayangban as its consensus choice.
In a letter sighted by Starnews NG on Tuesday, the community lamented what they described as the prolonged marginalisation of Aye Kingdom in the political affairs of the constituency, noting that the community had never produced a member of the National Assembly. “We humbly urge Your Excellency to use your good office to support our position and ensure that the rightful place of Aye Kingdom is recognised.”
They stated that Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency comprises 23 wards, with Aye Kingdom accounting for two wards, yet it has continued to be excluded from federal representation.
According to them, several other communities within the constituency have had the opportunity to produce representatives over the years, making it imperative, in the interest of equity and fairness, for Aye Kingdom to be considered in the 2027 election.
The stakeholders explained that the adoption of Obayangban followed extensive consultations among leaders and indigenes of the kingdom, taking into account his acceptability, capacity, and grassroots support. They therefore called on Governor Aiyedatiwa to use his influence to support their demand and ensure that justice and inclusiveness prevail in the selection of the candidate.
“Aye Kingdom is one of the largest communities in the constituency, comprising two (2) wards out of the twenty-three (23) wards that make up the federal constituency. However, it is on record that Aye Kingdom has never produced a member of the House of Representatives or Senator since the creation of the constituency.
“Other communities such as Ilutitun, Igbotako, and Ode-Idepe have at different times produced representatives at the National Assembly, leaving Aye Kingdom as the only major community yet to enjoy such privilege.
“This situation has led to growing concerns among our people, who feel marginalised despite their contributions to the political growth and electoral success of APC.
“After due consultations among leaders and stakeholders of Aye Kingdom, we have unanimously agreed to present and adopt Hon. Bidemi Obayangban as our preferred candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
“We therefore humbly appeal to Your Excellency to use your good office to support our request and ensure that fairness, equity, and justice prevail in the interest of peace, unity, and progress of the constituency,” the letter partly reads.
The community also commended the governor for his developmental strides in the state and expressed confidence in his commitment to fairness and equitable governance.
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