In a passionate live video posted today on his Facebook page, legal practitioner Wale Odusola from Ilaje Local Government, Ondo State, has called out Senator Jimoh Ibrahim for labeling the people of Ilaje as a minority in the state.
Odusola’s remarks come in response to a statement allegedly made by the senator, which he believes misrepresents the Ilaje community.
In the video, transcribed to text by Starnews Publisher Akinrinlola Olumide, Odusola expressed his sentiments, stating, “I just feel that we should talk about this issue as a people. Because as it burns in my heart, I feel like I must respond to it and get some clarification.”
He referenced Senator Ibrahim’s comment regarding the Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, suggesting that he hails from a “minority region.” Odusola questioned the senator’s definition of “minority,” asking, “When he talked of region, is he referring to the entire South-South and South-West districts, or is he specifically talking about the Ilaje people as a race?”
He continued, “Calling us a minority in Ondo State, I don’t really get it. If we are talking about minority, can we say the Ilaje are minority in Ondo State? Is he judging us by our landmass or our population? Because if we talk about landmass and population, there’s no way anyone can call Ilaje a minority.”
Odusola pointed out the historical roots of the Ilaje people, emphasising that as Yoruba, they cannot be considered a minority. He stated, “Historically, we are from Ilaje, so we are Yoruba. If we are Yoruba, we can’t be in the minority.”
He reinforced this by highlighting the population dynamics in Ilaje, noting, “If not for the Ondo Ilaje crisis that displaced us, Ilaje land is highly populated by the indigenous people of Ilaje, not even strangers.” He contrasted this with Akure, remarking, “In fact, the number of people who are not indigenous to Akure living there are even more than the indigenous population.”
Odusola urged a broader perspective on the Ilaje population, stating, “If you are an Ilaje person living in Ijebu, Lagos, Akure, or Ondo, that does not take away from the fact that you are an Ilaje person and should be counted among the population of Ilaje. Today, if you go to Lagos, you see Ilaje dominating a large portion of the area.”
He further asserted, “If you look at this population, I don’t think there’s any ethnicity in Ondo State that can claim to be more populous than the Ilajes. Even the Ondo people can’t boldly claim to be more numerous than us.”
He concluded his address with a challenge to Senator Ibrahim, stating, “I think that statement was wrong and needs to be corrected. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, I’m challenging you—please withdraw that statement. The Ilaje are not a minority in this state.”
His remarks have sparked discussions about representation and identity within Ondo State, as many await a response from Senator Ibrahim regarding his alleged controversial statement.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
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