As we have entered election year with Osun State gubernatorial holding later this year, Ife citizens must answer this question before we go to the polling booths. It’s important because not everyone asking for Ife votes truly deserves it. Our votes suppose to bring us dividends in terms of developments in different areas of daily living but the reverse has been the case despite bulky votes that usually come out from our constituencies. In August 2025, I made a publication title “IFE POLITICIANS HAVE QUESTIONS TO ANSWER”. In that publication, l made a reference to the last twenty-six years of democratic governance that:, –
“Within this period of twenty-six years to date, we have had representatives from both parties at state and federal levels, yet our community has nothing to show forth apart from the catalogue of abandoned state and federal projects. Interestingly, the story is different with our immediate neighbouring towns like Ede, Ilesha, Osogbo town and suburbs. While Ife has nothing to show forth, the neighbouring towns have some evidential dividends of democratic representatives. While our infrastructures are nothing but eye saw, driving through neighbouring towns in Osun state makes one wonder the quality of representation we’ve received at all levels by our politicians.
The above statement and many others in that publication is number one reason why we must collectively answer this question void of political inclination or personal interest if we truly love Ife.
However, in addition to the above, the present state of things in Osun State, also makes it compelling for us to answer this question to avoid wasting our votes or voting against ourselves. Politically Ife has been relegated. That’s the reality! Recent rejection by the APC of three of our sons who signified their interest in leading the state is the big rainbow in the sky for us all to see.
It’s sad to see the likes of Senator Iyiola Omisore and Senator Babajide Omoworare being locked out of the room when decisions concerning Osun State is being made by their party. These two will be considered as our heavy weights politician but APC disagreed with us and treated them as paper wights, most especially Senator Omisore. Ife today has not much to say at the federal level.
They gave Senator Omisore the National Secretary but for a short period, then pushed him out for whatever reason. Although l knew that APC loosing the whole of Osun State to PDP in the last election while the duo of national secretary and state chairman are from Ife was a bad omen. The conflict between Oyetola and Omisore who were once good political parleys is another symptom. Also, President Tinubu is known for politics of merit.
I was so excited when my bosom friend late Kunle Adeniji was given the APC national administrative director role, but that shining lamp went out quickly. I saw the opportunity given to him as my personal answer to prayers for emergence of new political leaders in Ife. Camping around one man for over two decades is one reason why Ife has not moved forward as it should.
The present APC government is going to be three years in few months; Ife is yet to celebrate any tangible appointment while other smaller towns including Modakeke are beaming with smiles. If APC wins this coming gubernatorial election in Osun State, then it’s likely to be another cycle of eight years before any Ife candidate can throw their hats into the ring. Question then is, do APC deserves Ife votes in the coming election?
On the other hand, PDP that has been so gracious to Ife without doubt under the leadership of Senator Ademola Adeleke is in a state of disintegration. The chaos has caused the governor to seek refuge in Accord Party for political survival. Unfortunately, his defection is frail. There are some within the Accord Party that don’t want him.
No doubt, Gov Adeleke is popular but not sure that’s enough to win this coming election on Accord platform with the desperation being shown by other political parties most especially APC to win Osun back. Also, I didn’t see Adeleke moving to Acord with support of Assembly members, local government chairmen and other party big wigs in the state. Maybe they are working underground but Ife must have vivid knowledge of whatever strategy at play and be part of it before we cast our votes.
We cannot afford to waste our votes considering the sorry state of our town. Our votes in the coming election must be turned to an effective weapon in our hands. God forbid that Lagere flyover joins the list of abandoned projects if not completed before election and Governor Adeleke failed at the poll. If he wins, he’s got four more years to go, and Ife can push for the post again after his tenure, with adequate preparation and strategic alliances across the state. The question again is does Senator Ademola Adeleke deserves our votes?
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola cannot be ignored in the present political equation in the state. He’s been working tirelessly to prove his political sagacity to undermine President Bola Tinubu in the Southwest. Unfortunately, Osun State happens to be his Jerusalem. ‘Am not sure his party ADC can win in Osun State but am certain he will play the role of a spoiler. Ogbeni has some followers in Ife who will be canvassing for votes. Not sure who their candidate is at the moment but supposing, they give the ticket to an Ife indigene like Hon Sikiru Ayedun, would Ife give their votes to him?
Shortly after the gubernatorial, the general election will roll in. Already, we can see many interested aspirants putting themselves forward, some for re-election, and some as new entrants for national and state assembly seats. Knowing fully well we have limited representation of one senator, one house of representatives, two houses of assembly members, we must answer the question: who among the people deserves our votes? Of course, not all the aspirants deserve our votes, and except we choose those who will truly represent Ife and not just represent their party and political godfathers, Ife won’t move forward.
Our local chairmen and councillors can no longer be inexperienced individuals now that the local government autonomy policy is gradually taking roots. Individuals without management skills and experience cannot be left to manage billions. Political party that cannot present quality candidates must be rejected.
The present state of our community is the outcome of how we have channelled our votes in the pasts and if we continue in the same path, we will remain in the same state. Insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting a different result.
We have another opportunity to make a change if we truly want a better Ife. We need quality of representation that can address the diverse deficits of development through visionary leadership. We need people with knowledge, skills and management experience and capabilities who can manage our resources. Ife don’t need political stooges imposed by political godfathers. It’s time for Ife citizens to collectively let all political parties in Ife know that Ife is now our priority. Present representation is without agenda and accountability.
That’s the reason behind all abandoned projects without any explanations. Past representatives gave account to their party leaders and party members only, while the entire community wallow in developmental depravation. That must stop! If we continue to vote in this manner, we are simply voting against ourselves. This on-coming election cycle is an opportunity to turn the tide and vote for our town, not just political parties or individuals.
It’s time to VOTE FOR IFE