AFON CONSTITUENCY KWHA 2027: A CASE FOR EQUITY, FAIRNESS AND JUSTICE IN THE PRINCIPLE OF ZONING;
By AbdulMajeed Akewusola,
A Concerned Constituent from Ogbondoroko/Reke Ward, Afon Constituency, Asa Local Government Area, Kwara State.
Since the return of democratic governance and the creation of opportunities for representation in Afon Constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly, various wards within 8 wards that made the constituency have had the privilege of producing elected representatives who served the people at different times.
- Abayawo/Ago-oja/Budo-Agun/Laduba/Sapati Ile Ward: 1979, 1983.
- Aboto/Odo-Ode Ward: Nill.
- Afon Ward: 1983.
- Budo-Egba Ward: 2023 till date.
- Ila-Oja Ward: 1999-2003, 2003-2011, 2019-2023.
- Ogbondoroko/Reke Ward: 1983, 2011-2014.
- Ogele Ward: 2014-2019.
- Okeso Ward: Nill.
Historical records show that Laduba Ward produced the late Hon. Sulyman Oba Sapati between 1979 and 1983.
Ogbondoroko/Reke Ward was represented by Dr. Muftahu Yahyah in 1983 and later by the late Hon. Afolabi Ahmed Giwa from 2011 to 2014, respectively.
Ogele Ward produced the late Hon. Ishola Aare Bolaji, who served between 2014 and 2019.
Budo-Egba Ward currently enjoys representation through Hon. Yunus Bello Oniboki from 2023 till date.
Afon Ward was represented by Hon. Memudu Babatunde Baako in 1983.
Ila-Oja Ward has produced Hon. Yekini Alajagusi (1999–2003), Hon. Isiaka Magaji (2003–2011), and Hon. AbdulWahab Opakunle (2019–2023), respectively.
However, a careful review of the political history of Afon Constituency reveals that two wards—Okeso Ward and Aboto/Odo-Ode Ward—have never produced a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly despite their unwavering contributions to the growth and electoral success of political parties within the constituency.
As preparations intensify for the 2027 elections, the principle of fairness, justice, balance, and inclusiveness should guide stakeholders in determining the next beneficiary of the constituency’s legislative seat.
In the case of Okeso and Aboto/Odo-Ode Wards deserve serious consideration, a stronger case can be made for Aboto/Odo-Ode Ward.
Notably, Aboto/Odo-Ode Ward has demonstrated remarkable political participation by producing two aspirants under the All Progressives Congress (APC): Hon. AbdulWaheed Jimoh and Alhaja Princess Maryam Abdullahi Yusuf, who made history as the only female aspirant in the Afon Constituency APC House of Assembly race.
Their emergence reflects the ward’s readiness, commitment, and growing political consciousness.
Furthermore, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Assembly candidate for Afon Constituency, Hon. Ridwan Salman Dan Sokoto also reportedly emerged from Aboto/Odo-Ode Ward, further underscoring the ward’s strategic relevance and political vibrancy in the constituency.
The argument is not against any ward or individual.
Rather, it is a call for political inclusion and equitable distribution of opportunities.
The essence of democracy is to ensure that every segment of society feels a sense of belonging and participation in governance.
As a constituent from Ogbondoroko/Reke Ward, I believe that the time has come for stakeholders, political leaders, elders, youth groups, and party faithful to support the aspiration of Aboto/Odo-Ode Ward in the spirit of justice and fairness.
Such a decision would strengthen unity, deepen democratic participation, and promote a sense of collective ownership of the political process across Afon Constituency.
The people of Aboto/Odo-Ode Ward have waited patiently for decades.
Giving them the opportunity to produce the next representative at the Kwara State House of Assembly would not only correct a longstanding imbalance but also reinforce the values of equity and inclusiveness that democracy represents.
Let justice prevail.
Let fairness guide our decisions.
Let every ward have a sense of belonging.
