Stakeholders from the Igbo Elerin axis of Lagelu Local Government have raised concerns over what they described as years of political marginalization, calling for fairness and inclusion in the distribution of elective positions across the constituency.
In a statement made available to newsmen, community leaders highlighted the existing zoning structure within Lagelu, which comprises Offa/Lagun-Olowode Zone, Lalupon Zone, Monatan/Olorunda Zone, and Igbo Elerin Zone—widely regarded as the historical origin of Lagelu.
According to them, Igbo Elerin has been sidelined from key political offices for over eight years, despite its foundational role in the local government’s political and cultural identity. They noted that the current local government chairman hails from the Lagun axis, while the sitting member representing Lagelu State Constituency at the Oyo State House of Assembly is from the Monatan/Olorunda Zone.
The stakeholders further clarified that Lagun does not fall under the Igbo Elerin Zone but is part of the Offa/Lagun-Olowode bloc, stressing that all other zones have had opportunities to occupy major elective positions in recent years, except Igbo Elerin.
“This imbalance must be corrected in the interest of fairness, unity, and political stability,” the statement read. “It is only just that Igbo Elerin, as a critical and foundational zone, is given the opportunity to produce the next representative at the Oyo State House of Assembly.”
To this end, the group unanimously endorsed Mogaji Honorable Olajide Olatoye, popularly known as Big Daddy Sugar, as their preferred candidate for the Lagelu State Constituency seat.
They described Olatoye as a grassroots politician with deep connections across all wards in Lagelu, noting his accessibility, leadership qualities, and longstanding contributions to community development.
“The time has come to give Igbo Elerin its rightful place in Lagelu politics,” the stakeholders concluded, urging political party leaders to support equity by allowing Mogaji Olatoye to emerge as the next Honourable representing Lagelu at the OYHA.
The call is expected to further shape political conversations ahead of the 2027 general elections, as agitations for balanced representation continue to gain momentum across the constituency.
