— Write Aiyedatiwa

By Dayo Johnson Akure

Youths of Ode Aye Kingdom in Okitipupa Council Area of Ondo State, have endorsed Hon. Joshua Bidemi Obayanghan as their preferred candidate for the All Progressives Congress ticket in the 2027 House of Representatives election for Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency.

In a letter dated April 16, 2026, addressed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the group cited Obayanghan’s popularity, acceptability, and “highest electoral value” among aspirants from the community as reasons for the endorsement.

The letter was jointly signed by the association’s President, Mr. Adefuwa Akinyemi; Vice President, Mr. Akinmoye Ajewole; and Secretary, Mr. Adeoye Segun.

The youths argued that Aye Kingdom is the only major bloc in Ikale land yet to produce a National Assembly representative from the constituency since Nigeria’s independence.

According to them, Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency has 23 wards and three state assembly constituencies. Aye Kingdom, they said, ranks as the third-largest community in Ikale land by size, land mass, and population, after Okitipupa/Idepe and Irele town.

They noted that while other kingdoms have had representation in the National Assembly more than twice, Aye Kingdom — which has the second-largest population in Okitipupa LGA based on the last census — has never been represented.

The group said their appeal to the APC rests on the party’s electoral strength in Ondo State, pointing to its victory across all 18 local government areas in the last governorship election.

They disclosed that four aspirants from Ode Aye have shown interest in the 2027 contest, including Obayanghan.

“After conducting a comprehensive assessment of all the aspirants, we have found that Hon. Joshua Bidemi Obayanghan, known as OC General, is the most popular, widely acceptable, and possesses the highest electoral value,” the letter read.

“He stands as our best bet for securing the party’s ticket and winning the general election for our community.

“We therefore strongly recommend him as the preferred candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 election to represent our interests.

“We look forward to your kind consideration and favourable action in this regard.”

They expressed confidence that zoning the ticket to Aye Kingdom would promote fairness and inclusiveness.

The association urged the governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa and party leadership to act in the interest of equity.