— Seeks Aiyedatiwa’s backing

By Dayo Johnson Akure

The traditional council of Aye Kingdom in Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency, Ondo State, has adopted Hon. Bidemi Joshua Obayangban as its preferred candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election and urged Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to support him.

Their position was conveyed in a letter dated April 4, 2026, signed by the Alayelope of Aye Kingdom, Oba Williams Akinmusayo Akinlade, and the Luwoye of Aye Kingdom, High Chief G. A Famodu.

The letter which was addressed to the governor, formally presented Obayangban as the kingdom’s consensus choice.

In the letter, the community decried what it described as the prolonged marginalisation of Aye Kingdom in the political affairs of the constituency, noting that it had never produced a member of the National Assembly.

“We humbly urge Your Excellency to use your good office to support our position and ensure that the rightful place of Aye Kingdom is recognised,” the letter stated.

The council noted that Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency has 23 wards, with Aye Kingdom making up two, yet it remains excluded from federal representation.

It added that other communities — including Ilutitun, Igbotako, and Ode-Idepe — have produced representatives over the years, making it imperative for Aye Kingdom to be considered in 2027 in the interest of equity and fairness.

Stakeholders said Obayangban’s adoption followed extensive consultations among leaders and indigenes of the kingdom, based on his acceptability, capacity, and grassroots support.

They appealed to Governor Aiyedatiwa to use his influence to back their demand and ensure justice and inclusiveness in the selection of the candidate.

“Aye Kingdom is one of the largest communities in the constituency, comprising two wards out of the 23 that make up the federal constituency.

” However, it is on record that Aye Kingdom has never produced a member of the House of Representatives or Senator since the creation of the constituency,” the letter read in part.

“Other communities such as Ilutitun, Igbotako, and Ode-Idepe have at different times produced representatives at the National Assembly, leaving Aye Kingdom as the only major community yet to enjoy such privilege.

” This situation has led to growing concerns among our people, who feel marginalised despite their contributions to the political growth and electoral success of APC.

“After due consultations among leaders and stakeholders of Aye Kingdom, we have unanimously agreed to present and adopt Hon. Bidemi Obayangban as our preferred candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.

“We therefore humbly appeal to Your Excellency to use your good office to support our request and ensure that fairness, equity, and justice prevail in the interest of peace, unity, and progress of the constituency.”

The community also commended the governor for his developmental strides in the state and expressed confidence in his commitment to fairness and equitable governance.