Akoko North West Marginalised, Ondo Youths Cry Out

A fresh wave of anger has erupted in Ondo State as youths from Akoko North West local government area accused both the federal and state governments of political exclusion and demanded a fair share of appointments.

The youths, operating under the auspices of Concerned Youths of Akoko North West, accused both the national and sub-national governments of sidelining the local government in the distribution of political appointments.

In an open letter addressed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and copied to the relevant authorities, the youths demanded an equitable share of appointments, insisting that the current arrangement falls short of fairness and inclusiveness.

The letter, jointly signed by their leaders, Adefemi Elegbeleye, Afinjuomo Stephen and Fagbuyi Ojo, urged the governor to review appointments already made and ensure a more balanced representation going forward.

They alleged that communities in Constituency Two, comprising Irun, Ogbagi, Ese and Afin, have been largely neglected, while Constituency One, which includes Arigidi and Okeagbe, continues to dominate key political positions.

They cited several office holders from Constituency One occupying strategic positions at both federal and state levels, arguing that such concentration of power marginalises other parts of the local government.

‎‎While reaffirming their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), the group warned against what it described as a “winner-takes-all” approach, urging both the federal government and the state leadership to prioritise inclusiveness in future appointments.