Category: South West

A sociocultural  organization, Orisun Igbomina has accused Deputy Senate Leader, Oyelola Ashiru of sectional representation.

Ashiru, an architect, is representing Kwara South Senatorial District in the upper legislative chamber.

The group is angry with the Senator for allegedly facilitating projects worth N6 billion in his country home of Offa, Offa Local Government Area, while neglecting other parts of the senatorial district.

In a statement, National President, Orisun Igbomina, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, recently at a meeting in Offa said, “Senator Ashiru’s focus seemed solely on Offa, his hometown, where he boastfully claimed to have facilitated over N6 billion worth of projects in 2025 alone to the town.

 “We received the comments by Senator Ashiru with great disappointment. Nevertheless, we find it profoundly insensitive that such open admission to ethnic bigotry and sectional bias comes from the very Senator representing Kwara South — a district whose majority are Igbomina people — especially at a time when our land faces existential threats of insecurity.

 “It is troubling to realize that a senator we elected appears indifferent to our lives and safety.

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“Meanwhile, the existence of the six other local governments he represents is under threat.

“It is utterly ridiculous that a politician of Ashiru’s stature is blinded not only by his egocentric ambition but now suffers from ‘ambition-craze.’ Every of his statements seems to be a desperate attempt to manipulate ethnic sentiments—trying to sway the people of Offa to support his gubernatorial ambition, while also cajoling them with the possibility of retaining Senate and House of Representatives seats in the same Offa, regardless of the broader interests of the district and plurality of Kwara state at large.

“The Kwara South traditional rulers and stakeholders cannot be more right to have recently  awarded Senator Ashiru a badge of poor performance for the lack or near absence of developmental impacts since assumption of office.

“It is crucial for political leaders to understand that the Igbomina people will never support divisive sectional politicians like Ashiru—no matter their promises or posturing.

“His recent actions reveal that he lacks the capacity to lead a secular, multiethnic society like Kwara South, let alone Kwara state or Nigeria.

“It is both distasteful and alarming that, at a time when Igbomina land is embroiled in insecurity and our communities are crying out for security and peace, Senator Ashiru has preoccupied himself with organizing and promoting sectional political agenda. Instead of prioritizing the protection of our lives and properties, he has chosen to focus solely on divisive politics.”

However, the Senator, of recent, has been at the forefront for the deployment of troops to troubled areas in the state.

Early last month he met with stakeholders from Kwara South where he promised to raise the matter at Senate plenary.

Then, he advocated the establishment and deployment of more robust forward operating bases (FoBs) in Kwara South to stem the tide of rising banditry and kidnappings in the district.

Said the Senator: “In seeking lasting peace, we must be deliberate in strengthening both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. In addition, the government must enhance kinetic operations in the affected areas by improving equipment, mobility, and manpower for our security agencies.

“We must also explore community-driven solutions. The revival and proper training of Forest Guards will provide the much-needed surveillance of our bushes and farmlands, which have become hideouts for criminal elements.

“Equally, we must strengthen communal engagement, ensuring that traditional rulers, youth groups, and local vigilantes work hand in hand with security operatives to provide intelligence and maintain vigilance.”