The Ota–Awori Youth Movement, a coalition of traditional and non-traditional youth groups have raised concerns in years of exclusion, imbalance and marginalisation of Ota indigene from major political positions despite its demographic and electoral dominance
The aggrieved youths cited years of exclusion and imbalance that have left Ota politically marginalised despite its demographic and electoral dominance, demanding an immediate return to equity and fairness in the political representation of the Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency, insisting that the House of Representatives seat must rotate to the Ota axis in 2027.
The group raised the demand at a press conference held at the Ancient Ota Community Town Hall, Ijamido, citing years of exclusion and imbalance that have left Ota politically marginalised despite its demographic and electoral dominance.
They described Ado-Odo/Ota as one of Ogun State’s most strategic constituencies—defined by its industrial strength, cosmopolitan population, and rich Awori heritage, noting that there was a rotational understanding between Ota and Ado/Igbesa state constituencies, designed to promote fairness and peaceful coexistence.
They lamented that this understanding has been repeatedly violated, resulting in a political configuration that has consistently favoured the Ado/Igbesa axis at the expense of Ota.
The movement stressed that Ota State Constituency I remains the largest and most populated constituency within the federal constituency, with the highest concentration of registered voters and electoral strength. According to the youths, by every democratic measure—population, voter registration, economic activity, and political participation—Ota constitutes the backbone of the Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency, making its prolonged exclusion from federal representation unjustifiable.
A review of representation since 1999 shows that Ota has occupied the House of Representatives seat for only two terms in 28 years, while the Ado/Igbesa axis has dominated the position. The group noted that current Continuous Voter Registration figures, which indicate 8,628 eligible voters in Ota compared to 672 in Ado/Igbesa, further expose the imbalance and reinforce the call for urgent correction.
According to the Ota–Awori Youth Movement, the sustained marginalisation of Ota has weakened its political influence, slowed infrastructural and socio-economic development, and limited access to federal projects and opportunities. The imbalance, they argued, has also hindered the emergence of strong political leadership from Ota, fostered unhealthy rivalry, and weakened accountability within the constituency.
The youths emphasised that federal legislative representation offers strategic advantages, including national exposure, access to federal resources, and influence over policy direction—benefits which Ota has been systematically denied despite its numerical strength and economic relevance.
While reaffirming their non-partisan identity, the youths declared they would no longer remain silent in the face of sustained injustice. They demanded that all political parties and stakeholders respect the rotational principle by zoning the 2027 House of Representatives seat to the Ota axis.
In furtherance of this position, the group announced the unanimous endorsement of High Chief Olanrewaju Bashorun (Larrybash) as their preferred candidate for the 2027 election. They described Larrybash as a tested, credible, and unifying leader, whose extensive service within the traditional and community leadership structures of the Ota Awori Kingdom reflects integrity, competence, and deep grassroots connection.
According to the youths, Larrybash’s broad acceptance across youth groups, elders, religious communities, and traditional institutions—combined with his strong advocacy for youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and social cohesion—positions him as the candidate capable of restoring balance, equity, and purposeful representation to the Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency.
They pledged to mobilise massive voter turnout, commit resources, and engage peacefully and democratically in support of High Chief Olanrewaju Bashorun (Larrybash) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections, ensuring that the voice of Ota is firmly heard. The group, however, warned that failure to address its legitimate demands for fairness and equity would compel Ota–Awori youths to collectively support any political party aligned with their interests, regardless of party affiliation.
