House of Representatives candidate of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) for Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency of Ondo State, Hon. Taiwo Ilawole, has accused the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Donald Ojogo, of neglecting the constituency.
The DLA candidate alleged that the constituency had experienced inadequate attention since Ojogo was elected to the House of Representatives, arguing that the people deserved more impactful representation.
Speaking in a statement, Ilawole said it was time for voters to consider a change in representation at the National Assembly to ensure that the constituency benefited from what he described as meaningful democratic dividends.
He alleged that several promises of development and projects had not been fulfilled, adding that the incumbent’s record did not, in his view, justify a second term.
“For years, the people have been promised progress and projects that never materialised. The incumbent’s tenure is marked by excuses, unfulfilled promises and a shocking lack of tangible results. That record disqualifies him from any claim of a second term,” he said.
Ilawole cited the unresolved crisis in Aiyetoro as an example of what he described as inadequate attention to local concerns.
He also criticised what he described as recent activities relating to the Eba Island issue, including visits to the University of Ibadan archives during the electioneering period.
“The unresolved Aiyetoro crisis stands as a stark example of the incumbent’s failure. Vital local concerns remain unattended to, while residents continue to suffer.
“Recent last-minute gestures, including visits to the University of Ibadan archives regarding Eba Island during the heat of electioneering, are transparent attempts to paper over a record of neglect,” he alleged.
The DLA candidate also appealed to Ondo Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to respect what he described as the wishes of the people in the forthcoming political process.
Ilawole said the governor, as a leader with responsibility to all parts of the state, should allow voters to freely determine their preferred candidate.
“The Governor is a father to all and understands what his constituents want; he will not be misled into forcing an unwanted candidate on Ilaje. The people’s verdict is final: Donald Ojogo’s inadequate performance has cost him the confidence of his constituents,” he said.
He, however, urged voters to protect their mandate through peaceful and lawful means, while encouraging continued mobilisation for a free and fair electoral process.
“The people of Ilaje are not gullible; they will not be bought off,” Ilawole added.