Youth group recommends Hon. Ofoyeju Udouboh, citing historical exclusion and unwavering loyalty
The Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Arogbo Clan, has made a formal appeal to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State to consider appointing the next Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, OSOPADEC, from Ese-Odo Local Government Area. This call is rooted in a strong sense of historical exclusion and a desire for equitable representation among the oil-producing communities of the state.
In a press statement signed by Comrade Toibokumoh Arigidi, Chairman of the IYC Arogbo Clan, and Comrade Kimi Meshach, the Publicity Secretary, the youth body highlighted that despite Ese-Odo’s significant contribution to the state’s oil wealth, no individual from the local government area has ever been appointed as Chairman of OSOPADEC. The highest office ever occupied by an Ese-Odo indigene within the commission was that of Permanent Secretary, a position once held by Dr. Victor Koledoye during the administration of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.
The statement noted that the Ijaw Youth Council has historically refrained from political lobbying, but felt morally compelled to speak out in the interest of justice and fairness. The Council specifically recommended Hon. Ofoyeju Udouboh for the chairmanship. Hon. Udouboh is a grassroots politician, a former Leader of the Ese-Odo Legislative Council, and the current Secretary of the Arogbo Local Council Development Area. According to the IYC, he has remained a loyal supporter of Governor Aiyedatiwa since 2015 and continues to serve the party diligently without making personal demands.
The statement clarified that this recommendation is not sponsored by Hon. Udouboh and should not be viewed as an attempt to stoke division within the ruling party. It is simply based on his track record, loyalty, and competence. The group also acknowledged the qualifications of other individuals who have been mentioned in the public space, such as Mr. Banji Okuomo and Mr. Allen Sowore, the latter of whom has already distanced himself from active lobbying efforts and affirmed the Governor's sole authority in making appointments.
The IYC expressed confidence in the wisdom and fairness of Governor Aiyedatiwa and urged him to use this opportunity to address the long-standing structural imbalance. They stressed that giving Ese-Odo the chance to lead OSOPADEC for the first time would send a strong message of inclusivity, justice, and unity across the oil-producing communities in Ondo State.
The youth council concluded by wishing the Governor continued success as he leads the state with dedication and a commitment to equitable development.
Read full text below:
Press Release
Date: May 25, 2025
Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Arogbo Clan, Demands Appointment of OSOPADEC Chairman from Ese-Odo LGA
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Arogbo Clan, has been closely observing recent political developments in Ondo State. As a non-partisan body, we rarely concern ourselves with the activities of political actors. However, we have a moral obligation to speak against injustice and advocate for the rights and fair representation of our people.
With Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s administration in the process of constituting its cabinet and strategic boards for effective governance, we believe it is only fair that those who stood firmly by him before, during, and after the elections be considered for key positions of influence.
Recently, we noted an online publication by the Ilaje Youth Development Forum (IYDF) projecting Mr. Banji Okuomo for the position of Chairman, Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC). Not long after, another interest group — yet to be properly identified — surfaced in support of Mr. Allen Sowore, who has since distanced himself from the lobbying efforts and reiterated that only the Governor has the power to make such appointments.
While we acknowledge that both Mr. Okuomo and Mr. Sowore are eminently qualified, we wish to draw attention to the historical and structural imbalance in appointments to the leadership of OSOPADEC. Since its establishment, no individual from Ese-Odo Local Government Area has ever chaired the commission. The highest appointment so far has been that of Dr. Victor Koledoye, who served as Permanent Secretary during the administration of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN. Notably, Dr. Koledoye is from the Apoi axis of Ese-Odo.
Given that the OSOPADEC was created to serve oil-producing communities — with Ese-Odo being one of such — the continuous exclusion of our people from chairing the commission is an oversight that needs urgent redress.
We, therefore, appeal to His Excellency, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to consider appointing a competent son or daughter of Ese-Odo, particularly from the Arogbo axis, as Chairman of OSOPADEC. A fitting and well-grounded candidate in this regard is Hon. Ofoyeju Udouboh — a grassroots politician, former Leader of the Ese-Odo Legislative Council, and current Secretary of Arogbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA). Hon. Ofoyeju has been a close political ally of the Governor since 2015 and has remained a committed and loyal party man.
As a youth body that believes in the potential of young leaders, we respectfully recommend Hon. Ofoyeju for this role. We trust in his capacity to manage the affairs of the commission effectively and with integrity.
This recommendation is not sponsored by Hon. Ofoyeju Udouboh, nor is it intended to cause division within the ruling party. It is simply based on our understanding of his character and contributions. While the final decision lies with the Governor, we humbly urge that any choice made should reflect fairness, equity, and the spirit of inclusivity that modern governance demands.
We wish His Excellency great success as he continues to lead Ondo State with wisdom and dedication.
Signed:
Comr. Toibokumoh Arigidi
Chairman, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Arogbo Clan
Comr. Kimi Meshach
Publicity Secretary, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Arogbo Clan
0 comments: