Concerned youths from Oke Oba (Ward 1) and New Eruwa (Ward 5) in Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State have intensified calls for political inclusion, urging all parties to zone the 2027 State House of Assembly ticket to their axis.
The demand was formally presented in a communiqué issued on March 25, 2026, following a joint consultative assembly convened to assess the structure of political representation in Ibarapa East State Constituency and outline a unified position ahead of the next general elections.
The youths argued that while zoning and rotation of political offices have largely operated as informal arrangements, they have historically played a critical role in maintaining balance and inclusion across wards within the constituency. They, however, expressed concern that Oke Oba and New Eruwa have remained consistently sidelined despite their contributions to the area’s political evolution.
According to the communiqué, the last time the Oke Oba/New Eruwa axis produced a representative in the Oyo State House of Assembly was in 1983, leaving a gap of more than 40 years. The group described this as a deep-rooted imbalance that contradicts the principles of fairness, justice, and inclusive governance.
They further stressed that both wards possess considerable electoral strength, reflected in voter population, turnout consistency, and sustained grassroots mobilisation. The continued exclusion of the axis from zoning considerations, they warned, could undermine political cohesion within the constituency.
The assembly resolved that all political parties operating in Ibarapa East should, as a matter of urgency and equity, zone their 2027 State House of Assembly tickets to candidates from Oke Oba and New Eruwa. It also urged party leaders to adopt a coordinated approach that ensures the implementation of this arrangement across party lines.
The youths maintained that such a move would not only correct longstanding marginalisation but also strengthen unity, fairness, and political stability in the constituency. They affirmed their willingness to support any credible and competent candidate who emerges from the axis, irrespective of political affiliation.
In addition, the group pledged to intensify advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and grassroots mobilisation to ensure that their demand receives the necessary attention from key political actors.
Describing their position as non-partisan, the youths emphasised that their agitation is driven solely by the pursuit of equity, justice, and balanced representation in Ibarapa East.
They concluded by calling on political parties, leaders, and stakeholders to act in the broader interest of peace, unity, and democratic progress by aligning with the proposed zoning arrangement.
