The Okanlomo Oodua and Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, has called on community leaders and residents of Ona Ara Local Government Area to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the emergence of Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli as Governor of Oyo State in the 2027 general elections.
Chief Sanusi made the call at the special monthly meeting of the JDS Electrification Community Committee, led by Chief Abiola Akeweje, held at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Ona Ara Local Government Area, on Saturday.
The meeting provided an opportunity for community leaders to deliberate on the development challenges confronting residents across Ona Ara, with particular attention to electricity, roads, healthcare, education, water supply, employment opportunities and other basic infrastructure.
Sanusi expressed concern over what he described as the persistent development deficit confronting several communities in the local government, arguing that residents deserve far more from government at all levels.
According to Sanusi, the condition of infrastructure in many parts of Ona Ara remains a major source of concern for residents, particularly communities located away from the urban centres.
He noted that poor road networks continue to make movement difficult for residents, farmers, traders, students, artisans and workers, while bad and neglected roads also increase transportation costs and make it difficult for agricultural produce to reach markets.
He stressed that roads are not merely physical infrastructure but critical economic assets that determine whether rural communities can participate effectively in the wider economy.
Sanusi also raised concerns about electricity supply, noting that unreliable power remains a major obstacle to the growth of small and medium-scale businesses across the local government.
He said artisans, barbers, tailors, welders, food processors, farmers, traders and other small business operators require dependable electricity to operate profitably and create employment.
He maintained that the JDS Electrification Community Committee was established because the electricity challenges confronting communities require deliberate intervention and collective action.
Beyond electricity and roads, Sanusi highlighted the need for stronger public investment in primary healthcare centres, schools, potable water, drainage systems, environmental sanitation and other basic social infrastructure.
He argued that development should not be concentrated around major urban areas while communities on the outskirts continue to struggle with basic amenities.
Sanusi criticised the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, describing it as a failed government in the assessment of many residents of Ona Ara who, according to him, continue to face serious infrastructure and development challenges.
He said the people should not be satisfied with political rhetoric when their everyday realities remain unchanged.
“Government is not about speeches, political slogans or newspaper advertisements. Government is about the lives of the people.
“If our people cannot move freely because of bad roads, if small businesses cannot operate effectively because of poor electricity, if communities still struggle for basic water and healthcare, then we must ask serious questions about the priorities of government.
“The people of Ona Ara deserve better. They deserve a government that will come to the communities, listen to them and respond to their genuine needs.”
He urged residents to carefully assess the performance of the current administration and use the 2027 elections to express their democratic choice.
According to him, the electorate should support leaders who are accessible, development-oriented and prepared to take practical steps towards transforming communities.
Chief Sanusi called on the community leaders to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for another term, saying that continuity at the federal level would provide an opportunity for the administration to consolidate its economic and infrastructure programmes.
He also urged the people of Oyo State, particularly residents of Ona Ara and other parts of Ibadanland, to support Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli in his bid to become Governor of Oyo State.
Sanusi said the 2027 election should be viewed as an opportunity for the people to demand a new approach to governance in Oyo State.
He urged the electorate to consider candidates based on their capacity to deliver infrastructure, empower young people, support businesses, improve security and make government more responsive to grassroots communities.
Speaking at the meeting, Comrade Folly, a community leader, commended Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi for his continued commitment to grassroots development in Ona Ara Local Government and Ibadanland.
Folly particularly appreciated Sanusi’s intervention through the JDS Electrification Community Committee, describing access to electricity as one of the most important requirements for economic development at the grassroots.
He said community development should not be left entirely to government, stressing that responsible individuals and organisations must also contribute to improving the living conditions of the people.
He called on other well-meaning citizens, corporate organisations and community leaders to emulate Sanusi by supporting projects that have direct impact on ordinary residents.
Sanusi further urged the people of Ona Ara to remain united and peaceful while demanding accountability from political leaders.
He said the people have the democratic right to evaluate government performance and make their decisions at the ballot box.
He maintained that the development challenges confronting Ona Ara should no longer be treated as isolated community problems but as issues requiring urgent attention from policymakers.
He promised that his commitment to grassroots development would continue, particularly in areas that directly affect the economic wellbeing and quality of life of residents.
Sanusi therefore called on community leaders to mobilise their people, articulate their needs and participate actively in the political process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said: “Our people must understand that their votes are their voice. In 2027, they must vote for development, accountability and leadership that will genuinely serve them.
“Ona Ara has the people, the land, the human resources and the potential. What is required is purposeful leadership and the political will to turn that potential into tangible development.”
