Hon. Odudu Ayodele Samuel (Manifold)
When Idowu Matthew Oluwanifemi found the courage to speak about the reality in Akoko North, he did more than write an article—he gave voice to the silent disappointment in the hearts of countless families. His words, “THE REPRESENTATION OF FRIENDSHIP, AND CABAL,” echo what we discuss daily in our homes, farms, and market squares.
This is not a political attack; it is the cry of a community. We stand with him because his truth is our truth.
His words hit home because they are specific. They are not vague complaints; they reflect the lived experiences of our neighbours.
The Map of Exclusion: We see it clearly. When appointments consistently go to just one or two towns, it doesn’t only feel unfair—it feels like a deliberate shutting out of talented sons and daughters from Gedegede, Ise, Igasi, Ogbagi, Irun, and Eriti. It tells our children that their potential matters less than their postal code. It forces us to ask: “Are we not also part of Akoko North?”
The “Who You Know” Economy: We all know the stories. Jobs reserved for relatives of the well-connected, empowerment schemes recycled among the already-empowered. It leaves hardworking parents with nothing but despair, despite their dreams for a better future for their children. Hope becomes a privilege traded within a cabal, while the majority are left behind.
The Betrayal of Our Youth: The story of JAMB forms shared “for practice” is a painful reminder. Every parent who struggles to save for that form knows it represents sacrifice, hope, and the chance of a better tomorrow. To treat it so carelessly—as a toy for the privileged—is a betrayal of ordinary families and the dreams of our children.
What is most painful is the silence. When asked the simple question—“Show us who you have helped”—the answer has been nothing, or worse, online attacks from faceless supporters. If a mother shares a bag of rice with a neighbour, everyone sees it. Why then is it difficult to show us names and faces of those empowered? The refusal to publish a list speaks louder than any words.
This issue is bigger than one politician. It is about the kind of community we want. Do we want a constituency where names and towns determine worth? Or do we want a constituency where every child has a fair chance, regardless of where they come from?
The farmer in Irun, the trader in Ikaram, the student in Erusu—they all voted for hope. They voted for a leader who would see them, hear them, and stand with them—not one who remembers them only during election season.
We deserve better. Our children deserve better.
We join this call, not in anger, but with a heavy heart and determined spirit. We demand:
• Transparency, not secrecy – Publish the list. Let the truth be known.
• Inclusion, not exclusion – Let every town feel the touch of development.
• Merit, not connections – Let our children’s future be determined by their abilities, not their surnames.
Here is Akoko North West—our home, our people:
Ajowa, Eriti, Gedegede, Igasi, Oge, Oyin, Arigidi, Iye, Ese, Igbooji, Irun, Italeto, Kajola Camp, Ogbagi, Ojeka, Surulere, Afa, Afin, Aje, Ase, Erusu, Ibaram, Ido, Ikaram, Iyani, Oke-Agbe, Oye.
Ikare land: Ugbe, Ikado, Okela, Okorun, Eshe, Odo, Ilepa, Okoja, Iku, Odeyare, Odoruwa, Okeruwa.
Look at these towns. Count how many you have touched. Touch them before your tenure ends—you may still need us.
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