The Ondo South Forum for Equity and Fairness has faulted claims that the Ondo South Senatorial seat should automatically revert to Okitipupa Local Government Area in the event of the voluntary resignation of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, insisting that the seat belongs to the entire senatorial district.
In a statement made available to journalists on Monday, the forum stressed that a Senate seat is a collective mandate of the district and not the inheritance or exclusive preserve of any single local government.
The group noted that Senator Jimoh Ibrahim is neither deceased nor incapacitated, nor has he been removed from office, explaining that his expected exit from the National Assembly would be through voluntary resignation following a new appointment.
According to the forum, such a development constitutionally creates a vacancy that should be open to all qualified aspirants across the Ondo South Senatorial District.
“There is no constitutional, legal, or moral provision that mandates that a successor must emerge from Okitipupa Local Government Area,” the forum stated. “A resignation resets the process and does not preserve the seat for the same local government.”
The forum described the agitation for an automatic replacement from Okitipupa as untenable in the prevailing political context, warning that it amounts to an attempt to sideline and oppress other local governments within the district.
Emphasising the principle of equity, the group argued that Okitipupa Local Government is already perceived to be enjoying substantial political advantage through an ambassadorial position associated with Senator Ibrahim.
“To allow the same local government to also retain the Senate seat would amount to double political representation, which offends the principles of fairness and balance,” the statement said.
The forum further drew attention to past arguments used to exclude other local governments from senatorial consideration, noting that Ilaje is often ruled out because it currently holds the governorship, while Ese-Odo is similarly excluded due to an ambassadorial slot.
“If equity is the standard, it must be applied consistently,” the group insisted. “Equity cannot be selective, as that would amount to discrimination against other local governments in Ondo South.”
The Ondo South Forum for Equity and Fairness concluded by stressing that its position is not driven by personalities but by the need for inclusive and just representation.
“The Senate seat is a district mandate, not an inherited entitlement of any local government. An underrepresented local government should be given a fair chance in the interest of unity, justice, and balanced development.” The statement added
