by Olanrewaju Modupe
The recent narrative of a supposed battle between Owo and Ose for the federal constituency seat, though faintly reported and poorly presented, appears to be little more than a contrived and hypocritical political ploy, likely funded by vested interests. Framed as a collective outcry from the people of Ose, this story is nothing but a political strategy designed to mislead and manipulate, and should have been ignored for its blatant lack of substance. Yet, failing to challenge these falsehoods would allow them to gain unwarranted traction among the gullible, particularly within the political class.
Owo continues to languish under both vertical and horizontal political marginalisation within the federal constituency and senatorial district. There is no discernible, sustainable strategy in place to safeguard our political power. Instead, we find ourselves fixated on petty rivalries and short-sighted conflicts that distract us from the pressing issues we need to address.
While our so-called political elites remain paralysed by tactical missteps, our youth are left with nothing but tokenism. Paltry offerings—such as a few Okada motorcycles or a token N20,000 empowerment scheme—are enough to entice many to sell their dignity and heritage to political enslavers, who profit from their desperation and disillusionment.
This systemic failure has not only devalued Owo’s political history but has also made a mockery of the sacrifices made to secure cultural influence. The Akokos have ensured their political relevance through deliberate, strategic unification. In contrast, Owo is trapped in a never-ending cycle of self-destruction. Every time an Owo son or daughter rises to prominence, internal power struggles and egos quickly derail progress, often at the expense of fellow Owo indigenes.
The Akoko North-West/East Federal Constituency is a shining example of political cooperation, with two federal ministers and a senator working in tandem for the collective good. Should the senatorial seat require replacement in 2027, it is almost certain that Akoko, particularly Ikare, will retain it. Their political strategy always looks beyond the immediate, focusing on long-term unity and growth.
But in Owo, the moment someone attains power, the battle for supremacy begins. Political opponents are silenced, not by debate or policy, but through the manipulation of jobless, unemployable youth, who are turned into pawns in a game of disorder, harassment, and even violence. These politically funded militias have turned criminality into a profitable industry, and politicians are more than happy to fund this chaos to maintain their stranglehold on power.
In Owo, it is almost impossible for two individuals from the same town to run for different positions under different political parties without being attacked. Campaign materials are destroyed, opponents are physically harmed, and political discourse is reduced to violence and intimidation. Despite this show of self-dominance and oppressive tactics, there is no meaningful discussion about a unified developmental vision for the future.
What we are witnessing is not just a transition from the diminishing influence of the Senate but a disturbing trend of bullying within the federal constituency. A person who has held a position for seven years is now claiming “local government rights” through a shallow campaign, while Owo remains passive—sleeping through a political crisis that is quietly stripping away its future. Owo, once a place of political value, has become a mere tool to serve others.
The author of the Ose/Owo dichotomy piece claims the demands are “rooted in equity, balance, and political stability.” Ironically, it is the selfish ambition of a few individuals that is driving this campaign, seeking to retain the federal constituency seat for a town with fewer than 1,000 electoral votes, at the expense of the larger Ose local government and, by extension, the entire constituency.
This argument is nothing more than an attempt to secure the seat for an incumbent whose performance has been less than inspiring and certainly nothing to be proud of. Let us assume, for a moment, that the so-called “collective desire” from the Ose people is genuine. Does this also include the desire to retain the current representative from Okeluse, a community that has already produced all three House of Representatives members from Ose? Are the people of Owo blind to the fact that true fairness in democracy means that the majority must decide?
Has the House of Representatives seat in this constituency now become a hereditary chieftaincy title passed down to Okeluse? Since the return of democracy, Ose has produced three members of the House of Representatives: Hon. Bobby Omotosho, Hon. Eni Omosule, and Hon. Timilehin Adelegbe. Under Adelegbe’s tenure, we have seen eight years of squandered opportunities. Yet, despite this failure, Adelegbe from Okeluse continues to push for another term, appropriating Ose’s electoral success and relying on votes from larger communities. In return, he offers nothing but occasional handouts and poorly executed projects that do little to improve his constituents’ lives.
What, then, has Adelegbe achieved to justify any further consideration for the position? Supporting his re-election is to endorse stagnation, mediocrity, and a continued lack of effective representation.
It is nonsensical to use the false narrative of political imbalance between Owo and Ose to justify the continuation of failed leadership. Okeluse is not the only community in Owo/Ose. It is high time that other communities have their voices heard and their political futures restored.
If Owo, with nearly triple Ose’s population, is willing to undermine its own political strength and forfeit its rightful place in the political landscape, then let Owo stop complaining about underdevelopment. Let the Akokos keep the Senate seat, and Adelegbe can occupy his permanent House seat. Perhaps then Owo can resign itself to the chaos of its youth, the disarray of its leadership, and the divisive politics that will put our future in jeopardy.
Olarenwaju Modupe writes from Isaipen Owo.
