The first female Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon Jumoke Akindele, has declared her interest in representing the Ondo South senatorial district in the Senate.
Declaring her interest in the Senate, Akindele faulted the zoning of the Senate Seat to Ese-Odo local government of the state, as the Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is from Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency, and it would be an injustice to allow the contestants to clinch the seat.
The two-term House of Assembly member, however, said her decision to contest the position is not to replace Jimoh Ibrahim in the forthcoming bye-election but to seek a fresh mandate in the 2027 elections.
Pointedly, Akindele said there is nothing any person can do within a year to impact on the constituency. However, she said she would wait to seek a fresh mandate to give to the people of the constituency, especially the people of Aiyetoro, who are being ravaged by sea incursion.
Speaking of zoning of position to any of the constituencies, Akindele said the 1999 constitution, as amended, did not recognise zoning. However, the issue of zoning was to allow equal representation in the constituencies that made up the senatorial district.
She added, “Since the beginning of the present democratic dispensation, Ese-Odo local government has not been represented in the Senate.
However, the governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is from Ilaje. The local government is part of the Ilaje/ Eseodo federal constituency. That is against the convention of the party.
“There is no way the Governor and Senator will come from the same federal constituency. You cannot put the Senate and House of Representatives from Ese-Odo. Let me say that late Hosea Ehinlanwo spent two terms of eight years. He came from Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency.
“Since Jimoh Ibrahim has just spent a term at the Senate, the Okitipupa/Irele federal constituency must represent the district for two terms at the Senate.”
Speaking of gender equity, Akindele said no woman has represented the district or any of the districts in the state in the Senate, saying the time has come for women to be given a chance in the next political dispensation.
According to her, “Since the beginning of the dispensation, no woman has represented the state in the Senate. A country like Kenya and South Africa has 50 per cent of women in the senate. The time has come for a woman to represent the state in the red chamber.”
She said it was a governor who allowed the first female speaker at the State Assembly and also allowed the first female Head of Service. He said one of the legacies the Governor Aiyedatiwa can give the state is to make one of the women a senator.
Akindele said the Governor should not limit his empowerment to giving the women loans and tools to work in their fields, but materials but also allow the women to represent the state at the national level.
In her letter to the six local governments that made up the constituency, Akindele said,” I stand before you today with a deep sense of responsibility, clarity of purpose, and unwavering commitment to our collective future.
After wide consultations and careful reflection, I, Rt. Hon. Jumoke Yetunde Akindele, I am fully prepared and ready to contest for the Ondo South Senatorial District.
“This decision is not driven by personal ambition alone, but by a sincere desire to serve, to represent, and to bring purposeful leadership that reflects the true aspirations of our people.
“I understand the challenges we face as a district, economic concerns, youth unemployment, infrastructure deficits, Ayetoro Community ocean incursion, and the need for stronger representation at the national level. These are not just talking points; they are realities that demand urgent and effective action.
“I bring to this race my experience as a former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, my proven record of leadership, and my dedication to inclusive governance. I have served, I have listened, and I have learned. Now, I am ready to do even more.
“Ondo South deserves a voice that is bold, experienced, and people-centred. Together, we can build a future where every community matters, where opportunities are expanded, and where our district takes its rightful place in national development.
“I am ready. I am committed. And with your support, we will move Ondo South forward.
