Ademola Bello
A political pressure group, Ekiti South Development Agenda (ESDA) has appealed to the foremost lawyers Chief Afe Babalola SAN, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN and other leaders in the state to ensure that the zone produces Governor Kayode Fayemi’s successor in 2022.
The group said it had set machinery in motion by constituting a delegation to interface with the identified stakeholders to impress on front line politicians across political parties that the next governor emerged from the zone.
In a statement by the Coordinator, Afuye Idowu, the group lamented that the zone has been marginalised in many spheres, including the establishment of institution and denial of appointment, wondering whether it was part of Ekiti.
It stated that Ekiti South is the only zone that had yet to produce the governor of the state since it was created in 1996, adding that the situation had deprived the region of key infrastructures that could drive genuine development.
According to the group, “the only time the south had the opportunity of producing a minister were for a short period of time while the two other districts served out their mandatory four years.
“When you look at all the tertiary institutions in Ekiti they are concentrated in the North and Central Senatorial Districts, while the South is left to its fate”.
“So, we have decided to raise a high powered delegation to meet with prominent and respect leaders of thoughts in Ekiti as well as our revered Traditional Rulers and Religion Leaders to appeal to the political class on the need to honour this gentleman agreement”.
“Part of the duty of the committee would be to present a document stating the facts about the history of marginalisation of Ekiti South and the need for the leaders to intervene.”
“Agreed we are all Ekiti’s but the natural principle of justice and equity demands that no section of the State should be treated as second class citizens”, the statement reads in part.
“Among the leaders so selected include Aare Afe Bababola, SAN, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Chief Deji Fasua and Chief Felix Ajakaye. The document shall be presented to all party chairmen in Ekiti State,” it added.
