There is growing political tension in Ona Ara following strong resistance from stakeholders, youths, and concerned residents over the alleged plan to impose the current Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi, for a controversial third term in office.
Hon. Fadeyi, who currently represents the people of Ona Ara Constituency and is serving his second term in the Assembly, has reportedly emerged as a preferred consensus candidate ahead of the next election cycle. However, the development has continued to generate widespread rejection across the local government.
Residents and political observers argue that Ona Ara deserves better representation, insisting that the constituency has not witnessed the level of impactful leadership expected from someone occupying such a strategic position in government.
According to several protesters and community voices, the only reason Hon. Fadeyi secured victory during his second-term bid was largely due to the overwhelming popularity and electoral strength of Governor Seyi Makinde, who was also on the ballot during the election.
“There have been several protests and complaints from party loyalists and residents, yet it appears those concerns are being ignored,” a stakeholder lamented. “We believe the Governor and his political team should carefully look into the growing dissatisfaction in Ona Ara and reject this third-term agenda before it damages the party’s reputation in the constituency.”
Many supporters of the ruling party in Ona Ara insist that their loyalty to Governor Makinde remains strong, especially considering what they describe as visible development projects and political inclusion under his administration. However, they maintain that such loyalty should not be mistaken as automatic support for every political candidate presented to them.
“We are lovers of Seyi Makinde and we appreciate what his administration has done,” another resident stated. “But the Governor should reciprocate that love by giving Ona Ara a credible, competent, and people-oriented candidate. This Assembly ticket should not be forced on the people.”
The agitation continues to gain momentum as various groups within Ona Ara call on party leaders to conduct wider consultations and listen to the grassroots before making final decisions on the constituency’s political future.
Political analysts believe the situation may become a major test of internal democracy within the party ahead of the next general election, especially as residents continue demanding fresh leadership and a new direction for Ona Ara.
