By Dayo Ogunsola
Saturday, 29th November 2025, will go down in the annals of history as the day the people of Oke-Ogun particularly residents of Kajola Local Government spoke loudly and clearly to remind the Oyo State Governor that their local government remains part of the Pace-Setter State, even though it has long been neglected by the Engr Seyi Makinde administration.
That Saturday was Okeho Day, a day of joy and merriment, a day to celebrate milestones and achievements recorded by the sons and daughters of the ancient community. It was no less a moment to showcase the culture and values of the subjects of Onjo Amokoko.
But beyond the euphoria, the people of Kajola’s headquarters demonstrated, without mincing words, that they would never accept neglect. They spoke in a loud voice, audible enough for the deaf, that Oyo State Government under Engr. Seyi Makinde has practically forgotten that Kajola is still part of the state.
It was time for the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, to speak on behalf of the Governor as the special guest. Then the unthinkable happened. As he mounted the lectern, struggling to deliver the Governor’s message; especially regarding the administration’s “stewardship” in the community, the crowd erupted: “A O ROWOYIN!” (we have seen nothing of your government). The feedback was deafening, leaving no room for doubt, even for the Chairman of the Local Government, who gazed around helplessly.
His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, momentarily lost his track, but later acknowledged that the message was loud and clear. The question, however, is will Barrister Lawal be bold enough to relay the true feedback from Okeho, and by extension Kajola Local Government to Governor Makinde?
Come to think of it, Kajola Local Government remains one of the most neglected areas in Oyo State, and it has been so since the commencement of this administration in 2019. Across the length and breadth of the council, nothing can be pointed at as gain from this administration. The Governor’s stance against local government autonomy has worsened the situation, reducing elected local government officials to mere ceremonial officers without portfolio.
It would be unfair not to acknowledge that Governor Makinde fixed the Moniya- Iseyin Road and later the Oyo- Iseyin Road in Oke-Ogun. But if these remain the only “dividends of democracy” that the people of Kajola can point to after six years, indeed, A o rowo ijoba ipinle Oyo.
The most disturbing part is this: if such a sharp feedback is coming from Okeho; despite enjoying a modest level of federal presence, one can only imagine what other communities in the local government are silently enduring.
Take Ilero, the second-largest community after Okeho for example, Its infrastructure is in a pitiable state. The internal roads are deplorable, and the only major road that traverses the town was constructed during the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida. Needless to say, it is in terrible condition.
Recently, a friend from Abuja traveled to attend the burial of the father to a former NCC board Chairman, Prof Akande Adeolu in Otu, the headquarters of Itesiwaju local government, so, he drove through down to Ilero, and his verdict was simple- government is not fair to you people, the road leading to Ilero is in bad shape.
Yet, when election season comes, we fight ourselves, sever friendships, and even strain family ties because of politics- only to have nothing to show for it, not even now that our own son is the Executive Chairman of the Local Government.
It is worrisome that aside from the recurring security challenges in Ilero, the few enduring infrastructures in the town were efforts of many decades.
My takeaway is simple: if our neighbours are telling the Governor “A O ROWOYIN”, then, what we in Ilero can humbly say is “A O GBORO-YIN.” And we hope someone is listening.
Dayo Ogunsola, hails from Ilero, he writes from Abuja. He can be reached via ogunsolasurajudeendayo@gmail.com.
