Fresh controversy has emerged in the Ogori/Magongo Constituency of Kogi State following the decision by the state government to back the return bid of the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Bode Ogunmola, for another term.
The development has sparked widespread concern and intense debate among stakeholders, with many residents of the constituency calling for greater inclusiveness, consultation, and adherence to established political understandings.
In a statement issued on behalf of concerned stakeholders, the Convener of Ododo Vanguard, Meka Adesina-Soje, emphasized the need for sensitivity in handling political decisions with deep communal implications.
According to him, political arrangements in Ogori/Magongo have historically been guided by mutual respect, fairness, and an unwritten rotational balance between the Ogori and Magongo communities—an arrangement credited with sustaining peace and stability in the area.
He noted that any perceived deviation from this longstanding understanding risks creating anxiety, feelings of exclusion, and tension among sections of the constituency.
The statement further revealed that consultations held with stakeholders across both communities indicated a strong preference for equity, political inclusion, and balanced development.
“Stakeholders are asking why political considerations and infrastructure development seen in other local government areas such as Okene, Adavi, and Okehi should not be equally reflected in Ogori/Magongo,” the statement read, stressing that fairness must be applied uniformly across the state.
Adesina-Soje also highlighted the importance of preserving the rotational arrangement governing both the House of Assembly seat and the local government chairmanship, describing it as a critical stabilizing factor in the constituency’s political structure.
He urged all political actors and community members to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of undermining the unity and peaceful coexistence enjoyed in the area.
“At this critical moment, there is a need for dialogue, statesmanship, and sincere engagement with the people. The collective interest of Ogori/Magongo must remain superior to individual political ambitions,” he said.
The stakeholders warned against attempts to exploit political differences to create division, insisting that the peace and brotherhood built over the years must be preserved.
They expressed hope that justice, fairness, and unity would ultimately guide decisions affecting the future of the constituency.
