Former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Ajayi Agboola Alfred, has called on political leaders and stakeholders in Ese Odo Local Government to uphold the longstanding political power rotation arrangement between the Apoi and Arogbo communities, describing it as a vital foundation for peace, unity, and political stability in the area.
In a statement released amid growing political realignments ahead of the next political season, the former deputy governor emphasized that the existing arrangement, which has been in place since 1999, was established to ensure fairness, mutual trust, and peaceful coexistence among the people of Ese-Odo Local Government.
According to him, the rotational understanding has over the years helped to prevent political tension and promote inclusiveness across the two blocs. He noted that the arrangement has remained respected by political actors and leaders across party lines and should not be altered for personal or selfish interests.
Agboola, who stated that he was among the leaders involved in initiating the agreement, recalled how political stakeholders in the past resisted attempts to disrupt the arrangement, particularly during the period when late Dr. Francis Ajih served as Chairman of Ese-Odo Local Government Council.
He explained that despite efforts by some political interests at the time to alter the zoning structure, leaders and residents across party affiliations stood firmly in support of maintaining the agreed political balance, leading to the emergence of Late Hon. Earnest Anifowose from Apoi as a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly.
The former deputy governor warned against any move capable of creating division or mistrust between the Apoi and Arogbo communities, stressing that the House of Assembly seat should, according to the established understanding, remain the turn of Arogbo to produce the next representative.
He also appealed to political figures, including Hon. Toyin Allen, not to allow themselves to be drawn into actions that could threaten the existing harmony within the local government.
While reaffirming his commitment to protecting the arrangement alongside other leaders, Agboola urged all political stakeholders in Ese-Odo to place peace, unity, and collective interest above personal ambition.
He further cautioned that any attempt to undermine the established political understanding could trigger avoidable tension and disrupt the longstanding brotherhood between both communities.
The former deputy governor concluded by calling on politicians and community leaders to continue to play politics with fairness, respect for agreements, and commitment to peaceful coexistence for the progress and stability of Ese-Odo Local Government and future generations.
