IFEDORE LGA: EMPIRICAL COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION LACKS LEGITIMACY AND CANNOT SUPERSEDE AUTHORITY DERIVED FROM THE CONSTITUTION – TUNDE ADEBAYO
I have closely and carefully observed and followed the events in Ifedore Local Government Area since the state press release on the visit of some monarchs and elders from the local government to the Governor of the State H. E Lucky OrÃmisà n Ayedatiwa. When a cart is put before the horse for the reason best known to the principal actors, the ultimate result will be counterproductive and cahotic.
I have read the rejoinder of Hon. Tope Komolafe on the press release and also the press release and vetuperation of Dr. Oladimeji Ojurayo -DMJ against the distinguished Honourable Representing Ifedore Local Government Constituency in Ondo State House of Assembly. I have discovered that oftentimes out of undue sentiment we leave the main issue to be addressed and just choose to play to the gallery, that is exactly what Dr. Oladimeji did in his release. He misdirected himself due to undue sentiment that he allowed to becloud his intellectualism.
The question now is, did Hon. Tope Komolafe insult any Monach or Elder in his press release and rejoinder, the answer is NO, for avoidance of doubt the press release/rejoinder is in the public domain to read, what now gave DMJ impetus to tag his statement in the press release as unguided statement needs to be questioned. Hon. Tope Komolafe only affirmed his position as bestowed on him by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Hon. Tope Komolafe only posited that a section of the Local Government with self serving agenda and motive cannot misrepresent to the Governor that they are representing the interest of the whole Local Government. The question begging for answers amidst all these is that “Can the Gentiles be the mouthpiece of the Jews?” That is practically impossible. How else can we explain a situation where an heterogeneous Local Government like Ifedore Local Government with more than thirty communities be represented by a fragment of these communities who actually went there to line up their respective sons for possible future state government appointments and developmental projects.
Ifedore Local Government Area has her peculiar diversity, Akiure Local Governments, North or South is Akure, Ondo Local Governments, East or West is Ondo while Idanre Local Government is Idanre but Ifedore Local Government is different. DMJ in the last paragraph of his press statement clearly let the cat out of the bag when he said “…he should see them as their consultation with the Chief Executive of the State as part of their contribution to the advancement of Ilara-Mokin and Ondo State at large.” The quote actually exonerates Hon. Tope Komolafe and vote of confidence passed on him by the Established Community Youth Leaders in Ifedore Local Government Area and Voty Group as appropriate.
The representation of such magnitude was carried out without Igbara-Oke, the Headquarters of the Local Government, the community with the highest number of satellite communities and votes in the Local Government being represented in any form. Ipogu, Ero, Isarun, Ibule, Irese, Ikota, Aaye and the likes were not carried along either by consultation or information prior to the visitation. Above all, the ultimate Elected Voice of the Local Government Area was not informed at all. It is will be right to say that they have only succeeded in playing Hamlet without the Prince of Denmark.
It must be known to us all, that empirical community representation lacks legitimacy and cannot supersede the authority bestowed on any individual by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We must always push common interest in harmony and recognize our diversity in the Local Government without any undue sentiment, this only can bring progress and development.
Signed.
Tunde Adebayo
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