The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Leader in Irepodun Local Government Area, Hon. Wasiu Sariyu Awoniyi, has cautioned political actors against promoting exclusivity, asserting that political offices in Omu-Aran and the wider constituency are not the birthright or estate of any single individual, family, or political party.
In a statement issued on Friday and made available to 9japarrot, Awoniyi urged critics to adopt constructive political engagement, defending the candidacy of Chief Joseph Adewole Gbenga (Obanla) as the PDP flagbearer for the Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections.
The party youth leader was responding to comments made by a political commentator, Kayode Ogunlowo, emphasizing that every qualified citizen possesses the constitutional right to aspire to public office regardless of political affiliation or community origin.
“Nobody owns Omu-Aran, and no political position should be regarded as the exclusive birthright of an individual or family,” Awoniyi stated.
“The fact that the APC has represented the constituency in the House of Representatives for ten years and currently has a serving local government chairman from Omu-Aran does not mean that other individuals should be denied the right to aspire.”
He maintained that principles of equity, fairness, and justice must be applied universally across Kwara South.
Defending Otunba Adebayo Otunola Awoniyi, an executive director of Twinsfaja Group, the PDP youth leader described him as a progressive personality whose community contributions across Kwara South deserve objective assessment rather than political misrepresentation.
Awoniyi maintained that the candidacy of Chief Gbenga should be evaluated on the basis of experience, competence, and capacity to deliver responsible governance to the constituency.
He called on political stakeholders across Kwara South to focus on issue-based engagement and development-driven politics ahead of the 2027 polls rather than resorting to sentiment and personal attacks.