Oluyole Deserves Better Representation ,Ara Slams Poor Governance, Declares Mission to Transform Constituency
The Accord Party House of Representatives aspirant for Oluyole Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Ademola Oyepeju Ara, has revealed that his decision to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Accord Party was driven by his desire to fulfill his long-standing ambition of bringing meaningful development and positive change to the people of Oluyole Local Government.
Ara, a renowned philanthropist and Founder/Chief Executive Officer of the Ara Foundation, disclosed this at the weekend while featuring on a political programme, Òsèlú Àwarawa, on Dominion FM 106.1, Ibadan.
The politician stated that he had for many years attempted to actualize his developmental vision for Oluyole under the platform of the APC, but his efforts were frustrated by what he described as “undemocratic practices and the activities of some dubious power brokers within the party.”
According to him, the political atmosphere within the party made it practically impossible for credible and grassroots politicians to thrive.
Ara recalled that during the build-up to the 2023 general elections, he contested the APC primary election for the Oluyole State Constituency seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly and emerged victorious at the polls conducted among party delegates.
He, however, alleged that the exercise was disrupted when thugs allegedly sponsored by some unscrupulous political actors stormed the venue of the primary election and attacked him and his supporters.
The Accord Party chieftain lamented that despite his victory at the primary, influential forces within the party hierarchy allegedly overturned the outcome of the exercise.
According to him, the party leadership later “dubiously imposed an undeserved candidate” as the APC flagbearer for the election.
“That was a painful experience for me and my supporters. I won the primary election fair and square, but because of selfish interests and manipulation by some powerful individuals within the party, the mandate of the people was taken away and handed to another person,” he said.
Ara added that the imposed candidate eventually lost the election to the opposition party, a development he described as a clear demonstration that injustice and imposition could never produce victory.
He explained that his decision to join the Accord Party was based on the party’s commitment to internal democracy and the opportunity it offers for genuine grassroots leaders to serve their people.
“I left the APC because I want to pursue my dream of transforming Oluyole. The Accord Party provides a better platform for me to realize my vision of bringing development to my people and ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach every corner of the constituency,” Ara declared.
Speaking on his plans for Oluyole Federal Constituency, the philanthropist pledged to champion aggressive development initiatives that would reposition the area socially and economically if given the mandate to represent the people at the National Assembly.
He emphasized that Oluyole, despite its enormous human and economic potential, has remained largely underdeveloped due to years of poor representation and inadequate governance.
Ara promised to focus on key sectors such as infrastructure development, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and rural economic growth.
He noted that through his foundation, he had already touched many lives in the constituency through various humanitarian interventions, including scholarships for indigent students, empowerment programmes for widows and youths, and community support initiatives.
The politician stressed that his ambition to represent Oluyole at the federal level is not driven by personal gain but by a genuine passion to uplift the people.
“My goal is to elevate Oluyole to a level where our communities will experience real development. We want better roads, improved healthcare facilities, quality education for our children, and sustainable empowerment opportunities for our youths and women,” he said.
Ara further assured residents that he would pursue people-oriented legislation and attract federal projects that would transform the constituency into a thriving and economically vibrant area.
He also did not mince words in expressing dissatisfaction with what he described as the poor performance of the current House of Representatives member representing Oluyole Federal Constituency.
According to him, the constituency has not witnessed the level of development expected from a federal lawmaker.
“The people of Oluyole deserve better representation. Our constituency should not remain stagnant while other areas are progressing. What we need now is proactive leadership that understands the needs of the people and is willing to fight for their interests,” he said.
Ara stressed that his administration, if elected, would prioritize transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, assuring that every ward and community within Oluyole would feel the impact of federal representation.
He therefore called on the people of the constituency to support his aspiration and the Accord Party in the next election, promising that his leadership would usher in a new era of growth, development, and prosperity for Oluyole Local Government.
“Our people have suffered neglect for too long. It is time to restore hope and build a glorious future for Oluyole,” Ara declared.