2027: Temitayo Agemo-Okuboyejo Condemns Ado-Odo/Ota’s Poor NASS Representation Since 1999, Declares House of Reps Bid
By Lukman Omikunle
Engineer and grassroots politician, Temitayo Agemo-Okuboyejo, has declared her intention to contest for the Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives come 2027, vowing to end decades of “poor representation” that has stunted development in the area, writes Lukman Omikunle.
Speaking during a media parley with members of the Ado-Odo/Ota Online Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at her ancestral hometown of Igbesa, Agemo-Okuboyejo expressed deep concerns over what she described as consistent legislative neglect of the constituency since the return of democracy in 1999.
“Since 1999, I don’t think we’ve had the right kind of representation at the National Assembly from Ado-Odo/Ota,” she stated. “That failure has led to both human and infrastructural underdevelopment in our communities. We have been shortchanged repeatedly.”
According to her, her aspiration to serve is deeply rooted in her personal life philosophy, inherited from her father: “Make your presence felt in life in positive ways.”
“As an engineer, I was trained to solve problems. I am bringing that same mindset into politics — to fix the structural and economic decay in our federal constituency,” she affirmed.
Untapped Potential Across the Constituency
Agemo-Okuboyejo decried the irony of Ado-Odo/Ota being one of Nigeria’s most industrialized local governments, yet lacking basic infrastructure and federal attention.
“Industry brings development — it happened in Ikeja and Ilupeju — but it never happened here. Despite hosting massive industrial lines, there’s nothing to point to in Ota or Agbara in terms of matching development,” she lamented.
She traced the systemic neglect of the area back to colonial and post-independence history, referencing how cocoa — a crop introduced to West Africa on Awori soil — helped develop the entire Southwest, yet left the Awori people behind.
“It’s the same story today. Ado-Odo/Ota generates so much, but gets so little in return,” she said.
Highlighting Community-Specific Challenges
She outlined different strategic development priorities for various towns in the constituency:
- Ado-Odo: “We have enormous agricultural potential. During the Western Region era, Chief Obafemi Awolowo set aside 8 hectares for farm settlements here. But due to poor representation, nothing has happened on that land to date.”
- Igbesa: “We have a technical college that could be a hub for skilled manpower. Yet companies in the area still hire from outside because we’ve failed to activate what we already have.”
- Ota: “The roads are in terrible condition — that’s a known fact. But there’s been no meaningful agitation or consistent pressure from our elected officials. Urban needs like those of Ota require a different governance approach — one that understands and connects with the people.”
She emphasized that a one-size-fits-all policy does not work, saying, “You cannot apply the same solution to Ota, Ado-Odo, Igbesa, Ketu, etc Each of these towns has unique problems that require tailored solutions.”
On 2027 and Political Platform
Agemo-Okuboyejo declared her readiness to contest under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which she described as her political home.
“I’ve always been a card-carrying member of the PDP. I never left. I remain committed to the ideals of the party and connected to its grassroots structures,” she said.
She dismissed insinuations about the party’s strength in the constituency following defections, saying, “Yes, some people left after losing elections and court cases — like Sikirulai Ogundele. But that doesn’t affect our resolve. PDP is alive and active in Ado-Odo/Ota.”
Women, Youths, and Culture on Her Agenda
Agemo-Okuboyejo also spoke about her plans for women and youths, particularly market women and young people in need of vocational training. She revealed that her NGO has already been active in providing support and empowerment initiatives across the constituency.
“It’s a challenging terrain, no doubt, but one that requires a blend of political will and policy input,” she noted.
She reaffirmed her commitment to supporting traditional institutions and connecting with key stakeholders across communities. “You can’t lead people you don’t understand or engage with,” she said.
When asked about her preparedness in terms of campaign financing, she replied confidently: “If I wasn’t ready, I wouldn’t be here. I’m on it.”
“This dream will come true. I will not be a bystander,” she concluded with quiet determination. “I’m here to revive Ado-Odo/Ota and make it what it truly deserves to be — a powerhouse in Ogun State and beyond.” Read More
