Youths under the auspices of Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA) have threatened to mobilise for the recall of the Senator representing the Ondo North Senatorial District, Senator Jide Ipinsagba, over his failure to attend to the development of the area, especially insecurity within the district since he was inaugurated in 2023.
The youths alleged the lawmaker of failing to execute meaningful projects in the constituency, accusing him of misrepresentation and failure to prioritise the empowerment and development of youths from his area.
Speaking during a press conference in Akure, the President of ONYA, Ojo Bright Eniafe, alleged Ipinsagba of failing to execute any meaningful projects and empower youths and women in the constituency.
Eniafe said despite the rising insecurity caused by cultists in Ondo North, particularly Owo town, the lawmaker has been insensitive to the killings in the ancient town.
He said, “The Senator’s silence on this issue is deafening, and shows his lack of concern and care about the welfare and safety of his constituents. As youths, we are tired of living in fear and uncertainty.
“We demand that Senator Ipinsagba show a modicum of responsibility to the wishes and aspirations of our senatorial district by playing a pivotal role and collaborating with institutions to ensure his constituents are safe.
“A little show of concern can be the deal breaker. We are poised to ensure that our communities, local government, and the entire senatorial district are safe and secure.”
The youths alleged that the Senator has been inaccessible since his inauguration, disclosing that members of the constituency who visited Senator Ipinsagba in his private office, in Manuex Palace Akure, had to pay the sum of N2,000 only to access him.
He said, “It is with utmost pain that we wish to inform the entire public that youths of the senatorial district pay a sum of N2,000 each to have access to the Senator at his private office in Manuex Palace Akure.
“For the avoidance of doubt, these actions have been reported multiple times to the senator without any noticeable change. The action is highly deplorable and regrettable.
“We want accessibility to our senator without having to pay to see him. It is deeply troubling and unacceptable that constituents must pay such a fee to see their representative.
“We have brought this matter to his attention. His explanation is that Mother’s Palace serves multiple purposes—it is both a business premises and his residence when he visits the district. However, we believe that, as his constituents, we should not be subject to such fees.”
The youths, however, demanded that Senator Ipinsagba should take immediate action to address some of the challenges confronting the people of Ondo North, which include insecurity, youth inclusiveness, and underperformance.
“If the Senator fails to deliver the dividends of democracy, we are fully resolved to initiate a recall process for the Senator within the confines of the law. This is not an empty threat.
“In Ondo North Senatorial District, we have over 500,000 youths who are united under this leadership to ensure progress and accountability. If the Senator refuses to change, we will take the necessary steps to remove him from office.”
The youths commended the state government for the swift intervention to arrest the situation in Owo town following the incessant cult clashes.
They also commended the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for appointing youths to key positions and maintaining an open-door policy, urging “the governor to continue on this path and to consider doing more for the youths. We believe this will be a lasting legacy.
“We are proud of the One Youth One Skill initiative of the State Government, the approval of the Formulation of Ondo State Youth Policy, multiple youth engagements, especially the Ondo State Youth retreat.”
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