By Raji Rasak
Lagos, Dec. 21, 2025
A significant political realignment is underway in Ondo State’s Southern Senatorial District following the Senate’s confirmation of the incumbent, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, as a non-career ambassador-designate. This development has opened a crucial vacancy, sparking debate over the principles of succession, equity, and effective representation.
In this context, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akogun Olutoye, has articulated a compelling argument for why the party’s replacement candidate must come from Okitipupa, the largest town and Local Government Area (LGA) within the district. His call is rooted in an unwritten but powerful political convention known as the “rotation principle.”
The Principle of Rotational Equity
Olutoye’s central thesis hinges on maintaining fairness among the constituent LGAs that make up Ondo South. The logic is straightforward: since Senator Jimoh Ibrahim hails from the Okitipupa LGA, his uncompleted term in the Senate should logically be completed by another qualified individual from the same LGA. This practice, common in Nigerian politics, prevents one area from monopolizing a representative position and ensures a sense of belonging and continuity for all communities. To bypass Okitipupa now would be seen as a breach of trust and could destabilize the party’s support base in that critical region.
The Standout Candidate: Jumoke Akindele
Having established the ‘where,’ Olutoye presents a definitive answer for the ‘who.’ He names the immediate past Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jumoke Akindele, as the ideal replacement. His endorsement is not merely ceremonial; it is backed by a detailed analysis of her unique qualifications.
First, Akindele is a trailblazer. As the first and only woman to have served as Speaker in Ondo State’s history, her candidacy immediately addresses a national deficit. With only four women currently in the 109-member Nigerian Senate, her election would be a tangible step toward gender inclusivity, allowing the APC to champion a progressive agenda that reflects the nation’s demographics.
Second, her proven legislative and leadership acumen is unparalleled among local aspirants. A seasoned lawyer and graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, she has already demonstrated her capacity to navigate complex governance processes. Her tenure as Speaker is cited as a period of elevated legislative decorum and strategic brilliance.
Beyond Politics: A Proven Crisis Manager
Perhaps the most persuasive part of Olutoye’s argument points to Akindele’s practical impact beyond the assembly chambers. He highlights a specific crisis where her skills were indispensable. When a major conflict erupted between landowners and the Okitipupa Oil Palm Company (the zone’s largest enterprise), threatening the region’s peace and economic lifeline, it was Akindele who was called upon. Notably, she was nominated to chair the resolution committee by elders and leaders led by the respected wartime hero, retired General Olu Bajowa. Her successful mediation restored harmony, proving she possesses the conflict-resolution skills and respect necessary to handle the intricate socio-economic issues facing the senatorial district.
Contrast with Other Aspirants
Olutoye contrasts Akindele’s strengths with the perceived weaknesses of other potential candidates. He suggests some lack deep roots in Okitipupa, weakening their claim to the rotational mandate, while others may be burdened by past controversies or age-related concerns that could limit their effectiveness and energy for the demanding role.
Strategic Advantages for the APC
Choosing Akindele is framed as a strategic masterstroke for the APC. It honors a critical local agreement (rotation), promotes a national party goal (gender inclusion), and fields a candidate with a proven track record, strong connections to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the requisite resources to run a successful campaign. It is portrayed as a decision that balances competence, inclusivity, and political wisdom.
In conclusion, Akogun Olutoye’s statement is more than an endorsement; it is a detailed political brief. It makes the case that for the APC to maintain unity, reward competence, and project a modern image, the successor to Senator Jimoh Ibrahim from the Ondo South district should be the Okitipupa-born former Speaker, Jumoke Akindele. Her election, he argues, would ensure continuity while empowering a new generation, ultimately fostering more sustainable development across Ondo South.
Edited by Chioma Ugboma
