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By Dayo Ogunsola
Saturday, November 29, 2025, marked a significant moment for the people of Oke-Ogun, especially those residing in Kajola Local Government Area. On this day, they made a resounding statement to the Oyo State Governor, emphasizing that despite years of neglect, Kajola remains an integral part of the progressive Pace-Setter State.
Okeho Day: A Celebration with a Message
Okeho Day, traditionally a festive occasion filled with cultural displays and communal pride, was no exception. It served as a platform to honor the accomplishments of the community’s sons and daughters and to celebrate the rich heritage of the Onjo Amokoko kingdom. However, beneath the festivities lay a powerful undercurrent of dissatisfaction and a demand for recognition.
The residents of Kajola’s administrative center made it unmistakably clear that they refuse to be sidelined any longer. Their voices echoed a strong message: the current Oyo State Government, led by Engr. Seyi Makinde, has seemingly overlooked Kajola’s needs and contributions.
Deputy Governor’s Visit Met with Unfiltered Feedback
Deputy Governor Barrister Bayo Lawal, representing the Governor as the event’s special guest, faced an unexpected challenge. As he attempted to convey the administration’s achievements in the area, the crowd interrupted with a loud chorus of “A O ROWOYIN!”-a Yoruba phrase meaning “we have seen nothing from your government.” The reaction was so overwhelming that even the Local Government Chairman appeared visibly unsettled.
Though momentarily thrown off, Barrister Lawal acknowledged the clarity of the message. The pressing question remains: will he courageously communicate this candid feedback back to Governor Makinde?
Persistent Neglect of Kajola Local Government
Since the Makinde administration began in 2019, Kajola has been one of the most overlooked areas in Oyo State. Despite the passage of six years, tangible development within the council is virtually nonexistent. The Governor’s opposition to local government autonomy has further marginalized elected officials, reducing them to symbolic roles without real authority or resources.
While it is true that Governor Makinde has completed road projects such as the Moniya-Iseyin and Oyo-Iseyin roads, these remain the few visible “democratic dividends” for Kajola. If these are the only improvements after such a lengthy period, the people’s frustration is understandable.
Wider Implications for Oke-Ogun Communities
The stark criticism from Okeho raises concerns about the conditions in other parts of Kajola Local Government. Take Ilero, the second-largest town after Okeho, for instance. Its infrastructure is in a dire state, with internal roads crumbling and the main thoroughfare dating back to the era of General Ibrahim Babangida, now severely dilapidated.
Recently, a visitor from Abuja, en route to a funeral in Otu (Itesiwaju Local Government headquarters), passed through Ilero and lamented the poor state of the roads, remarking on the government’s neglect of the community.
Political Divisions Yield No Progress
Despite these hardships, political rivalries during election seasons often pit neighbors against each other, fracturing friendships and family bonds. This is especially disheartening given that the Local Government Executive Chairman hails from the community, yet no significant progress has been made.
Beyond infrastructure, Ilero continues to grapple with ongoing security challenges, and the few existing facilities are relics of decades-old efforts rather than recent development.
A Call for Genuine Attention and Action
In summary, if Okeho’s residents are boldly declaring “A O ROWOYIN” to the state government, then the people of Ilero can only echo with “A O GBORO-YIN” – meaning “we have not been heard.” It is a heartfelt plea for acknowledgment and meaningful intervention.
Dayo Ogunsola, a native of Ilero, reports from Abuja. He can be contacted at ogunsolasurajudeendayo@gmail.com.
