Ona-Ara 2027: Navigating The Past, Defining The Future In Oyo Assembly
Ona-Ara 2027: Navigating The Past, Defining The Future In Oyo Assembly
Ona-Ara Local Government Area stands as a cornerstone of the Pacezetter State. As one of the largest less city local governments in Oyo State, its transition from the old Oluyole Local Government in 1989 under the military administration of Colonel Adedeji Oresanya marked the beginning of a distinct political journey. Since the return to democracy in 1999, the people of Ona-Ara have consistently looked toward the Oyo State House of Assembly for representation that bridges the gap between grassroots needs and legislative action. However, as we reflect on the Past, Present, and Future, we must ask, has the representation mirrored the diversity and potential of our people?
The history of Ona-Ara’s representation in the State Assembly is a chronicle of effort, ambition, and, at times, missed opportunities. Between 1999–2003, the early years of the Fourth Republic saw a focus on establishing the foundation of local representation. While the intent was there, the infancy of our democracy meant many legislative goals were stifled by a lack of experience in the chambers. In 2003–2015, this era saw a mix of veteran and emerging politicians. Some representatives were able to facilitate local projects, specifically in rural electrification and road grading, while others remained silent observers, failing to sponsor bills that addressed the unique agricultural and trade needs of Ona-Ara.
From 2015–Present, this recent years have seen more vibrant debates, but the loophole remains a disconnect between the Assembly and the rural wards. Many constituents feel that their representatives only appear during election cycles, leaving a trail like a snake passing over a mountain, visible for a moment, but leaving no lasting footprint.
A glaring reality of the last 25 years is that every single individual who has represented Ona-Ara in the State Assembly has been male. While these men have served to the best of their abilities, the exclusion of women is a vacuum that stunts our growth. Global and national trends prove that female administrators bring a unique empathy-driven governance style. Women are often more focused on the human indices of development, healthcare, education, maternal welfare, and micro-business support.
"When a woman leads, she doesn't just represent a constituency, she nurtures a community".
It is time for the progressive party in Ona-Ara to recognize that the traditional all-male approach has reached its limit. We need a candidate who understands the kitchen-table issues of the average household. Women like Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Honourable Monsurat Sunmonu (the first female Speaker in Oyo State) have shown that female leadership is synonymous with fiscal discipline and results. In Oyo State, we have seen how female leaders prioritize grassroots interventions, ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach the elderly and the vulnerable.
Among the voices rising for a better Ona-Ara in Oyo State House of Assembly is Chief [Mrs] Funmi Obisesan who hail from the popular Obisesan family of Aperin. She stands out as a beacon of commitment and consistent philanthropic intervention. Unlike those who wait for a title to serve, her work has been evident in consistent support for local artisans and traders, interventions in the educational needs of underprivileged children within our wards and a political ideology rooted in inclusivity and sustainable development.
Her candidacy is not just a female slot, it is a strategic move for a local government that deserves a representative with a heart for the people that requires the support of a responsible men and fathers. For Ona-Ara to move from a past of trial and error to a future of tangible results,the progressive party must set aside gender bias and support a candidate with proven integrity.
The sun is rising on a new era in Ona-Ara. We have seen the past, and we are living the present. The future, however, belongs to a leadership that is inclusive, compassionate, and bold. It is time to give the daughter of the soil a chance to lead. It is time for a female voice in the Oyo Assembly.
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