A political group in Oyo State, the Eruwa Progressives Movement, has accused some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibarapa East Local Government Area of orchestrating what it described as a “deliberate and sustained marginalisation” of Eruwa in the distribution of political opportunities.
In a statement issued and made available to this Newspaper on Thursday, by its Secretary, Adesope Olasunkanmi, the group alleged that certain party leaders based in Lanlate were advancing a “sinister plan” to ensure the town continues to enjoy disproportionate influence whenever the APC is in power.
The group noted that Ibarapa East comprises 10 electoral wards, with Eruwa , the local government headquarters accounting for six, while Lanlate has four. Despite this numerical advantage, it claimed that Eruwa has been consistently sidelined in key political appointments and leadership positions.
According to the statement, two of the three apex political leaders in Ibarapa East — Chief T.A. Jolaoso and Apostle Samson Aderonmu — are from Lanlate, while only one, Elder Dayo Adeola, hails from Eruwa. It further pointed out that Chief Jolaoso also leads the G-9, a body of apex leaders across the Ibarapa zone.
The group listed other positions allegedly dominated by Lanlate indigenes, including the immediate past member of the Oyo State Executive, Mrs. Taiwo Moteleola; a member of the South West Development Commission, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle; and the Ibarapa East coordinator of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Hon. Lanre Olaosegba. It added that the current party chairman in the area is also from Lanlate.
On the forthcoming contest for the House of Representatives seat for Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency, the group recalled an existing arrangement for power rotation between Ido and Ibarapa East every eight years. However, it argued that the reported senatorial ambition of the incumbent lawmaker, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, necessitates a review of that arrangement in the interest of fairness.
The group maintained that Ibarapa East should be allowed to produce the next representative, and specifically advocated that the slot be ceded to Eruwa, noting that the last occupant from the local government, Hon. Yemi Taiwo, is from Lanlate.
It expressed concern over reports that some leaders in Ibarapa East had already conceded the seat to Ido Local Government for another term, a move it described as inconsistent with current political realities.
The group also alleged a contradiction in the stance of Lanlate leaders, claiming that while they had initially supported the continuation of the zoning arrangement in favour of Ido, they were now backing an aspirant from Lanlate, Mr. Bayo Aderonmu, for the same position.
Against this backdrop, the Eruwa Progressives Movement said it had thrown its weight behind Hon. Masolanu Adeolu, whom it described as a grassroots politician and long-standing APC member, to contest for the House of Representatives seat.
It disclosed that Adeolu had obtained his expression of interest and nomination forms on March 29, 2026, while acknowledging that Aderonmu had also joined the race.
“We welcome the contest but will resist any form of oppression or manipulation,adding that the APC in Oyo State “belongs to all members and not a select group of leaders.”