Akoko communities seek guber position, allege marginalisation

Akoko communities in Kwara and Kogi states have urged the people to concede the governorship position to them.The chairman of the group, Mr. Steve Ajulo, made the appeal in an interview in Ilorin yesterday.

According to him, unless an Akoko man is elected as the next governor, the ugly trend of marginalisation against the communities may continue.He said the Akoko communities, which constitute major socio, political and economic divisions in the state are Ikale-Ilaje, Ondo-Ile-Oluji, Akure and Owo blocks.

Ajulo explained that the lot of the Akokos under the out-going government of Segun Mimiko, was bleak.He alleged that the government had neglected the people in the last eight years, warning that they would no longer play a second fiddle in the state.

The chairman explained that the only government presence in Akoko communities is the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, which was founded by an Akoko man, the late Adebayo Adefarati.

He said: “There is no passable road in any part of Akoko land, just as our electricity and water supply systems are the poorest in the state. Despite being the most populous tribe, we have only one functioning general hospital at Ikare.

“As agrarian people, farming has been put on hold in many Akoko settlements due to the incessant onslaughts of herdsmen. These rustlers had killed many of our people and maimed countless others. Yet the current government failed to find solutions to the problem.”

Ajulo urged the people to vote wisely “this time around,” adding that voting for an Akoko man is the only step to benefit from the dividends of democracy.