The Pelumi Olajengbesi Campaign Organisation (POCO) has alleged that the member representing Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Wole Oke, is losing political support, citing the recent resignation of some All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains in the constituency.
The organisation also claimed that some of the lawmaker’s aides had resorted to discreet, house-to-house appeals for support, describing the alleged development as a sign of declining confidence in Oke’s political standing.
The allegations were contained in a statement issued by POCO spokesperson, Sodiq Lawal Chocomilo.
The campaign organisation questioned Oke’s development record after years in the National Assembly, arguing that his representation had yet to deliver major federal institutions and projects that could improve residents’ lives.
“We understand the silence of his marketers. You cannot build something out of nothing. What excuse will they give for 20 years of legislative stagnation? What and where is Hon. Wole Oke’s legacy project? Where is the federal university, the federal medical centre, or the industrial hub he promised? The people of Ijesa North have resolved that representation must no longer be reduced to mere attendance, but must translate to impact,” the statement read.
POCO further alleged that Oriade/Obokun had not benefited from major federal projects commensurate with Oke’s years in office, insisting that the constituency needed representation focused on tangible development.
“The good people of Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency have passed a verdict. The time has come for Ijesa North to move on from years of excessive dominance, barren legislation and crippled representation. In the last 20 years, this constituency has no record of any legacy project to alleviate the suffering of our people and make their lives better,” the statement added.
The organisation also questioned Oke’s legislative record, alleging that he became more active in sponsoring bills in 2023 amid growing dissatisfaction among constituents.
“The primary responsibility of a lawmaker is lawmaking. It is revealing that it was only in 2023, when he sensed the anger of constituents over 16 years without any serious legislative footprint, that Hon. Wole Oke suddenly began sponsoring bills to deceive the electorate. The people of Ijesa North know the truth: no bill sponsored by him in the last 20 years has been assented to and become a law that transformed our constituency. How can you claim to be a lawmaker when you do not make laws?” the statement queried.
POCO argued that legislative performance should be measured by its impact on the constituency, alleging that Oke had yet to demonstrate how his bills had translated into laws capable of driving significant local development.
The campaign organisation also raised concerns about the condition of the Military Games Village in Esa-Oke, which it said Oke facilitated in 2010.
“The evidence is in Esa-Oke. The Military Games Village he facilitated in 2010, 16 years ago, is now in a moribund state. What was promised as a beacon of development has become a forest and a hideout for criminals, while the indigenes who sacrificed their farmlands bury their heads in regret. He has no legacy school project in Oriade/Obokun, yet he built three private elite schools in Abuja, Ibadan and Osogbo while serving as a federal lawmaker,” the statement alleged.
POCO claimed that the facility had deteriorated and was no longer serving its intended purpose, leaving residents who reportedly surrendered farmland for the project disappointed over the expected economic benefits.
Beyond its criticisms of Oke’s legislative and development record, the campaign organisation accused him of disrespecting traditional rulers and community leaders in the constituency.
“Wole Oke mocks our traditional institution without apology. His record of flagrant disrespect for our royal fathers is alarming. He talks down on our Obas, disregards community leaders and insults the wisdom of our fathers. What is happening today is a united intervention to save him from self-destruction,” the statement alleged.
The organisation also accused the lawmaker of treating the constituency as his personal possession rather than recognising public office as a responsibility to the people.
“The people of Oriade/Obokun no longer see Hon. Wole Oke as a lawmaker. They see a man helped by God who now carries himself as a landlord over the people who are his real employers. He boasts that Oriade/Obokun is his personal estate, that no one can unseat him, that he owns the constituency,” the statement added.
POCO described the recent political developments in the constituency as an indication of what it considers growing calls for a change in leadership. It maintained that effective representation should prioritise accountability, humility, responsive lawmaking and projects that directly benefit constituents.
The organisation subsequently presented its principal, Barr. Pelumi Olajengbesi, as an alternative, promising a different approach to representation focused on public service and community development.
“The era of landlord politics is over. The era of servant-leadership begins. Barr. Pelumi Olajengbesi will walk the good people of Ijesa North through the new path of prosperity they have chosen,” the statement concluded.
The allegations against Oke were contained in a statement issued by POCO. His response to the claims was not included in the statement provided for this report.