Community leaders, youth groups and women representatives across the 10 wards of Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State have reportedly endorsed lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi as their preferred candidate for the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced on Friday at a gathering in Ibokun, the headquarters of Obokun Local Government, where stakeholders expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as years of inadequate federal representation and limited development across the constituency.
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, a political leader, Hon. Mayowa Adejorin, said the constituency needed a change in its political representation, accusing the current representative, Hon. Wole Oke, of failing to deliver sufficient development projects during his years in the House of Representatives.
Adejorin also criticised the state of roads and the alleged abandonment or non-execution of federal projects, arguing that stronger legislative oversight was needed to address the challenges.
He described Olajengbesi as a young political figure with ideas and the capacity to address the constituency’s development concerns.
“We have adopted him as our son. We believe he will not disappoint us. We must all support, canvas and vote for him,” Adejorin said.
Women Raise Concerns Over Economic Opportunities
Also speaking at the event, Mrs Eniola Omotosho called for improved support for women, particularly those engaged in small-scale businesses.
She criticised what she described as inadequate attention to women’s economic empowerment under the current representation and said Olajengbesi had demonstrated interest in supporting traders and small business owners.
According to Omotosho, the candidate had supported women entrepreneurs before the election campaign, adding that she believed his proposed approach could improve opportunities for women across the constituency.
Youths Demand Change in Representation
A civil society leader, Comrade Ajayi Dotun, also expressed concerns about youth representation and development in Ijesa North.
Dotun questioned the length of Oke’s tenure in the House of Representatives, saying the constituency had not experienced the level of development he expected despite the lawmaker’s years in office.
He said the endorsement of Olajengbesi reflected the desire of some young people for a different approach to representation.
Olajengbesi Promises Home-Based Representation
Responding to the endorsement, Olajengbesi thanked the stakeholders for their confidence and pledged to prioritise the interests of the constituency if elected.
He said his proposed agenda would focus on youth empowerment, women’s inclusion and effective legislation, promising to maintain close ties with the communities he hopes to represent.
“This endorsement is not for me, it is for our children. It is a mandate to Rescue, Restore and Reset Obokun/Oriade. I will not be an Abuja representative, I will be a home-based representative,” he said.
The statement announcing the endorsement was signed by Sodiq Lawal Chocomilo, spokesperson for the Pelumi Olajengbesi Campaign Organization.
The endorsement comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, as political activities and consultations begin to gather momentum in the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency.
