The impending by-election in Ondo South, triggered by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s exit to an ambassadorial appointment, has reopened a familiar but sensitive conversation in the district: not just who should represent the zone, but where that representation should rightly come from at this moment.
Senator Ibrahim formally vacated his seat in January 2026 following his confirmation as a non-career ambassador, in line with Section 68(1)(d) of the Constitution. Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to announce a date for the by-election, political activity across the senatorial district has intensified, with several aspirants already positioning themselves across party lines.
Names being mentioned include Matthew Oyerinmade from Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo, former Secretary to the State Government Oladunni Odu and ex-Speaker Jumoke Akindele from Okitipupa, Morayo Lebi from Irele, Mayowa Akinfolarin from Odigbo, and Engr. Boye Oyewunmi, also from Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo. The breadth of aspirants reflects both the political weight of the district and the high expectations attached to the seat.
Ondo South occupies a strategic place in the state’s political economy. As the oil-producing zone, it accounts for a significant share of Ondo State’s revenue and bears the brunt of ecological degradation, infrastructure deficits and persistent power supply challenges. Representation from the district, therefore, demands more than symbolic presence; it requires experience, policy depth, negotiating strength and sustained engagement with federal institutions.
Beyond individual credentials, however, equity considerations have come to the fore. Many stakeholders argue that Ikale land, which forms a substantial part of the senatorial district, deserves to produce the next senator. The argument is rooted not only in population spread and contribution to the district’s economic output, but also in the need for balanced representation across Ondo South’s diverse communities.
The Senate, party leaders and voters alike recognise that replacing Jimoh Ibrahim requires a “like-for-like” approach. His tenure was marked by articulate interventions and strong visibility on national issues.
The expectation now is for a successor with comparable legislative maturity—someone capable of influencing key committees such as Oil and Gas, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) or Works, and of navigating the complex power dynamics of the National Assembly from day one.
Among the aspirants, Engr. Boye Oyewunmi has emerged as a leading figure frequently cited in conversations around both capacity and zoning. A long-time participant in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, his political journey dates back to the NADECO era, including involvement in the Abiola Hope ’93 campaign and pro-democracy activities abroad. He later served in the Rotimi Akeredolu administration as Senior Special Assistant and Special Adviser on Development and Investment, before becoming the pioneer Managing Director of the Ondo State Investment and Development Promotion Agency.
His tenure in public service was closely associated with tangible outcomes, including efforts that reopened Ondo State’s aviation links to Lagos and Abuja and the revitalisation of Okitipupa Palm Oil Plc into a major investment asset. Industry figures have publicly attested to his integrity, a trait increasingly rare and highly prized in Nigeria’s political space.
Supporters also point to his consistent presence at the grassroots and his familiarity with the socio-economic challenges facing Ikale communities and the wider district. In a region where trust in public office holders is fragile, sustained community engagement outside election cycles is becoming a decisive factor for voters.
As Ondo South prepares for the by-election, the contest is shaping up as more than a routine political race. It is a referendum on fairness, competence and the kind of leadership required to convert the district’s economic importance into real developmental gains. For many stakeholders, these considerations collectively strengthen the case for Ikale land and for a candidate with both the experience and the credibility to speak for the district effectively at the national level.
Written by Bankole Orimisan, a journalist from Ode-Aye, in Ondo State
