….a passionate appeal for trend reversal
…by Toyosi Olu-Akinbosede
Ondo state women are reputed to be among the most exposed, intelligent, educated, hardworking, distinguished and politically conscious in Nigeria, and since the return to democratic rule in 1999 they have played a major role in the nation’s development through advocacy, commerce, the public service and even political mobilisation.
One would therefore naturally expect that they should be in the forefront of female political relevance in the country but alas the exact opposite is the case especially when it comes to elective positions.
Some have said the problem is that women though politically active are not united in the quest to get more than the usual crumbs, infact many believe that women deliberately destroy the chances of fellow women who have the capacity to be in very top political positions.
Whether true or not, atleast Ondo state women are not the only women in Nigeria, particularly the SouthWest, and women in other states are finding a way around that narrative, so why not Ondo state?
A critical examination of two governance roles will easily show why it is clear that there is a big problem confronting Ondo state women when it comes to elective governance roles;
Deputy Governor– It is very troubling that since 1999, out of the six states in the SOUTHWEST, Ondo state is one of just two states that have NOT had a female Deputy Governor Oyo State is the other but it has compensated with another equally strategic position and I will get to that shortly.
Lagos State(4)– Kofo Akeredolu-Bucknor, Sarah Sosan, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Idiat Adebule
Ogun State(3)– Salimot Badru, Noimot Salako-Oyedele and Yetunde Onanuga
Ekiti State(3)– Funmilayo Olayinka, Modupe Adelabu and Monisade Afuye
Osun State (2)– Erelu Olusola-Obada and Titi Laoye-Tomori
Ondo State(None)
Oyo State(None)
Let’s also look at the spread sheet on Female Senators;
Lagos state(2)– Oluremi Tinubu (3terms) and Idiat Adebule
Ogun state(2)– Iyabo Anisulowo and Iyabo Obasanjo
Oyo state(1)– Monsurat Sunmonu
Ekiti state(1)-Fatimat Raji-Rasaki
Ondo state(None)
Osun state(None)
Osun State which like Ondo State has not had any female Senator since 1999 has however had 2 Female Deputy Governors while Oyo State which has not had a female Deputy Governor like Ondo State has had atleast 1 Senator
ONDO STATE is the only one in the very dynamic and progressive SOUTHWEST that has not been privileged to have Either a Female Deputy Governor Or a Female Senator
Even Ekiti that was created from Ondo State has produced a female Senator and 3 Female Deputy Governors!!!
These are facts which the state should Not be proud of, and which the women should be worried about especially considering their voting strength.
Therefore I ask 3 fundamental questions;
Are Ondo state women eminently qualified for strategic leadership roles?- YES!!
Are they willing to serve?- YES!!
Are Ondo state men selfish?- NO!!
One of the signs of true progressivism is daring to change the narrative and in all honesty because of our experience as a people over the decades, giving women more roles in leadership is a proof that the state wants to change an ugly narrative and be truly progressive,and since Ondo state is the home of progressive politics then Ondo state must change the ugly trend of female exclusion.
I therefore challenge Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to make history by supporting women for these two roles and history will be kind to him.
It is equally important to emphasize that when women eventually get the chance they should present only the best; women with a track record of distinguished performance in former positions held, not those who have no tangible results to show from previous opportunities. They must be particular about women who will make the womenfolk and the state proud, women who will pull up other women.
