IBARAPA CENTRAL ON TRIAL: IDERE’S QUIET DEMAND FOR EQUITY TESTS HON. SOLA ADELEKE’S LEGACY

Asako News reviewed concerns raised by Dr. Rasaq Lamidi of Koso Quarters, Idere, over what he describes as a growing imbalance in development and political representation in Ibarapa Central Local Government under the administration of Hon. Olusola “Sola” Adeleke.

In his submission to this paper, Dr. Lamidi argues that the historic compact of mutual respect between Igbo-Ora and Idere is being strained. He cites the political block arrangement adopted fifteen years ago Blocks 1, 2, and 3 as a framework designed to ensure power and opportunities rotate, not concentrate. According to Dr. Lamidi, that principle is now in question.

On political appointments, Dr. Lamidi states that Idere, with three wards, expected three Supervisory Councillors and three Special Advisers under PDP directives. The community, he notes, initially received one of each. Though a second Supervisory Councillor was later added after protests, Dr. Lamidi maintains that residents still view the distribution as unbalanced.

On projects, Dr. Lamidi lists multiple interventions credited to the Adeleke administration in Igbo-Ora: Odo Ayin Bridge, Olu Okun Bridge, Opeleki Bridge, renovation of the Olu of Igboora’s palace, Igboora Town Hall, FRSC office, about 15 culverts, over 7 boreholes, Twins Radio, market rehabilitation, and an ICT Centre. For Idere, he identifies two culverts, renovation of the Odo-Oko culvert, one new borehole and the replacement of a hand-pumped borehole.

Citing community estimates, Dr. Lamidi puts the value of projects in Igbo-Ora at over ₦1 billion versus less than ₦100 million traceable to Idere. He stresses that whether these figures reflect the council’s full record is what residents want clarified.

For Dr. Lamidi, the issue is not cement and bridges alone, but belonging. He warns that when one community feels perpetually shortchanged, trust in public institutions erodes. Preserving the Igbo-Ora–Idere relationship, he argues, requires not just equitable governance, but the appearance of fairness.

Dr. Lamidi proposes four steps:
1. Publish a full breakdown of all projects and appointments across the ten wards since 2023.
2. Explain the criteria for siting projects and filling offices.
3. Ensure future budgets reflect equitable distribution.
4. Engage regularly with traditional institutions and community associations from both towns.

Asako News notes that Dr. Lamidi’s intervention is not presented as an attack on any person or community, but as a call to uphold principles that have sustained peace in Ibarapa Central. As he puts it: “This is not a request for special treatment. It is a call for equity, transparency, and inclusive development.”

The responsibility now rests with the Hon. Sola Adeleke administration to address the perception gap. As Dr. Lamidi reminds us, a chairman’s legacy is written in two inks: projects, and perception. One without the other is incomplete.