By Kehinde Akinpelu
Mopa ( Kogi) June 19, 2025. Prominent Political Leaders and Stakeholders from Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State, have declared that it is Mopamuro’s turn to produce the next House of Representatives Member.
The leaders condemned any attempt to extend the tenure of the current member representing Yagba Federal Constituency, Elder Leke Abejide beyond 2027, stressing it is Mopamuro turn.
This is contained in a statement made available to Journalists in Mopa on Thursday signed by 14 notable leaders including former deputy governors, state legislators and All Progressive Congress (APC) stakeholders.
The Mopamuro stakeholders described the move to elongate the tenure of the current representative as a threat to peace, unity, and political equity among the three local government areas, Mopamuro, Yagba East, and Yagba West, that constitute the Yagba Federal Constituency.
The leaders stated the long-standing rotational arrangement agreed upon since the return of democracy in 1999, which was initiated by respected political forebears such as the late Chief Sunday Awoniyi, Chief Kola Jamodu, Prof. Eyitayo Lambo, and others.
The group noted that the rotation began with Mopamuro (1999–2003), followed by Yagba East (2003–2007), Yagba West (2007–2011), and then continued its sequence with each LGA having another opportunity between 2011 and 2023.
According to the statement , Yagba East by 2027 will have had 12 years of representation, Yagba West 12 years, while Mopamuro has only had 4 years which the leaders asserted that extending the current Yagba East tenure would create a gross imbalance and unjustly sideline Mopamuro.
“ We have always conducted ourselves with civility, never known for political aggression or domination, but for our contributions to local, state, regional, and national development,” the statement read in part.
The leaders cited Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which upholds inclusivity, federal character, and equitable distribution of power, as the moral and legal basis for their position.
While acknowledging the aspirations of the current representative, Elder Leke Abejide, for a third term, the leaders urged him to honor the rotational convention and step aside in 2027.
They warned that his continued stay in the seat would be viewed as marginalization of Mopamuro and a breach of the Yagba unity pact.
The statement also dismissed recent arguments suggesting that Hon. Abejide should continue for strategic reasons such as securing the Speakership of the House.
The leaders argued that such claims lack substance, noting that Abejide could still contribute in other national roles beyond the House of Representatives.
“ Mopamuro Lokan [It is Mopamuro’s Turn]” was the slogan reiterated in the release, which called on all political parties, stakeholders, and the people of Yagba to respect the agreed zoning formula in the interest of peace and mutual respect.
Among the signatories were: H. E. Chief Samuel Ola Akande, Former Deputy Governor, Kogi State; H.E Chief Clarence Olufemi, Former Acting Governor, Kogi State; H. E. Arch Yomi Awoniyi, Former Deputy Governor, Kogi State; Commodore Folusho Daniel (Rtd.), Former Member, Kogi State House of Assembly; and Chief Folorunsho Daniyan, Former Chairman, Mopamuro LGA.
Others are, Dr. (Chief) Alex Ayodele John (Delex), APC Stalwart; Brig. Gen. Benjamin Ipinyomi (Rtd), APC Stakeholder, Engr. (Chief) Edward Meseko, APC Stakeholder; Prince Folorunsho Olafemi, Ph.D, APC Stakeholder; Pastor Babagbemi Adejola, APC Stakeholder; Chief Makinde Oyebode, APC Stakeholder; Hon. Jesse Abayomi Oloke, APC Stakeholder; and Chief Henry Abimbola, APC Stakeholder.
The leaders urged Gov. Usman Ododo, well-meaning Kogites and Nigerians to support fairness and reject any agenda that undermines equity, reiterating their resolve to pursue justice and inclusive representation across Yagba land.
