The Owu community in the Abeokuta North Local Government of Ogun State has protested what it described as an unfair allocation of electoral wards, despite its significant population and high voter registration figures.
Speaking on behalf of the community under the aegis of the Concerned Apex Citizens of Owu, in a statement on Sunday, Pastor Sola Makinde urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to create at least three additional wards to supplement the existing three, ensuring fair political representation and more effective governance.
Citing figures from INEC’s website, Makinde pointed out that while other communities in the local government—such as Oke-Ona, Gbagura, and Oke-Ogun—have between four and five wards, Owu, despite having 42,264 registered voters (the second highest in the local government), is left with only three wards and 78 polling units.
He emphasized that the current ward structure places undue strain on residents, forcing many to walk long distances to polling units during elections—a situation that discourages participation and fuels voter apathy.
“Part of our discoveries are the unfortunate imbalances in the allocation of only three wards to Owu Community despite our huge population and voter registration strength.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that delineation is long overdue in the Owu community.
“It is crucial for ensuring fair political representation, efficient governance, civic responsibility, and monumental community engagement,” Makinde said.
The group stressed that ward delineation is fundamental to preventing political imbalance and ensuring equitable representation at the grassroots level.
Given its large population, land size, and insufficient polling units, the community is demanding the immediate creation of three additional administrative and political wards.
“Presently, Owu Community consists of three administrative/political wards. However, Owu is duly qualified for at least five wards.
“Through this expansion, we hope to significantly reduce voter apathy and achieve a major milestone in our political and electoral representation, both within the Owu Community and Abeokuta North Local Government as a whole,” Makinde added.
Supporting the demand, former Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Mr. Sunday Akintona, also called on INEC to act swiftly.
“This issue has been long overdue. Given Owu’s continuous growth, expansion, and population explosion, INEC must recognize the need for additional wards to ensure fair political inclusion and better electoral participation,” Akintona stated.
