The Shadow Over Ondo North: Who Fears Senator Jide Ipinsagba?
By Ayodele Ologunola
The political landscape of Nigeria is often painted with broad strokes of conflict, where power struggles resemble warfare more than a contest of ideas.
This adversarial spirit seems to have cast a shadow over the tenure of Senator Jide Ipinsagba, representing Ondo North Senatorial District. While some hail him as a silent achiever, others accuse him of broken promises and neglect.
But is this criticism organic, or is there a more sinister force at play?
Senator Ipinsagba, a businessman turned politician, entered the Senate in 2023 under the APC banner, a twist of fate considering his previous affiliation with the PDP. His ascent, however, has been met with resistance.
In 2024, a group claiming to represent Ondo North youths publicly criticized his performance, alleging he failed to deliver on promises made during a meeting in Abuja.
These promises, they claimed, included an ICT hub, support for mechanized farming, entrepreneurship training, and job placement assistance.
The youth leaders, led by Ojo Bright Eniafe, accused the Senator of disbanding their monitoring platform, the “Alliance and Synergy,” and of providing inadequate financial support after the Abuja meeting. They further criticized his rice distribution programme, claiming a meager 2kg per person fell far short of expectations.
They even alleged that access to the Senator required a fee, a claim corroborated by some political associates.
Eniafe also raised concerns about the Senator’s alleged inaction regarding ongoing land disputes in Oka Akoko.
The accusations paint a picture of a Senator disconnected from his constituents, failing to address their needs and reneging on his commitments.
The youth group’s strong words and demands for accountability suggest a deep sense of disillusionment.
“Senator Jide Ipinsagba must call himself to order or step aside for the good of Ondo North,” Eniafe declared.
However, a different narrative emerged from other quarters. Interviews conducted by Focus Magazine with residents of Ondo North paint a contrasting picture. Many praise Senator Ipinsagba as one of the best senators the district has produced, second only to Senator Bode Olajumoke. These residents suspect that the dissenting youths are being manipulated by “faceless politicians” threatened by Ipinsagba’s potential impact on the 2027 elections.
These sources describe Ipinsagba as a leader who prioritizes empowerment and due process over handouts. They point to his numerous achievements across the district, including health, employment, education, and infrastructure.
A recent free medical outreach, benefiting over six thousand residents, and the provision of one thousand free JAMB forms for aspiring students are cited as examples of his commitment.
“In the history of Ondo North Senatorial district, this is the first time we’ll have a Senator that has landmark achievements,” one source claimed, highlighting the Senator’s projects in each local government, support for students, and scholarships.
Another source emphasized Ipinsagba’s focus on long-term development, teaching people “how to fish” rather than simply giving them fish.
Adding to the complexity, the Ondo North Youth Alliance, under the leadership of John Awodeyi, issued a communique expressing their confidence in Senator Ipinsagba. They dismissed the protesting youths as “self-serving individuals” and affirmed their support for the Senator’s work.
Hon. Muyiwa Ogunyemi, a Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor, also lauded Ipinsagba’s leadership, highlighting his contributions to infrastructure, education, and economic empowerment. He praised the Senator’s commitment to transparency and accountability, both in the Senate and in Ondo North.
The conflicting narratives raise crucial questions. Are the protesting youths genuinely concerned about their community, or are they pawns in a larger political game? Who are these “faceless politicians” and what are their motives? And what is the true extent of Senator Ipinsagba’s achievements and shortcomings?
The truth likely lies somewhere in between.
It’s possible that some criticisms are valid, while others are politically motivated. Senator Ipinsagba, like any politician, is subject to scrutiny and accountability. However, the timing and nature of the accusations, coupled with the counter-narratives and expressions of support, suggest a deeper struggle for influence within Ondo North.
Ultimately, the people of Ondo North will be the judge of Senator Ipinsagba’s performance. But the cloud of suspicion hanging over the situation demands further investigation. The motives of all parties involved must be examined to determine whether the criticisms are driven by genuine concern for the community or by political maneuvering. Only then can the truth emerge, and the people of Ondo North can make an informed decision about their representation.
