Akin Alabi: A Once-A-Year Representative And The Politics Of Tokenism || By Ademola Akinola 

It is deeply troubling and frankly regrettable that representation in Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency has been reduced to a once-a-year appearance, timed conveniently with Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The recent announcement of a ₦20 million donation by Akin Alabi, the Honourable Member representing the constituency at the National Assembly again exposes a recurring pattern that has become all too familiar to the people: seasonal generosity wrapped in excessive publicity.

For years, the people of Egbeda and Ona Ara have watched this cycle repeat itself.

For twelve long months, they neither see nor hear from their representative.

No consistent engagement, no sustained empowerment programmes, no visible human connection with the everyday struggles of the people.

Then suddenly, during the festive season, he reappears with fanfare, cameras, and carefully choreographed publicity, only to disappear again until the next Christmas.

What makes this latest development even more painful is the reality behind the numbers.

Despite the widely publicised ₦20 million disbursement, beneficiaries reportedly received as little as ₦1,000 each after enduring stress, long hours, and unwavering loyalty to the party.

Is this the value placed on the sacrifices of party faithfuls who worked tirelessly during his first term and stood firmly behind him again in his second term? Is this the reward for grassroots supporters who defended him in rain and sun, during campaigns and elections?

This approach is not empowerment; it is tokenism.

It is insulting, demeaning, and reflective of a leadership style that lacks empathy.

Governance is not about throwing crumbs once a year and expecting endless praise in return.

Representation demands consistency, compassion, and genuine concern for human dignity. Sadly, those qualities appear glaringly absent.

Even within the APC, there is growing dissatisfaction. Party members are not enjoying this style of leadership, and neither is the wider constituency.

A representative who should be a bridge between the people and government has instead become distant, self-centred, and disconnected from grassroots realities.

What makes this situation even more embarrassing is the stark contrast provided by Hon. Akinyemi Akinpelu, an ardent APC member who holds no public office.

Without noise, propaganda, or media parade, he recently carried out an empowerment programme worth over ₦30 million in Ona Ara Local Government.

Long before this, his consistent acts of philanthropy and generosity had already endeared him to the people.

His focus has never been on praise-singing or publicity stunts, but on genuine relief and sustainable empowerment.

That is leadership. That is service. That is love for the people.

Reaching out to constituents should never be a once-in-a-year event, and it should certainly not be done in a manner that insults their intelligence and dignity.

True representation is continuous, humane, and people-centred—not seasonal, self-serving, and camera-driven.

The people of Egbeda/Ona Ara deserve far better than a representative who remembers them only during festivities.

They deserve leadership with a human face, a listening ear, and a heart that beats daily for their welfare, not just when Christmas bells ring.

Ademola writes from Ona Ara Local Government