Egbeda–Ona-Ara 2027: Contender and Pretenders || By Aare Alao Olalekan* 

As the countdown to the 2027 general elections gradually begins, political conversations across Egbeda–Ona-Ara Federal Constituency are becoming more intense, more reflective, and more people-oriented.

From market squares to motor parks, community meetings to private gatherings, one question dominates the atmosphere: Who truly deserves to represent Egbeda–Ona-Ara at the House of Representatives?

For Aare Alao Olalekan—FIBSU Emeritus, former Chairmanship aspirant in Ona-Ara Local Government, and current Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government—the answer is neither ambiguous nor speculative. In his assessment of the political terrain, he draws a clear line between contenders and pretenders.

According to Aare Alao, leadership at the federal level must go beyond ambition, slogans, and election-season visibility. It must be rooted in a proven record of service, empathy, and consistent engagement with the people at the grassroots.

By this standard, he identifies Hon. Dr. Temitope Ezekiel Oladimeji, affectionately known as OTOPE, as the only genuine contender for the Egbeda–Ona-Ara House of Representatives seat in 2027.

Aare Alao’s position is anchored on verifiable impact rather than political sentiment.

He points to the sustained humanitarian interventions of OTOPE Foundation, which, over the years, has become a household name across Egbeda and Ona-Ara communities.

These interventions, he notes, are not cosmetic gestures but deliberate responses to real needs of the people.

Among the foundation’s notable contributions are the Egbeda/Ona-Ara Medical Outreach, which brought free healthcare services to residents who ordinarily cannot afford basic medical attention.

In the education sector, OTOPE Foundation donated 30,000 exercise books to 30 public schools across the federal constituency, complementing Governor Seyi Makinde’s free education policy in Oyo State.

Women and vulnerable groups have not been left behind. The 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 Widows Empowerment Programmes provided relief, dignity, and economic support to widows across Egbeda–Ona-Ara.

Transport workers equally benefitted through free fuel support for okada riders, Maruwa operators, and commercial bus drivers, easing the burden of rising operational costs.

Youth and students remain central to Dr. Oladimeji’s vision.

Through the foundation, beneficiaries have accessed free NECO and JAMB forms, alongside structured tutorials to improve their chances of success. Community infrastructure has also received attention, including the toilet project at Oja Seriki Market in Ona-Ara Local Government, distribution of solar light panels to communities, and the Egbeda/Ona-Ara Farmers’ Empowerment Programme, which strengthened local agricultural productivity.

“These are not promises; these are records,” Aare Olalekan Alao emphasized.

“No doubt, Dr. Temitope Oladimeji is the real contender for the post. Others are merely pretenders, because they do not have the love of the people at heart. None of them can boldly point to what they have done for our people.”

He further stressed a timeless political truth: politics is local. Representation, he argued, must be earned through years of standing with the people, understanding their struggles, and offering solutions long before seeking votes.

“Politics is local, and I mean it,

Hon. Ezekiel Temitope Oladimeji ÒTÒPÈ is a Real Contender not a Pretender,

Aare Alao affirmed. “Dr. Temitope Oladimeji stands out. Let those who want to contest come out and showcase their humanitarian impacts on our people.”

As Egbeda–Ona-Ara inches closer to 2027, the emerging political atmosphere suggests that the people are no longer swayed by noise or name-dropping. They are paying attention to footprints—who has walked with them, who has lifted them, and who genuinely understands their realities. In that unfolding narrative, many believe the distinction between contender and pretender is already becoming clear.

Aare Alao Olalekan

FIBSU National President Emeritus

FOSSU National Leader

Former Chairmanship Aspirant, Ona-Ara Local Government and

Current Special Assistant to Ona Ara Local Government on Health write from Ward 06 of Ona-Ara Local Government.