PHOTOS: Chants, Cheers, and Conviction: Ife Ona-Ara Electrifies Ona Ara Political Landscape

Ona Ara Local Government witnessed a remarkable political moment as a massive crowd gathered to witness the official declaration of Arc. Ifeoluwa Akande (PhD), popularly known as Ife Ona-Ara, for the Oyo State House of Assembly seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The well-attended event drew a wide spectrum of stakeholders, reflecting strong grassroots acceptance and growing political momentum across the constituency.

Dignitaries present at the declaration included the MODECOM Chairman, Elder Deacon Adegoke; representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ona Ara; leaders from the Muslim community; and respected community figure, Chief Oloyede (Baba for the Boys). Also in attendance were party stakeholders from various wards, youth representatives, student bodies, and several community leaders.

The event further witnessed the presence of key party figures such as Hon. Mufutau Ogunremi, the Oyo State Financial Secretary of the PDP and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on SDGs; the Ona Ara PDP Chairman, Alfa Kehinde Adeyemo; and Alhaji Hakeem Oke, Full-Time Commissioner, Oyo State Local Government Service Commission. Revered party elders including Hon. Mosobalaje Bakare, Chief Waheed Adurodekun, and Baba Jaiye Bankole, Hon. Nuru Akanni, Hon Azeez Buniyamin and other leaders were also in attendance, alongside the PDP Local Government Executives, Ward Chairmen, and Ward Executives from all 11 wards of Ona Ara.

Speaking at the event, the MODECOM Chairman, Elder Deacon Adegoke, expressed strong confidence in Akande’s candidacy, assuring party leaders that he remains a tested, trusted, and responsible individual whose emergence would be a gain to the party. He further highlighted Akande’s consistent contributions to community development across Ona Ara.

The Ward 9 Chairman, where Akande hails from, also spoke glowingly of the aspirant, emphasizing his unwavering support for both the young and the elderly, as well as his role in sustaining party unity and stability within the ward and beyond.

In his remarks, Alhaji Hakeem Oke described Akande as a committed party man who has remained steadfast since 2018 without showing signs of disloyalty or grievance, despite not holding any political office. He urged party leaders to reward dedication and loyalty by giving due consideration to his aspiration.

The Local Government Party Chairman, Alfa Kehinde Adeyemo, also commended Akande’s consistency and made notable remarks acknowledging his long-standing commitment to the party and the people.

Amid loud cheers and visible excitement, Arc. Ifeoluwa Akande officially declared his intention to contest for the Oyo State House of Assembly seat to represent Ona Ara Constituency in 2027, reaffirming his dedication to service, unity, and grassroots development.

The declaration reached a climax as the crowd erupted into a unified chant:

“Ife ni ka lo! Ife l’okan!”

The event not only marked the formal entry of Ife Ona-Ara into the 2027 race but also signaled a strong show of support and acceptance across political, religious, and community lines within Ona Ara.

With the momentum gathered, political observers note that Akande’s declaration may significantly shape the dynamics of the upcoming party primaries and the general election in the constituency.