Agreement Is Agreement! The Turn of Ibadan NorthWest |By Akanmu Sodeeq

In politics, credibility is built not just on promises made, but on promises kept. Across Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, informal agreements often rooted in equity, fairness, and mutual respect have played a critical role in stabilizing political structures and fostering inclusiveness. Nowhere is this more relevant than in the Ibadan NorthWest/Ibadan SouthWest Federal Constituency.

This constituency, made up of two local governments: Ibadan NorthWest with 11 wards and Ibadan SouthWest with 12 wards represents a delicate political balance of 23 wards. By both logic and fairness, power rotation between these two blocs should be straightforward: each local government gets an equal opportunity to serve, ideally on a four-year rotational basis.

However, history tells a different story.

Following Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, expectations were high that equity would guide representation. Yet, the principle of rotation has not been consistently upheld. A notable example is the tenure of Hon. Saheed Fijabi from Ibadan SouthWest, who served two consecutive terms from 2011 to 2019. By every standard of fairness, 2019 should have marked the turn of Ibadan NorthWest.

But politics, as often seen, does not always follow principle. The “tune of the piper” changed, influenced by prevailing political dynamics and interests. The result was the emergence of another representative from Ibadan SouthWest, Hon. Olajide Odidi-Omo.

While his emergence was reportedly backed by an agreement, it raises a critical question: what exactly was the nature of that agreement?

If indeed there was a consensus that Ibadan SouthWest would produce the representative in 2019 with the understanding that Ibadan NorthWest would take its rightful turn in 2027, then that agreement must be honoured. Anything short of that would not only undermine trust but also erode the foundation of political cooperation in the constituency.

Agreements in politics are not mere conveniences; they are moral contracts. They bind communities, leaders, and stakeholders to a shared understanding of fairness. When such agreements are disregarded, the consequences go beyond political disappointment they breed disunity, resentment, and instability.

Ibadan NorthWest has waited patiently. Despite having a significant number of wards and a strong political base, it has continued to show restraint in the interest of peace and cohesion. That patience should not be mistaken for weakness.

As 2027 approaches, the message must be clear and consistent: equity demands that Ibadan NorthWest takes its turn. Not as a favour, not as a concession, but as a matter of justice and respect for prior understanding.

The political class, party leaders, and stakeholders must rise above personal ambition and uphold the sanctity of agreements. Doing so will not only strengthen internal democracy but also reinforce public confidence in the political process.

After all, a system that respects its own agreements is one that commands legitimacy.

The time has come to act in good faith.

AGREEMENT IS AGREEMENT.

And 2027 is the turn of Ibadan NorthWest.