Votes Every Election, Recognition Never? Why Oyo’s Igede Community Is Demanding More Than Political Promises Ahead of 2027
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, conversations are once again turning to the influence of various voting blocs capable of shaping the outcome of the poll. Among those increasingly drawing attention is the Igede community, a largely agrarian population whose members are spread across the state's 33 local government areas and have consistently participated in grassroots politics for decades.
Many members of the Igede community argue that while politicians regularly seek their support during election campaigns, they have received little in return in terms of infrastructure, government appointments, or other tangible dividends of democracy. According to community leaders and residents, election periods often bring visits from politicians requesting votes, but after elections, engagement with the community significantly declines.
Originally from Benue State, the Igede people are one of Nigeria's major ethnic groups from the North-Central region. Over several decades, many migrated to Oyo State and other parts of the South-West in search of fertile farmland and better economic opportunities. Today, they have established thriving farming settlements across the state, producing staple crops such as cassava, yam, maize and vegetables that contribute significantly to Oyo State's food supply.
Their presence is particularly notable across agricultural communities in the Oke-Ogun axis, Ibarapa, Ido, Oyo, Ogbomoso and several other local government areas. Community leaders maintain that Igede residents are represented in all 33 local governments of Oyo State, making them one of the largest single non-indigenous voting blocs in the state. Their reputation for political mobilisation and high voter turnout has long made them an important constituency during elections, especially in rural polling units.
Despite this electoral relevance, many members of the community believe they have remained politically overlooked because they are predominantly farmers and non-indigenes. They argue that while other ethnic communities, including Hausa and Igbo groups, are often courted through consultations, political appointments and stakeholder engagements, similar recognition has not consistently been extended to the Igede community.
One issue that continues to generate discussion within the community is a long-standing allegation linked to the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi. Some community members claim that a road project serving an Igede-dominated area was not prioritised because of the area's demographic composition. Although this allegation has remained part of local political discourse for years, it has not been independently verified through official government records, and no publicly available evidence confirms that such a statement formed official government policy. Nevertheless, the perception has remained deeply rooted among many residents and continues to influence political conversations.
Similarly, some members of the community say they are disappointed that after nearly eight years of Governor Seyi Makinde's administration, they have yet to experience what they consider meaningful government intervention specifically benefiting many Igede settlements. While the Makinde administration has executed numerous road, education, healthcare and infrastructure projects across Oyo State, some Igede leaders contend that many of their communities still face poor road networks, limited public amenities and inadequate government presence.
As political campaigns gradually take shape ahead of 2027, community stakeholders are increasingly calling on governorship aspirants to engage directly with Igede leaders and residents rather than viewing them simply as election-day voters. They argue that recognition should extend beyond campaign visits to include deliberate policies that improve rural infrastructure, agricultural development, healthcare, education and political inclusion.
Interestingly, supporters of one governorship aspirant in neighbouring Ogun State point to what they describe as a more inclusive campaign approach, noting that the candidate has publicly recognised and incorporated members of the Igede community into campaign activities. For many observers, this has strengthened calls for Oyo politicians to demonstrate similar engagement with a community that has contributed significantly to the state's agricultural economy and electoral process.
Political analysts note that elections in Oyo State are often decided by margins that make organised voting blocs increasingly valuable. Rural communities, where voter turnout is traditionally stronger than in many urban centres, could play an even greater role in determining the outcome of the 2027 governorship election.
Whether political parties ultimately respond to these concerns remains to be seen. However, one message emerging from many within the Igede community is clear: they want their votes to be matched by meaningful inclusion, sustained engagement and visible development. As the race toward 2027 gathers pace, candidates who recognise and address these concerns may find that this quiet but organised voting bloc could become one of the defining factors in Oyo State's next governorship election.
0 Comments