When Development Becomes Unequal: Why Idere is Demanding Equity from Hon. Sola Adeleke Administration in Ibarapa Central

“Justice is not measured by how much one community receives, but by whether every community receives its fair share."

For generations, Igbo-Ora and Idere have shared more than a common Local Government. They have shared history, culture, political understanding and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. The founding fathers of both communities laid a foundation built on mutual respect, recognising that while one community might be larger than the other, neither should be treated as less deserving of government attention. That understanding has helped sustain harmony in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area for decades.

Today, however, many stakeholders in IDERE believe that this long-standing tradition of fairness is being eroded under the administration of Hon. Olusola (Sola) Adeleke, the Executive Chairman of Ibarapa Central Local Government.
Their concerns are no longer whispered in private meetings. They are now being openly discussed in community forums, among traditional leaders and within community development associations.

The question many residents are asking is simple: Is every community in Ibarapa Central receiving equitable treatment?
THE PRINCIPLE OF FAIR REPRESENTATION
About fifteen years ago, Ibarapa Central adopted a political block arrangement to promote inclusiveness and reduce feelings of marginalisation.

Under this arrangement:
Bloc 1- comprises Wards 8, 9 and 10.
Bloc 2- comprises Wards 4, 5, 6 and 7.
Bloc 3- comprises Wards 1, 2 and 3, covering the entire Idere community.

The objective was clear: political opportunities should be shared across the three blocks rather than concentrating power within one area of the Local Government.
Stakeholders say the arrangement was designed to strengthen unity, not division.

CONCERNS OVER POLITICAL APPOINTMENTS
One of the earliest concerns raised during the current administration relates to political appointments. According to community leaders, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) directed that each political ward should produce one Supervisory Councillor and one Special Adviser. With three political wards, Idere expected three Supervisory Councillors and three Special Advisers. Instead, stakeholders say the community initially received only one Supervisory Councillor and one Special Adviser.

Following sustained protests and representations by the traditional council and community associations, an additional Supervisory Councillor was later appointed.
While residents welcomed the adjustment, many argue that it did not fully address the perceived imbalance.

DEVELOPMENT MUST BE SEEN TO BE FAIR
Beyond appointments, the distribution of public projects has become the biggest source of concern.
Residents acknowledge that Igbo-Ora, as the headquarters and the larger town, naturally deserves significant government investment. However, they argue that equity is not about giving every community exactly the same number of projects. Rather, it is about ensuring that no community is consistently overlooked.

Stakeholders point to projects reportedly executed in Igbo-Ora during the current administration, including:
1. Construction of Odo ayin bridge.
2. Construction of Olu okun bridge.
3. Construction of Opeleki bridge.
4. Renovation of olu of Igboora palace.
5. Renovation of Igboora town hall.
6. Renovation of FRSC office.
7. Construction of about 15 culverts across Igboora.
8. Drilling of over 7 boreholes
9. Twins Radio, Igboora
10. Rehabilitation of the Market
11. ICT Centre, Igboora

By comparison, projects identified in IDERE include:
Construction of two culverts.
1. Renovation of the Odo-Oko culvert.
2. One new borehole and the replacement of a hand-pumped borehole.

If the estimates provided by community stakeholders are accurate, the disparity is striking. Projects reportedly executed by the Hon. Sola Adeleke administration in Igbo-Ora are valued at over ₦1 billion, whereas projects traceable to the administration in Idere are estimated to be worth less than ₦100 million.

Community stakeholders believe this contrast has created a growing perception that IDERE has not received a proportionate share of development. Thus, it is being argued that this raises legitimate questions about equity in the distribution of public resources across Ibarapa Central Local Government. Hence, whether that perception is borne out by the Local Government's complete records is something many residents believe should be clarified through greater transparency.

WHY THIS MATTERS?
Development is more than roads and buildings. It is about belonging. It is about citizens believing that their taxes, votes and contributions matter equally. When one community consistently perceives itself as receiving less attention, trust in public institutions can weaken, even where government has delivered projects elsewhere. Many elders worry that preserving the historic relationship between Igbo-Ora and Idere requires not only equitable governance but also the APPEARANCE OF FAIRNESS.

A CALL FOR TRANSPARENCY, EQUITY AND DIALOGUE

The concerns being expressed by Idere stakeholders should not be dismissed as political rivalry. Instead, they present an opportunity for constructive engagement.
Residents are calling on the Hon. Sola Adeleke administration to:
a. Publish a comprehensive breakdown of all projects and appointments across the ten wards of Ibarapa Central.
b. Clearly explain the criteria used in allocating projects and political appointments.
c. Ensure that future budgets and development plans reflect equitable distribution across both communities.
d. Engage more regularly with traditional institutions, community associations and other stakeholders from both Igbo-Ora and Idere.

Such measures would not only address current concerns but also reinforce public confidence in the Local Government's commitment to fairness.

THE FUTURE OF IBARAPA CENTRAL
The strength of Ibarapa Central has never rested solely on its infrastructure. It has rested on the enduring partnership between Igbo-Ora and Idere. Every administration inherits not only public resources but also the responsibility to preserve that partnership. “The current debate should therefore be viewed not as an attack on any individual or community, but as a call to uphold the principles that have long sustained peace and unity in Ibarapa Central”.

For many residents of Idere, the message is straightforward: This is not a request for special treatment. It is a call for equity, transparency and inclusive development. As the Local Government continues to implement its programmes, many will be watching to see whether future decisions reassure all communities that they are equal partners in the progress of Ibarapa Central.

Rasaq Lamidi (PhD)
Ajagba Compound,
Ward 3
Koso Quarters, Idere