Tension is rising in the Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency of Oyo State following a protest by youths opposing an alleged third-term ambition by the lawmaker representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, Akinola Adekunle Alabi.
The protesters, who staged a street demonstration, argued that after two terms spanning eight years, leadership should rotate to allow for fresh representation. Placards displayed during the protest called for accountability, transparency, and what the demonstrators described as improved constituency development.
Alabi, an entrepreneur and author, is currently serving his second term in the 10th National Assembly. He chairs the House Committee on Works and is also known as the founder of NairaBET and owner of Lekki United Football Club.
Some residents who spoke during the protest alleged that infrastructure and empowerment initiatives within parts of the constituency have fallen short of expectations.
The development comes amid broader national discussions about constituency project funding following the removal of petrol subsidy. At a media roundtable organised by the International Press Centre in Abuja, House spokesperson Akin Rotimi dismissed claims of increased lawmakers’ allocations as false, attributing them to political interests.
Supporters of Alabi, however, point to his legislative experience, committee leadership role, and private sector background as strengths.
The unfolding situation reflects a wider debate about tenure, performance, and political renewal, as residents of Egbeda/Ona-Ara appear divided between continuity and change.
