Otunba Olalekan Simon Oluwole Demands Accountability, Inclusive Development in Ijebu North East
Ademola Busayo 
Otunba Olalekan Simon Oluwole, the Otunba Atunluto of Ilugun North Kingdom, has called on political leaders and relevant authorities to improve development across Ijebu North East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
In a press statement dated October 25, 2026, Otunba Oluwole expressed concern over the challenges facing communities in the local government, including poor infrastructure, limited economic opportunities, youth unemployment and inadequate access to essential services.
He said the people of Ijebu North East deserved more than political promises and occasional visits, stressing the need for responsible leadership, transparency, proper planning and measurable results.
According to him, communities should not continue to wait indefinitely for development while young people struggle to find opportunities and rural settlements remain outside important development plans.
Otunba Oluwole Explains Why He Is Speaking Out
The traditional titleholder said his intervention was motivated by his concern for the welfare of the people and his responsibility to contribute to the progress of his community.
He explained that his traditional title was not merely an honour but a responsibility to promote unity, peace, development and the well-being of the people.
“I cannot proudly bear the title of Otunba Atunluto while remaining indifferent to the challenges confronting the communities I am privileged to serve,” he stated.
He added that traditional leadership should go beyond cultural celebrations and public appearances to include supporting vulnerable people, protecting community interests and creating opportunities for constructive engagement.
Otunba Oluwole also clarified that his statement was not an endorsement of any political party or individual, nor an attempt to undermine any public institution. He described it as a personal intervention aimed at encouraging development in Ilugun North Kingdom and the wider Ijebu North East Local Government Area.
Calls for Accountability and Better Public Services
Otunba Oluwole urged residents to ask important questions about the performance of public officials and the progress made in their communities.
He called for clear information on completed projects, improvements to rural roads, schools, healthcare centres and markets, as well as the allocation of public resources.
He also stressed the need for programmes that support farmers, artisans, traders, women and young entrepreneurs.
According to him, public office should be seen as a responsibility to the people rather than a reward for political loyalty.
He noted that leadership should be measured by the quality of services delivered to the people, not by the number of political supporters surrounding an officeholder.
Identifies Key Areas for Development
As part of his recommendations, Otunba Oluwole outlined several areas that require urgent attention to improve living conditions across Ijebu North East.
These include the rehabilitation of community roads, improved school facilities, better-equipped primary healthcare centres, support for farmers, youth skills development, entrepreneurship and access to safe water and proper sanitation.
He also called for greater transparency in government spending, regular public reports on development projects and increased community participation in monitoring public programmes.
He emphasised that every ward and community deserved fair consideration, adding that rural settlements should not be excluded from development opportunities.
Urges Residents to Look Beyond Political Campaigns
With the next electoral cycle approaching, Otunba Oluwole urged residents to focus on policies, development plans and the ability of political candidates to deliver meaningful results.
He encouraged citizens to examine candidates’ promises, ask questions and demand clear explanations of proposed projects, funding arrangements and implementation timelines.
He also called for peaceful political participation, warning against intimidation, misinformation and unnecessary hostility.
He acknowledged that no single elected official could solve every problem alone, noting that cooperation among local, state and federal authorities remained important for sustainable development.
Traditional Institutions, Businesses and Youths Have Roles to Play
Otunba Oluwole further called on traditional institutions, community associations, religious leaders, professional groups, business owners and youth organisations to contribute to the development of Ijebu North East.
He said people living outside the community, both within Nigeria and abroad, could contribute their knowledge, professional experience, networks and resources to local development.
However, he stressed that private donations and community efforts should complement, rather than replace, the responsibilities of government institutions.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting education, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation and community development through constructive engagement.
“Our Communities Deserve Development”
In his final message, Otunba Oluwole called on residents to work together towards a stronger culture of civic responsibility, accountability, peaceful participation and collective development.
He urged community members to remember that decisions made by public officeholders could affect generations to come.
He concluded with a strong message to the people of Ijebu North East:
“IJEBU NORTH EAST DESERVES BETTER. OUR COMMUNITIES DESERVE DEVELOPMENT. OUR PEOPLE DESERVE ACCOUNTABILITY. AND OUR FUTURE DESERVES SERIOUS ATTENTION.”
The statement was issued in his personal capacity as a traditional titleholder and concerned son of Ijebu North East Local Government Area, Ogun State.
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