Ijebu-Igbo 2026 Open Debate: House of Assembly Candidates Present Manifestos, Engage Residents on Governance and Community Development at Town Hall

The Ijebu-Igbo House of Assembly Candidates’ Open Debate 2026 has provided a platform for political candidates to present their manifestos, respond to questions from the public and outline their visions for the development of the constituency, with the Oba of Ijebu-Ode urging voters to make thoughtful choices at the polls.

The Ijebu North Constituency 1 House of Assembly Candidates’ Open Debate 2026 was successfully held, bringing together political candidates, traditional leaders, community representatives and members of the public for an engaging discussion on leadership, representation, accountability and the future of the constituency.

The debate offered an opportunity for candidates seeking to represent the people at the Ogun State House of Assembly to communicate their plans directly to the electorate and respond to questions on issues affecting their communities.

The event commenced with an opening prayer, after which the programme’s host, Prince Ogunnwa Ademola Aka MC Demojay, delivered the welcome address. The event was hosted and moderated by MC Demojay, MC Jerry, Kakaki and Ayo Marvel, while Mr. Olawale Senbadejo participated as one of the moderators.

One of the notable figures at the event was the Secretary of the Ijebu-Igbo Council of Elders, Otunba Remi Ogunbanjo, who was seated at the high table alongside other dignitaries.

Addressing the audience, Otunba Remi Ogunbanjo explained the rules and regulations guiding the debate, emphasising the need for order, mutual respect and constructive participation throughout the programme.

His address helped establish the framework for the proceedings, ensuring that the candidates and members of the public understood the expectations for a peaceful and productive engagement.

In his welcome address, MC Demojay also encouraged unity among the people, stressing the importance of collective efforts in pursuing the development of Ijebu-Igbo. He called on participants to approach the debate with open minds and focus on the issues that matter most to the electorate.

Candidates present manifestos and respond to public questions

A major highlight of the event was the manifesto presentation and question-and-answer session, during which participating candidates were given the opportunity to explain their plans for the constituency.

The PDP candidate, Hon. Agbolade Oladapo Olayemi and the NDC candidate, Hon. Idris Toluwalase Balogun, were present and participated in the proceedings.

The candidates presented their respective manifestos, outlining their intentions and explaining what they hoped to achieve for the people if elected to represent them at the Ogun State House of Assembly.

Beyond the manifesto presentations, the organisers created an avenue for direct public participation. Members of the audience submitted questions in writing, which were subsequently read to the candidates for their responses.

The session allowed the candidates to address concerns raised by the public and explain their positions on matters relating to representation, community needs and development priorities.

The format also gave residents an opportunity to engage with the candidates beyond campaign promises, encouraging them to listen critically to the proposals presented and assess the candidates based on their responses.

The event received a significant boost with the presence of the Oluomo of Ijebu Igbo, High Chief Alhaji Abiodun Olawale Lawal Abinugbola MSc, who addressed the audience and offered words of advice to both the electorate and the political candidates.

In his remarks, high chief abinugbola urged voters to exercise their franchise according to their conscience and support candidates who would listen to their concerns and remain committed to the welfare of the people.

Oluomo of Ijebu Igbo emphasized the importance of choosing representatives who understand the responsibilities attached to public office and are willing to give the people a voice in government.

He also engaged the candidates with questions about their professional backgrounds, previous engagements and plans for the constituency, encouraging them to demonstrate their readiness to serve.

His intervention reinforced the importance of responsible leadership, effective representation, and a strong relationship between elected officials and the communities they represent.

Furthermore, Otunba Remi Ogunbanjo, Secretary of the Ijebu-Igbo Council of Elders, also posed questions to the candidates during the programme.

The questions provided an additional opportunity for the candidates to explain their intentions and demonstrate how their proposed plans could address the needs and aspirations of the people.

The involvement of respected community figures and the traditional institution added weight to the discussions, highlighting the importance of public accountability and informed political participation.

The debate further demonstrated the value of creating opportunities for citizens to hear directly from candidates before making electoral decisions.

Towards the closing stages of the debate, the APC candidate, Hon. Olatunbosun Ipaye, arrived at the venue.

The organisers acknowledged his presence and expressed appreciation for his attendance.

The debate had earlier featured manifesto presentations and public questions, providing a platform for the candidates in attendance to communicate their positions to the electorate.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Alhaji Mafoya, who expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to the successful hosting of the event.

He thanked the organisers for their efforts, the participating candidates for making themselves available, the traditional and community leaders for their support, and the people of Ijebu-Igbo for turning out to participate in the programme.

He also acknowledged the contributions of all those who helped ensure that the debate was successfully conducted.

The Ijebu-Igbo House of Assembly Candidates’ Open Debate 2026 served as a platform for political dialogue, public engagement and the exchange of ideas on the future of the constituency.

By providing candidates with an opportunity to present their manifestos and answer questions from the public, the initiative highlighted the importance of transparency, accountability and issue-based political engagement.

As the political process progresses, residents are encouraged to examine the candidates’ proposals carefully, ask relevant questions and make informed decisions based on their assessment of the individuals seeking their mandate.

Ultimately, the success of any democratic process depends not only on the willingness of candidates to present their plans but also on the readiness of elected representatives to honour their commitments and remain accessible to the people.

The central message from the debate was clear, the future of Ijebu-Igbo requires responsible leadership, active citizen participation and representatives who are prepared to listen to the people and work towards meaningful community development.

We sincerely appreciate all the candidates who honoured our invitation and participated in the Ijebu Igbo Open Debate 2026.

Our heartfelt gratitude also goes to the good people of Ijebu Igbo who came out in large numbers, listened attentively to the candidates and participated in this important exercise aimed at promoting good governance, accountability and community development.

Your presence, support, and commitment to the future of Ijebu Igbo made the event a success.

Together, let us continue to build a better Ijebu Igbo through unity, active participation, and responsible leadership.

Thank you all for being part of history

We commend the entire committee and organising team for their dedication, commitment and efforts in making the open debate a success.

Report by MarvelTvUpdates Newspaper & Media.

Special appreciation goes to Solution TV and MarvelTvUpdates for capturing and live-streaming the event, ensuring that people who could not attend in person had the opportunity to watch the proceedings and hear directly from the candidates.

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