The leadership of Ondo North Youths has accused Senator Olajide Emmanuel Ipinsagba of failing to fulfill promises made during a crucial meeting held in Abuja on May 28, 2024.
The youths, under the leadership of Ojo Bright Eniafe, have described the senator’s representation as a “crass failure” and accused him of neglecting critical developmental initiatives agreed upon during the meeting.
According to the youth leaders, the Abuja meeting, which aimed to foster development across Ondo North, resulted in several commitments by Senator Ipinsagba.
These included the establishment of an ICT hub to create job opportunities for youths, a push for mechanized farming to capitalize on the region’s rich agricultural resources, and entrepreneurship training to reduce poverty. The senator also promised to facilitate job placements for graduates, engage the youth regularly, and fulfill his campaign promises of effective and democratic representation.
The youths alleged that despite forming a platform called Alliance and Synergy to monitor these commitments, Senator Ipinsagba disbanded the group within three months, citing unfounded claims of disloyalty among youth leaders.
The group described this as an act of poor judgment and a deliberate attempt to avoid fulfilling his obligations.
The youth leaders also accused the senator of providing insufficient financial support after the Abuja meeting.
They stated that the senator gave ₦1 million for logistics while his aide contributed an additional ₦500,000, which was inadequate to cover the costs incurred by the representatives.
“The amount given to us was barely enough to cater for transportation, accommodation, and feeding. Personally, my expenses alone totaled ₦435,000, while each representative received only ₦125,000. This shows a lack of respect for the youth leaders and the constituency,” Eniafe said.
Further criticisms were directed at a rice distribution program initiated by the senator during the 2024 festive season.
The group alleged that the senator provided only 2kg bags of rice, with the total quantity distributed being significantly less than promised. “The youths of Ondo North received a mere 20kg of rice in total. It is shameful that after boasting about distributing trailers of rice, this is all the senator could offer,” Eniafe added.
The youths also accused Senator Ipinsagba of creating barriers to engagement by allegedly requiring individuals to pay a fee to meet with him, a claim they say was confirmed by some of his political associates. Despite multiple efforts to restore confidence in his leadership, the youths stated that they have been met with repeated disappointment, leaving them no choice but to publicly demand accountability.
Eniafe also highlighted ongoing land disputes in Oka Akoko that have resulted in violence and alleged that the senator has remained unaware or indifferent to the issue.
“The senator has failed in his duties to his constituency, and it is high time he stops claiming victim. If Senator Ipinsagba has any facts to dispute our claims, he should come forward and present them,” Eniafe concluded.
The Ondo North Youths have vowed to take their destiny into their own hands, insisting that Senator Ipinsagba must fulfill his promises or face rejection by his constituents.
“We are ready to refund him for the little he has spent so far. Senator Ipinsagba must call himself to order or step aside for the good of Ondo North,” they declared.
