“‘We Are Not Slaves in Our Own Land!’ — Arogbo Ijaw Erupt as Explosive Ondo Senate Argument Sparks Ethnic Firestorm”

By Passman Akpos

A storm of outrage is sweeping through Ondo State as members of the Arogbo Ijaw community fiercely reject what they describe as a “deeply insulting and dangerous narrative” suggesting they are unfit to occupy top political offices in their own state.

The controversy erupted amid intensifying political maneuvering for the vacant Ondo South Senatorial seat, following the exit of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who was recently appointed Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

At the center of the storm is a strongly worded rebuttal from Dr. Kegbe, writing from the ancient Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom, who described the claim as “not just disturbing, but a brutal assault on the dignity, identity, and existence of an entire people.”

“To say Arogbo Ijaw people can never become Governor, Senator, or even OSOPADEC Chairman in their own state is not politics—it is oppression,” he declared.

A PEOPLE PUSHED TO THE WALL

Dr. Kegbe’s statement, now widely circulated, has struck a nerve across Ijaw communities. He framed the argument not merely as political exclusion but as a dangerous attempt at ethnic erasure.

According to him, the issue transcends the candidacy of Chief Isaac Kekemeke, an Ijaw indigene who has reportedly joined the senatorial race.

“This is about every son and daughter of Arogbo Ijaw… our fathers, our mothers, our ancestors. To question our right to lead is to question our humanity,” he said.

The emotional response reflects long-standing grievances among the Ijaw minority in Ondo State, who say they have endured decades of marginalisation despite their contributions to the state’s oil-rich economy.

THE POLITICAL TRIGGER

The backlash follows a detailed political analysis by Akure-based commentator Kayode Adebayo, who argued that zoning the Senate seat to a Yoruba candidate is necessary to maintain “political stability” in the district.

Adebayo’s argument rests heavily on demographics, claiming that the Yoruba population constitutes about 85–90% of Ondo South, while Ijaw people make up only 8–12%, largely concentrated in Ese-Odo Local Government Area.

He warned that allowing an Ijaw candidate like Kekemeke to emerge could:

Disrupt existing informal power-sharing arrangements

Trigger ethnic tension, especially given historical conflicts

Undermine what he described as “majority representation justice”

HISTORY RESURFACES

The debate has reopened painful memories of the violent clashes between Ijaw and Ilaje communities in 1998–1999, a conflict that displaced thousands and destroyed entire settlements.

While Adebayo cited this history as a reason for caution, Ijaw leaders argue that using past violence to justify present exclusion is both unfair and provocative.

“You cannot use history as a weapon to deny us our future,” a youth leader in Ese-Odo said.

A HIGH-STAKES RACE

Meanwhile, the race for the Ondo South Senate seat is heating up, with several prominent aspirants already mobilizing support ahead of the APC primaries. Among them are:

Matthew Oyerinmade (MATO)

Oladunni Odu

Jumoke Akindele

Mayowa Akinfolarin

Morayo Lebi

Boye Oyewumi

The reported entry of Chief Isaac Kekemeke—former Secretary to the State Government and current NIPOST Chairman—has added a new layer of complexity and controversy to the contest.

LEGAL AND PARTY CONTROVERSY

Adding to the tension are allegations that Kekemeke may have violated Article 31 of the APC constitution, which requires aspirants to resign political appointments at least 30 days before primaries.

As of the March 31 deadline, reports suggest he had not stepped down from his NIPOST role—raising questions about his eligibility.

A DISTRICT ON EDGE

Ondo South is no ordinary district. As the state’s oil-producing hub—contributing roughly 60,000 barrels per day—it holds enormous economic and political significance.

With major projects like the proposed Ondo Deep Sea Port and the Ore Industrial Hub at stake, the choice of senator is seen as critical to the region’s future.

Yet, what should be a contest of ideas is rapidly turning into a battle over identity, belonging, and power.

“WE WILL NOT BE SILENT”

For the Arogbo Ijaw people, this moment is bigger than politics—it is existential.

“Silence is not peace—it is permission,” Dr. Kegbe warned.

“We will rise, peacefully but firmly, to reject this injustice.”

As tensions rise and narratives harden, one thing is clear: the Ondo South by-election is no longer just about who becomes senator—it is about who truly belongs

And that question may define the political future of Ondo State for years to come.