A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and senatorial aspirant for Ondo North, Chief Alex Ajipe, has blamed the deplorable state of federal roads in the district on what he described as weak and ineffective representation by Senator Olajide Ipinsagba.
Ajipe, who spoke in his Christmas and New Year message, lamented the worsening condition of the Owo–Ipele–Idoani–Isua–Akunnu–Akoko–Kogi federal highway, a major route serving over 100 communities across Ondo North.
According to him, the road — which he described as the economic lifeline of the district — has remained in a state of neglect because the senator failed to effectively project the plight of the people at the National Assembly.
“I am re-echoing the sufferings of over 100 communities in Ondo North whose lifelines depend on the Owo–Akunnu–Kogi highway,” Ajipe said.
“That lifeline has long been broken due to poor representation.”
The APC stalwart, who contested the party’s senatorial primary against Ipinsagba in 2023, said the collapse of the road has crippled socio-economic activities, forcing residents and businesses to bear the cost of what he called years of neglect.
“Businesses are suffering. Our people are paying the price for weak and ineffective representation,” he stated.
Ajipe argued that Ondo North deserves a senator who would aggressively pursue federal intervention, rather than remain silent in the face of hardship.
“Ondo North must send a senator who will not hide behind excuses but will use the full weight of the Red Chamber, party influence and strategic lobbying to force action from relevant MDAs,” he declared.
Ajipe’s position echoes growing dissent within the district against Senator Ipinsagba’s representation.
Recently, former Ondo State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Prince Solagbade Amodeni, openly vowed to campaign against the senator, accusing him of abandoning communities across Akoko land.
In a widely circulated video response to Ipinsagba’s claim that opposition against him was limited to his hometown, Ikare-Akoko, Amodeni said dissatisfaction cuts across the senatorial district.
“Many of us outside Ikare have vowed to openly campaign against you at the appropriate time,” Amodeni said.
“I have not seen anything of great value you have done for Akoko South-East or for our youths, except stipends given to a few purchasable leaders.”
Political observers say Ajipe’s comments reinforce a widening internal revolt against Ipinsagba’s stewardship, signaling a potentially fierce contest ahead of the next senatorial election in Ondo North.
