The Ikale United Front (IUF) has cautioned against growing political tension and divisive narratives surrounding the succession of the Ondo South senatorial seat, following the exit of former Senator, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR.

Dr. Ibrahim, who hails from Okitipupa Local Government Area, recently assumed a new role as Nigerias Permanent Representative to the United Nations in the United States, creating a vacancy that has sparked debateparticularly on social mediaover which locality should produce the next senator.

 

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In a press statement issued on April 21, 2026, the group strongly opposed claims that only an indigene of Okitipupa Local Government should succeed the outgoing senator. The IUF described such arguments as narrow and potentially divisive, warning that they could undermine unity within Ikale land.

 

Speaking on behalf of the group, Mrs. Clara Iwaeni emphasized that the senatorial seat belongs collectively to the Ikale people, not to any single local government area. As far as our group is concerned, that senatorial post belongs to the Ikale nation. It is therefore open to qualified individuals from across Ikale landbe it Irele or even Ikale communities in Odigbo Local Government, she stated.

 

The group reiterated its commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and the collective progress of Ikale land, urging political stakeholders and the public to avoid sentiments that could foster division or hinder broader representation.

 

The IUF concluded by calling for calm and unity as consultations and political processes toward filling the vacant seat continue.