Tension rippled through Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency in Oyo State on Tuesday as scores of youths stormed major streets in protest over what they alleged to be a looming third-term bid by the lawmaker representing the constituency in the House of Representatives.
The demonstrators, chanting solidarity songs and wielding placards, warned against what they termed an “extended stay in office,” insisting that political leadership must reflect rotation and inclusivity after two consecutive terms.
Alabi, an entrepreneur-turned-politician, is currently serving his second term in the 10th National Assembly. A ranking legislator, he chairs the influential House Committee on Works and is widely known in business circles as the founder of NairaBET and owner of Lekki United F.C.
But the protesters argued that eight years in office is sufficient, maintaining that fresh representation would inject renewed energy into constituency affairs. They contended that democratic ideals demand periodic renewal to sustain grassroots confidence.
Some participants accused the lawmaker of inadequate constituency development and insufficient engagement with residents at the ward level. They claimed that several communities have yet to witness impactful infrastructure or empowerment initiatives commensurate with expectations.
Placards displayed during the protest bore inscriptions demanding transparency, accountability and clearer breakdowns of constituency project execution, underscoring a growing insistence on measurable outcomes rather than political rhetoric.
The agitation comes amid broader national debates surrounding constituency project allocations, particularly following the removal of petrol subsidy. Allegations of increased funding to lawmakers have stirred controversy across civil society and media spaces.
At a roundtable convened in Abuja by the International Press Centre, House spokesperson Akin Rotimi dismissed claims of inflated allocations as politically motivated, insisting that budgetary processes remain transparent and within statutory limits.
Separate assertions by Ayodele Asalu alleging significant funding increases were also rejected by official representatives of the House, who maintained that no extraordinary adjustments had been made outside the approved framework.
Within Egbeda/Ona-Ara, however, the argument has shifted beyond figures to performance. Critics insist that accessibility, responsiveness and visible development must define representation, while supporters counter that legislative experience and committee leadership confer strategic advantages that should not be lightly discarded.
As the political temperature rises ahead of the next electoral cycle, the constituency appears split between continuity and change. Whether the protest marks the beginning of a sustained grassroots movement or merely a fleeting outburst of dissent, one reality stands firm: constituents are demanding stronger accountability and tangible dividends of democracy from those entrusted with their mandate.