Our attention has been drawn to a misleading and sensational report from The Leadership Integrity Forum Kogi State Branch. It is therefore expedient to correct the cunning narratives presented in that publication to ensure the public is not misinformed.
In the publication, some of the past positions held by Mopamuro personalities were highlighted but we have the following to say;
It is note worthy to say that since the return of democracy in 1999, Mopamuro LGA has only produced a House Of Representatives Member, Barr. Hon. Shola Ojo which is an elective position and he represented between 1999 – 2003.
By 2027 Yagba East will have had 12 years of representation, Yagba West 12 years, while Mopamuro LGA has only had 4 years. Going by the above analysis, extending the current tenure of Elder Leke Abejide will no doubt create a gross imbalance and unjustly marginalized Mopamuro LGA which will be a breach of the collective unity in Yagba Federal Constituency.
There is no indication that Mopamuro Local Government Area has produced a Senator for the Kogi West Senatorial District in the current democratic dispensation (1999–present).
Therefore, Mopamuro LGA has not produced a Senator in the Fourth Republic (1999–present). So, we make bold to ask that why was it mentioned that we have produced Senator in Mopamuro LGA?
Equating elective and appointed positions in the political landscape is a fundamental misunderstanding of democratic structures, blurring the critical lines between direct public accountability and administrative delegation. While both roles are essential for governance, they operate on different principles of legitimacy, accountability, and purpose.
For clarity purpose we put forward the below;
1. The Core Dichotomy:
Accountability vs. Technical Expertise
Elective Positions (Representatives): Derived from the direct will of the people, elected officials are primarily accountable to the electorate. Their legitimacy stems from a mandate, and their primary duty is to represent constituents interests.
Appointed Positions (Technocrats/Agents):
Appointed officials are selected by a superior authority, usually based on qualifications, technical expertise, or political alignment with the executive. Their accountability is vertical—to the person who appointed them—rather than horizontal to the voters.
It is a fatal blunder to be equating the duo, as such creating a nexus between them ignores the democratic mandate.
In essence, an appointed official cannot legitimately claim to represent the people in the same way an elected official does, as their authority is delegated, not conferred by the ballot box.
2. Legitimacy and Structure:
Appointed positions are often designed to provide stability and continuity within the bureaucracy, whereas elected positions are designed for political responsiveness and change.
3. Politicization of Appointments:
Equating the two often leads to the over-politicization of positions meant to be independent or technical.
4. Direct Democracy vs. Representative Efficiency
Direct Accountability:
Elected officials are ultimately removed by the voters. Appointed officials can be removed by the appointing authority, which often means they lack the independence to challenge the executive.
It’s suffice to say equating elected and appointed positions destroys the delicate balance between responsiveness (elected) and competence (appointed). Elected officials represent the public’s voice, whereas appointed officials serve as the administrative machinery. Therefore, they cannot be considered equivalent in legitimacy or function.
Mopamuro LGA have always been an harbinger of civility and peace and never known for political aggression but we are known for our immeasurable and notable contributions to the socio economic and political landscape of our local government, Federal Constituency, State and Nation.
As you posited, House of representatives seat is not a Chieftaincy Title matter but if the rotational arrangement has been bastardized Elder Leke Abejide would not have been in the House of Representatives because such window of opportunity will not be there for him to aspire for the coveted seat.
Could be it Elder Leke Abejide is promising another local government the house of representatives seat so he could have a soft landing even after he reneged on his promise to stakeholders and electorate from Mopamuro LGA that he would stepped aside for a Mopamuro person in 2027?
Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) upholds Inclusivity, federal character and equitable distribution of power.
It is on record that prominent political leaders, stakeholders and electorates from Mopamuro Local Government Areas and other local government areas that made up Yagba Federal Constituency have issued a public declaration opposing any attempt to extend the tenure of the current member representing Yagba Federal Constituency beyond 2027, stressing that it is Mopamuro’s turn to produce the next House Of Representatives Member.
Let’s also seize opportunity to inform you that Mopamuro LGA is united for the “Mopamuro Lokan Project” and no amount of divisiveness will go through or permissible.
We urge all the relevant stakeholders and electorates to remained focus and determined.
Thank you.
E- Signed;
Kogi West Young Elites Group.
5th February, 2026.
