The history of Esa-Oke and Ijesa North cannot be written without the towering figure of Chief James Ajibola Idowu Ige, SAN — the Cicero of Esa-Oke. Born in Esa-Oke on September 13, 1930, Chief Bola Ige rose from our little-known community to become a national icon whose legacy remains indelible. His life was defined by dignity, integrity, and uncommon intelligence.
In contrast, the people of Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency have had Hon. Wole Oke representing them in the House of Representatives for nearly 24 years, since 2003. The question every conscious son and daughter of Ijesa North must now ask is: What has 24 years delivered?
THE ENDURING LEGACY OF CHIEF BOLA IGE IN ESA-OKE AND IJESA NORTH
Chief Bola Ige never used Esa-Oke as a mere political slogan. He gave the town identity, respect, and a place in national history. His verifiable achievements include:
1. Putting Esa-Oke on the National Map: Before Bola Ige, Esa-Oke was little known. Through his brilliance as a lawyer, orator, writer, and politician, he made Esa-Oke a name respected across Nigeria and beyond.
2. Free Education Policy as Governor of Old Oyo State (1979-1983): As Governor, he implemented Chief Obafemi Awolowo's Four Cardinal Programmes, with free education as the centerpiece. Thousands of children from Esa-Oke, Ijesa North, and the entire Old Oyo State went to school free because of him. Many of today's professors, doctors, and leaders from Ijesa North are beneficiaries.
3. Establishment of Institutions: He facilitated the establishment of the Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke (OSCOTECH), among other secondary schools and institutions that opened access to education for Ijesa sons and daughters.
4. Legal and Democratic Legacy: As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, former Minister of Power and Steel, and Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, he defended the rule of law and initiated the modern digitization of Nigeria's laws.
5. A Source of Pride: He made the people of Esa-Oke proud to be called Ijesa. He did not need to ask his people to swear an oath for ₦20,000 to prove his worth; his achievements spoke for him.
24 YEARS OF WOLE OKE: WHERE ARE THE ACHIEVEMENTS?
Hon. Wole Oke has been in the House of Representatives since 2003. That is nearly 24 years — six terms — representing Obokun and Oriade.
Legislative work is about lawmaking, oversight, and facilitation of federal presence. But after 24 years, Ijesa North is still asking basic questions:
Where is the federal university, federal polytechnic, or major federal industry facilitated to Ijesa North in 24 years?
Where is the comprehensive youth employment and empowerment programme that has created independent and sustainable livelihoods, beyond token handouts of ₦10k-₦20k and alleged oath-swearing?
Where are ten verifiable individuals mentored or sponsored through credible scholarships in 24 years who are now independent and can testify?
Where are the motorable federal roads, rural electrification projects, and modern classroom blocks that should be commensurate with 24 years of ranking membership?
If Wole Oke truly had dignity, integrity, and intelligence, he would let his 24-year scorecard speak for him, not resort to sharing ₦20,000 and demanding oaths from poor electorates.
Bola Ige served as a one-term Governor and his legacy is still alive in every home in Esa-Oke. Wole Oke has spent nearly 24 years as a legislator and his people are still debating his impact.
Ijesa North deserves better.
Prince Adeyinka Adefabiola
Member, Media and Publicity,
Pelumi Olajengbesi Campaign Organization (POCO)
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