Maroc - VERACITY.COM.NG - A La Une - 30/Aug 04:38

Oka: A Giant Starved And Silenced

In today’s world, size matters, especially in the context of human settlements. The size of a community is often seen as a determinant of its social, economic, and political strength. It shapes how much attention a community commands, how it is courted by politicians, and how much it benefits when developmental resources are shared. In politics, size often equates to bargaining power: the larger the community, the more it is expected to gain in the distribution of infrastructure, appointments, and political privileges.Oka-Akoko, the largest town in the Akoko region, epitomizes the paradox of size without substance. Despite being the most populous town and the headquarters of Akoko South West Local Government Area in Ondo State, Oka lags behind in infrastructural development and political recognition. For too long, Oka-Akoko has been paraded as a giant, yet treated like a beggar. In a world where size commands respect, attracts development, and secures political bargaining power, Oka’s story is one of a sleeping giant, betrayal and neglect.What does Oka have to show for its size and status as an LGA headquarters? Very little, if anything. Roads remain deplorable, public facilities are in decay, youth opportunities are stifled and meaningful government presence is nearly invisible. The sad reality is that, every election season, politicians swarm Oka like bees to honey. Oka’s size is celebrated only during election seasons, when politicians suddenly become friends of the land. They sing our praises, dance in our streets, and make endless promises. Its voting strength turns into a prized trophy for every political aspirant, only for the town to be forgotten the moment the ballots are counted. The only gains after are crumbling roads, neglected infrastructure, forgotten promises. We are big in numbers but small in dividends. We are only been used, discarded, and mocked in silence. Is this the reward for loyalty? Is this the price for being the heartbeat of a local government?Since the return of democracy in 1999, Oka’s record of government impact is embarrassingly rare. Apart from the limited efforts of the late Governor Olusegun Agagu and Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, successive administrations have largely bypassed the town. Look around: Ikare is developing, Akungba is moving forward, Owo is rising, but Oka remains crawling! Since 1999, only the late Olusegun Agagu and Dr. Olusegun Mimiko have left any meaningful touch here. Even those with roots in Oka—like the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati (Baba Peace) from nearby Akungba-Akoko (1999–2003) turned their backs on us. His own mother was from Ibaka quarter, yet no major project bears his name in Oka. When reminded of the deplorable Iwaro-Ayegunle road, he jokingly said, “If that road is constructed, Akungba will be abandoned.” Of a truth, that road was left without attention. The rest, as they say, is history. What a demoralizing memory!  Even the immediate past administration of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (Aketi) offered only a token, barely 1 km of road in Oka-Odo, Iwaro-Oka. And now, in the ongoing administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, a 5 km road project was approved for every local government in the state, yet Oka, the supposed headquarters, was sidelined once again as the project was diverted to the Commissioner’s hometown without a second thought.This is not just an issue of neglect; it is a clear disregard for the loyalty and contribution of Oka people. During Governor Aiyedatiwa’s political turbulence, prominent political leaders from Oka-Akoko rose in his defense and mobilized support. Yet, the reward for that loyalty has been silence, exclusion, and underdevelopment.Oka must not continue to be treated as a “big for nothing” entity. Its size, its history, and its political relevance demand better. The time has come for the people of Oka to insist on accountability, to demand their fair share, and to reposition their town from being a convenient voting bank to a respected stakeholder in the affairs of Ondo State.If Oka is truly the heartbeat of Akoko South West, then it deserves to be treated like one; not a ceremonial giant, but a thriving hub where size is matched with substance.Enough is enough! Oka must rise! We cannot continue to be a political pawn; a giant that dances to the drum of exploitation. If Oka must remain the pride of Akoko South West, then we must start acting like it; speaking with one voice, refusing to be used and dumped, and demanding what is rightfully ours. Oka is not just big, also powerful. And it is time to turn that power into progress! Our size is our power, but power unused becomes weakness. We must demand:1. Equal share of infrastructure befitting a local government headquarters.2. Transparency from our leaders, both at home and in government.3. Accountability from those who ride on our backs to power.No more silence. No more empty promises. Oka deserves roads, industries, youth empowerment, modern facilities, and genuine government presence and *not just political handshakes and photo opportunities during campaigns.Danjuma Jamiyu AJAYIFriday, August 29th, 2025