By Afolabi Samuel
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s transition to an ambassadorial role has declared the Ondo South Senatorial seat vacant, sparking an early race for his successor. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated Senator Ibrahim as one of the 64 ambassadorial nominees late last year. He delivered his valedictory speech on Tuesday, January 21, 2026, after being confirmed as a non-career ambassador, marking the end of his active tenure as the representative for Ondo South.
Under Section 68(1)(d) of the Nigerian Constitution, a member of the National Assembly must vacate his seat upon appointment to certain executive or diplomatic roles. While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not yet officially scheduled the date for a by-election, the race to replace him is already in full swing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties.
Several names have surfaced as potential successors to fill the remaining years of the 10th Senate term for the Senatorial District. These include Matthew Oyerinmade (MATO) from Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Council, Oladunni Odu, former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to the late Rotimi Akeredolu (Okitipupa Local Council), Mrs Jumoke Akindele, ex-Speaker under Dr. Segun Mimiko (Okitipupa Local Council), Mr Morayo Lebi (Irele Local Council), Mayowa Akinfolarin (Odigbo Local Council) and Engr Boye Oyewunmi (Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Council).
The entry of these men into the race makes political landscape in the senatorial district currently very active. Electorates are indeed spoiled for choice with these high-calibre aspirants vying for the senatorial seat. It promises to be a tough competition.
Ondo South is a critical senatorial district, often considered as the economic engine of the state due to its oil-producing status. So, only the best is good for the zone. When Jimoh Ibrahim was there, he was one of the most articulate persons known for indepth knowledge of issues and emotional intelligence. He stood tall among his colleagues shinning like a piece of china ware with his oratorial prowess. You cannot fault his arguments. To fill his vacant seat, we cannot afford to lower the standard..
Besides, in a district as economically vital and diverse as Ondo South, representation is more than just filling a seat or satisfying a zoning requirement; it is about the total package of the candidate by replacing a ‘like for like’. Given the district’s unique challenges—such as the ecological degradation in the riverine areas, the need for infrastructure in the hinterlands, and the persistent issues with the electricity grid-the “darkness” in the South—the electorate is increasingly looking for specific qualities, including capacity, competence, grassroots connection, compassion and effective representation.
The Senate is not a place for beginners. The district needs someone who understands the mechanisms of the National Assembly. Someone who has the capacity to chair or influence key committees (like Niger Delta Development Commission, Oil & Gas, or Works).
There is a need for a candidate who has remained present in the district even when they weren’t holding office. This presence is what builds the trust needed to mobilise the people to vote. Also, the ideal candidate must be media-genic, articulate and knowledgeable. These qualities go a long way to determine what you get which is based on performance.
Over the years, Ondo South has suffered from systemic neglect, particularly regarding the power sector. The electorate is looking for a compassionate representative—someone who has a history of philanthropy or community development before the election cycle. Also, because the district provides the bulk of the state’s wealth, the people want a Senator who can negotiate firmly with the Federal Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to ensure that the 13 percent derivation fund and other benefits actually reach the local communities.
All the names parading the political landscape present rich resumes. To begin with, Matthew Oyerinmade operates in the oil and gas sector in Port Harcourt. And he’s wealthy. He joined the APC in 2022.
Morayo Lebi, a lawyer, has been in the system for a very long time. His active involvement in politics dates back to the era of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) and up to the current ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He fits into the description of what people call a fair-weather politician. He is around during election.
Morayo Akinfolarin, in his own case, belongs the camp of the Minister of Internal Affairs, Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, who has been involved in supremacy struggle with the State Governor. His ambition may have to contend with the fact that the structure of the party belongs to the Governor.
Another aspirant who embodies positive attributes is Boye Oyewumi. Apart from the fact that he has been in politics since the era of NADECO, he has also served from the base to the top. He has paid his dues in politics. Among others, his democratic credentials remain the best. He was a member of the Abiola Hope 93 Campaign team and subsequently a notable figure in the NADECO. As the youngest member of the defunct pro-democracy abroad, he actively participated in the struggle for the enthronement of the current democratic dispensation in 1999.
After taking a shot at the governorship slot, he joined the government of Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN (aka Aketi) as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Development and Investment and subsequently elevated Special Adviser (SA), a cabinet member status. His exemplary performance elevated him to the position of the pioneer Managing Director (MD) of the Ondo State Investment and Development Promotion Agency (ONDPA) and later the Vice Chairman. Over the decades, his life has been on the service lane, despite being an established businessman. His contribution to the state is organic and he is a statement of results, not a statement of efforts.
Additionally, he has the singular honour of opening up the state to aviation. He facilitated Air Peace and brought back Overland, connecting Ondo state with both Lagos and Abuja, the most two important cities for Development. He revitalised Okitipupa Palm Oil Plc, turning it into a multi-billion naira investment. The CEO of Air peace, Allen Onyema, testified to his integrity, saying “I haven’t met a public servant like Boye Oyewunmi who struck a deal worth hundreds of million and he didn’t ask for any settlement.” In a society where corruption has become a way of life, integrity serves as Boye’s unique selling point in his senatorial bid.
Beyond integrity, his grassroots connection, apart from his persuasive ability to marshal points and drive them home, makes him a sellable candidate. With his affinity with the grassroots people, Boye understands the plight of his immediate environment and can advocate effectively on their behalf in the most effective manner.
And above all, with his proven success in business and public service. Boye is a name that carries weight in Abuja.
• Afolabi wrote from Ore, Odigbo Local Council of Ondo State
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