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Ondo Women ‘Marginalized’ In Gov. Akeredolu's Political Appointments, Group Says

Olamide Falana, the state coordinator of the group, spoke on behalf of the women after they issued a short statement in Akure.

A group of women under the auspices of the Ondo State Women Must Count (OSWMC) on Wednesday kicked against the marginalization of women in the cabinet of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

Citing the names sent to the House of Assembly for confirmation as commissioner-designates, the group said it shows Mr. Akeredolu has total disregard for the yearnings of women, and that he is not carrying them along.

Olamide Falana, the state coordinator of the group, spoke on behalf of the women after they issued a short statement in Akure.  

Mrs. Falana noted that the list forwarded to the House of Assembly by the governor contained only two females, describing it as “unacceptable”.

"The said list shows a total disregard to the yearnings of the women of the state who hitherto had very high hopes of a better representation in numbers in the leadership of the state especially with the new thinking the governor professed," she said.

She later condemned the lopsidedness in the government of Mr. Akeredolu, saying his campaign promises with the party's manifestos on gender quality was merely lip service.

Falana, a gender activist, described the governor’s marginalization of women in his appointments as an insult to many women who supported the APC in its quest for power in the state.

"This is the worst among all the All Progressives Congress governed states where women have better deals as gender but is not seen as consideration in development of Ondo state.

"Whereas no nation can develop to its full potentials if major stakeholders are not allowed the space for due representation and participation."  

She demanded 35% affirmative roles for women in the political positions of the state and called on Mr. Akeredolu to keep his promises on gender equality in his soon-to-be-formed cabinet.

"We hereby call on Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, his Deputy, Agboola Ajayi, the party leader, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, to act quickly in order to avert further actions from entire women of the state who are saddened by this development".

Sahara Reporters reported that Governor Akeredoluhad listed Mrs Omowumi Olatunji-Edet (Akure South),and Mrs Lola Fagbemi (Ondo West,) as commissioner-designates.  Mrs Folasade Arise was appointed Special Assistant on Special Persons. 

In November 2016, Governor Akeredolu promised during the electioneering campaigns in the state to give 30 percent of the spots in his government to the women folk.

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