The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has fixed Saturday, 20th September, 2025, for a Bye-Election to fill the vacant Councillorship seat in Ilaro Ward 1, Yewa South Local Government Area.
Chairman of the Commission, Babatunde Osibodu, Esq., represented by the Commissioner in charge of Legal Affairs, Chief (Mrs.) Remilekun Olaopa, made this known at a stakeholders’ meeting held at Oronna Hall, Ilaro. He explained that the exercise had become necessary following the death of the incumbent Councillor, the late Hon. Adekanbi Oluwaseun Olayinka.
Osibodu emphasized that the election was not merely about filling a vacant seat but about deepening grassroots democracy. In his words: “This election is not just about filling a seat. It is about honouring his memory and giving the people of Ilaro Ward 1 the opportunity to choose a new representative who will serve with dedication, honesty, and commitment.”
He assured stakeholders of the Commission’s readiness to conduct a credible poll, stressing the need for collective responsibility: “OGSIEC is fully committed to conducting an election that is transparent, fair, and credible. But let me stress—this is not something the Commission can achieve alone. It requires the cooperation of every one of us: the political parties, the candidates, the voters, and the entire community.”
The OGSIEC Chairman also unveiled the timetable and guidelines for the bye-election, which outline critical dates and activities, including nomination of candidates, campaign periods, and election day itself. He urged political parties, candidates, and community members to conduct themselves peacefully, noting that timely resolution of concerns would ensure a smooth process.
In their remarks, the Chairman of Yewa South Local Government, Barr. Babatunde Ogunsola, represented by his Vice, Hon. Sheriff Bankole, and a political leader in Ilaro, Chief (Mrs.) Iyabode Apampa, represented by Chief (Mrs.) Adenike Akintade, lauded the Commission’s commitment and pledged peaceful conduct during the election.
Representatives of political parties including ADC, APC, APGA, and PDP also commended OGSIEC for engaging stakeholders early and urged the Commission to ensure efficiency and proper coordination on election day.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Suraj Abdul, called for peaceful conduct and full participation of political parties, stressing that the Commission’s effort would only be meaningful if embraced by all stakeholders.
He said: “Democracy flourishes when everyone has a voice and when that voice is expressed in peace. Let us show by our conduct that Ogun State sets the standard for credible local elections.”
