The appointment of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as one of Nigeria’s Ambassadorial nominees has opened a major chapter in the politics of Ondo South Senatorial District. With his imminent exit from the Red Chamber, attention has turned to the 2026 bye-election and the search for a credible, experienced and unifying figure to sustain the district’s voice at the national level. Across the six local government areas that make up the senatorial district, discussions are intensifying as political actors revisit the principles of fairness, zoning and historical representation.
Ondo South has followed an informal rotational pattern over the years. Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo is widely considered out of contention, having recently produced Senator Nicholas Tofowomo before Jimoh Ibrahim. Ilaje is not favoured in the current permutations, given its past representation by Senator Hosea Ehinlanwo and the fact that the incumbent Governor hails from the area. Irele has had its fair share of influence with Senator Yele Omogunwa and the current House of Representatives member from the Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency. Ese-Odo remains technically eligible but is not strongly positioned due to its shared federal constituency alignment with Ilaje. At the centre of realistic consideration are Odigbo and Okitipupa, two LGAs with strong arguments rooted in historical balance, demographic strength and political contribution.
It is within this landscape that Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin emerges as the leading figure in the unfolding political contest. His name continues to resonate across party structures, community networks and opinion blocs, not merely for geographic suitability but for an unmatched depth of political experience. Among all the aspirants currently mentioned, Akinfolarin stands out as the most prepared and institutionally grounded.
Akinfolarin’s political career is defined by steady growth through successive layers of governance. He has served as a two-term member of the House of Representatives, a record that places him ahead in legislative understanding and national exposure. His years in the National Assembly were marked by active participation, effective networking and a reputation for maturity in parliamentary conduct. At a time when Ondo South needs a representative who can immediately navigate the complexities of the Senate, such legislative experience is invaluable.
Before his journey to the federal legislature, Akinfolarin had already earned recognition within Ondo State as a former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly. This role equipped him with a deeper appreciation of lawmaking, oversight and leadership. It also strengthened his ability to build consensus and foster cooperation across political divides, qualities that matter greatly in the often delicate operations of the Senate.
Even earlier in his career, Akinfolarin distinguished himself as Chairman of Odigbo Local Government. This grassroots exposure grounded him in the realities of community needs, public service delivery and local-level governance. Many of the political leaders who passed through Odigbo in that period still speak of his administrative competence and inclusive leadership style. His long journey through the tiers of government means he understands the concerns of ordinary people just as much as he understands the dynamics of national policy.
As Ondo South prepares for a consequential bye-election, experience becomes a central requirement. The district cannot afford experimentation or a learning curve at a time when federal presence and legislative advocacy are urgently required. Akinfolarin’s background reflects a rare balance of grassroots acceptance, state-level leadership and national legislative exposure. This combination is precisely what gives him an edge over other aspirants, including respected figures from Okitipupa and neighbouring areas.
With the senatorial seat set to become vacant, the district faces an important decision. The next senator must be someone capable of sustaining development, mobilising resources, negotiating effectively within the legislature and ensuring that Ondo South continues to attract federal attention. In every measure of preparedness, Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin fits this profile. His track record is long-standing, his political structure is firm, and his understanding of the district’s aspirations is deep and genuine.
As political conversations continue to heat up ahead of the bye-election, one reality has become increasingly clear across Ondo South: Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin represents the strongest, most experienced and most reliable option to take over from Senator Jimoh Ibrahim. His journey through local, state and federal governance makes him not just a contender, but the most fitting successor for a district that deserves seasoned and effective representation.