By Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
Rt. Hon. Hakeem Jamiu’s bid for a third term in the Ekiti State House of Assembly has received a major boost, as his ancestral home in Igbemo Ekiti formally threw its weight behind him, framing his return as both a performance-based decision and a collective community project.
The endorsement, driven by leaders and stakeholders from the Ijabo clan and other quarters of Igbemo, signals growing grassroots consolidation in Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency II, where Jamiu currently serves as representative and former Deputy Speaker.
What began as a family engagement quickly transformed into a full-scale political declaration, with voices across Odo Igbemo, Iro, and Orun aligning behind the lawmaker and urging continuity.
Speakers at the gathering anchored their support on Jamiu’s record, pointing to his influence in securing critical infrastructure long before he assumed office.
They highlighted his role in facilitating the rehabilitation of the Iworoko–Igbemo road through federal intervention, including the construction of multiple bridges that reconnected communities previously cut off.
They also credited him with influencing the repair of collapsed bridges linking Afao and Igbemo, projects that had stalled for years, as well as expanding opportunities for youths through training programmes and employment placements across federal and state institutions.
Beyond infrastructure, stakeholders emphasised his political reach, noting his role in upgrading traditional rulers within the constituency and restoring electricity supply to several communities after prolonged outages.
The endorsement took on a broader political tone as community leaders framed Jamiu’s re-election as an “Igbemo agenda,” cutting across party lines and tied to the town’s quest for sustained political relevance.
They argued that with the town missing out on other key positions in recent arrangements, retaining its Assembly seat had become critical.
Responding, Jamiu expressed gratitude for the show of confidence, describing the support as both humbling and a call to do more. He reminded constituents of his legislative journey, including his tenure as the longest-serving Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti Assembly and his role in stabilising the House during leadership transitions.
He also pointed to his involvement in restoring the Ifedara LCDA and ensuring its headquarters remained in Igbemo, alongside interventions in water projects, community development schemes, and compensation for victims of past abuses.
Seeking renewed mandate, Jamiu assured constituents that a third term would consolidate ongoing efforts and deliver greater impact across the constituency.
The endorsement, unanimously backed by community leaders and grassroots groups, effectively positions Jamiu as the dominant force in the race, with his home base now fully mobilised behind his re-election bid.