Dare Babalola
The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has commiserated with the Chairman of Ikenne Local Government Area, Hon. Jamiu Ashimi, over the death of the Councillor representing Iperu III (Ward 5), Hon. Nurudeen Bakare.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by Ayobami Malomo.
The OGSIEC Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, who was represented during a condolence visit to the Ikenne Local Government Secretariat by a Commissioner of the Commission, Mrs. Gbemi Onasanya, described the visit as a solemn one, praying for divine comfort for the bereaved family, the council, and the wider community.
Osibodu commended the leadership style of the council chairman, describing him as dynamic and proactive, while noting that the visit also served a formal purpose in line with constitutional provisions requiring the filling of vacant legislative seats through a bye-election.
He disclosed that OGSIEC would convene a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday, April 30, 2026, bringing together registered political parties, community leaders, security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders within the ward.
According to him, the meeting would be used to officially present the timetable and guidelines for the forthcoming bye-election into the vacant councillorship seat.
“We are here because of the strategic importance of your office. You are closer to the people and have greater access to your constituents. We will require your full support to ensure a hitch-free meeting and a smooth election process,” Osibodu said.
In his response, the Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, Hon. Jamiu Ashimi, expressed appreciation to OGSIEC for the condolence visit and early engagement ahead of the stakeholders’ forum.
He assured the commission of the council’s full cooperation in ensuring a peaceful and successful electoral process, while also urging OGSIEC to remain impartial and uphold its integrity throughout the conduct of the bye-election.
