As political permutations ahead of the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum in Ona Ara Local Government, one issue has increasingly dominated discussions within political circles and among grassroots stakeholders: Can a party afford to overlook loyalty, structure, and popularity at the same time?
For many observers, that question appears to point directly to the political journey of Arc. Dr. Ifeoluwa Akande, popularly known as Ife Ona-Ara.
Over the years, Ife Ona-Ara has built a reputation not merely as an aspirant, but as one of the most consistent and disciplined political figures within the local political landscape. Since 2018, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), maintaining calm, maturity, and stability even during difficult political moments.
In a political environment where defections and internal conflicts have become common tools of pressure and negotiation, his loyalty has stood out remarkably. While many politicians openly explore alternatives at the slightest disagreement, Ife Ona-Ara has remained resolute, despite repeated political disappointments and mounting pressures.
Ironically, sources within the political space reveal that several political parties have continued to show interest in him, recognizing his grassroots acceptance, leadership appeal, and electoral value. Yet, despite the political advances and subtle “romance” from opposition platforms, he has refused to abandon the Party, an indication of a loyalty many believe should not go unnoticed.
This consistency has gradually transformed him into more than just an aspirant. Within Ona Ara, he is increasingly viewed as a bridge-builder and unifying force capable of reconciling different interests and stabilizing party structures across wards and factions.
Stakeholders within the party have repeatedly acknowledged this reality. At his recent declaration event, the MODECOM Chairman, Elder Deacon Adegoke, openly stated that if the party eventually gives Ife Ona-Ara the ticket, the people and communities across Ona Ara would rise massively in support of the party. According to him, Akande remains one of the few aspirants whose acceptance cuts across political, religious, and community divides.
Other party leaders and stakeholders who spoke at the gathering echoed similar sentiments, describing him as calm, responsible, accessible, and deeply connected to the grassroots. Many pointed to his years of contributions to community development, youth engagement, educational support initiatives, and party stability as evidence of a political journey rooted in service rather than mere ambition.
More importantly, many within the party believe that Ife Ona-Ara represents the safest path toward unity ahead of the elections. In a constituency where internal divisions could weaken electoral chances, his emergence is seen by supporters as a strategic opportunity to harmonize interests and consolidate support across all factions.
Political analysts have also noted that popularity without loyalty can be dangerous, just as loyalty without acceptance may be ineffective. However, in the case of Ife Ona-Ara, both factors appear to exist side by side.
This dual strength, party loyalty and grassroots popularity, is precisely why conversations around his aspiration continue to gain momentum beyond ordinary political calculations.
For years, he has invested his energy in sustaining peace within the party structure in Ona Ara. He has avoided inflammatory politics, resisted division, and consistently prioritized party unity over personal frustration. Those close to the political realities of Ona Ara understand that such restraint is rare in today’s political climate.
It is against this backdrop that many supporters have continued to warn that losing a credible and widely accepted figure like Ife Ona-Ara could pose avoidable risks to party cohesion and electoral stability within the constituency.
As the race toward 2027 intensifies, one thing appears increasingly clear:
The conversation around Ife Ona-Ara is no longer just about aspiration, it is becoming a broader test of how political loyalty, grassroots popularity, and party unity are valued within the system.
Ife ni ka lo, Ife l’okan.