It seems Hon Ismail Kayode Tijani haven’t come to the realisation that elected representatives are not just symbols of power; they are servants of the people, entrusted with the responsibility to listen, engage, and deliver on their promises. Their silence or inaction is a disservice to the constituents who campaigned, voted, and placed their hopes in them. Unfortunately, for a considerable time, Hon. Ismail Kayode Tijani, the Member representing Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, has remained largely unresponsive to the needs of his people. His long period of dormancy has been a source of frustration, but after much public outcry, he finally broke his silence.
However, rather than addressing the legitimate concerns raised by the people, Hon. Tijani’s response—through his media aide—was dismissive and condescending. Instead of acknowledging the grievances of his constituents, he labeled their observations as falsehoods. Even more disappointing is the conduct of his media handlers, who, rather than engaging in civil discourse, resorted to insults, intimidation, and labeling those who spoke out as opposition members. This approach is not only unprofessional but also a sign of weak leadership. It is an outright insult to the electorate, who not only supported him but also played active roles in ensuring his victory at the polls.
The role of a legislator extends beyond merely occupying an office in Abuja; it involves ensuring that development projects and opportunities reach all parts of the constituency equitably. Yet, Hon. Tijani has concentrated the bulk of his projects in Erin Ile, a single town in Oyun Local Government, as though other wards do not exist or did not contribute to his electoral success. This unfair distribution of projects is a slap in the face of the good people of Oyun LGA, who also placed their trust in him. Does this mean the rest of Oyun are not deserving of development? Is representation now reduced to favoring a particular town while others are left in the dark?
Adding to this issue of favoritism is another serious concern: the job slots Hon. Tijani claimed to have facilitated. It has been alleged that no Christian candidate was considered in these opportunities, raising serious questions about religious bias in his representation. Public officeholders are expected to be representatives of all people, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background. The exclusion of a particular group from job opportunities is not just unfair but also a dangerous precedent that could deepen divisions in the constituency. Leadership demands that all constituents, irrespective of their faith, be treated fairly and given equal access to opportunities.
Furthermore, another major issue is the lack of an accessible and functional constituency office where people can directly engage with their representative. A responsible lawmaker should establish a known office across the three local governments—Offa, Oyun, and Ifelodun—where constituents can present their concerns, seek assistance, and be updated on governmental activities. The absence of such an office further widens the gap between Hon. Tijani and the very people he was elected to serve. It is one thing to claim to be representing a constituency, but it is another to be truly present and involved in the lives of the people.
To make matters worse, Hon. Tijani’s official social media platforms, which should serve as a channel for engagement, have been largely abandoned. A modern-day politician cannot afford to be disconnected from the people, especially in an era where digital communication is one of the easiest ways to reach the masses. When his people finally called him out for his inactivity, his media team responded, not with humility or an attempt at dialogue, but with insults and arrogance. Rather than acting as a bridge between the lawmaker and the people, his media aide chose to become a barrier, pushing constituents further away with unprofessional behavior.
This pattern of neglect, selective favoritism, and lack of inclusivity is unacceptable. It is not too late for Hon. Tijani to turn things around, but it starts with acknowledging the concerns of his people and taking immediate steps to correct his course. His constituents are not asking for too much; they only seek fair representation, equal distribution of resources, inclusivity in opportunities, and a direct line of engagement with their elected representative.
Hon. Tijani, this is a wake-up call. The people of Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun put you in office, and they deserve better. It is time to stop hiding behind media aides and face the reality of governance. Establish a known constituency office, ensure equitable distribution of projects, create opportunities for all—regardless of religious background—and, most importantly, listen to your people. Leadership is not about power; it is about service.
Rasheed Adekunle Owodunni is a Public Analyst, Almajiri and Girl Child Educational Advocates and Editor of Politainments News 24/7
