PUBLIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE ENONE FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY (ADO LGA – OKPOKWU LGA – OGBADIBO LGA) On the Historical Foundations, Representation, and Rotational Equity in Enone (Ado/Ogbadibo /Okpokwu) Federal Constituency of Benue State, Nigeria.

Issued on behalf of concerned stakeholders and leaders of conscience within the Enone Constituency.

1. Historical Background of the Enone Federal Constituency
The Enone Federal Constituency, comprising Ado LGA, Okpokwu LGA, and Ogbadibo LGA, is one of the oldest, most diverse, and strategically important constituencies in Benue State. Its origins trace back to the era of the Idoma Native Authority, from which the present-day local governments emerged through successive administrative reforms.

Ado LGA and Ogbadibo LGA evolved from the old Okpokwu Native Authority.

Okpokwu LGA historically contained the largest number of districts, including Edumoga, Ugbokolo, and Otukpa, and gave rise to both Ado LGA and Ogbadibo LGA through administrative restructuring.

Despite its size—35 wards and a vast landmass—Okpokwu LGA remains with only one official local government, contributing to long-standing discussions on underrepresentation.

2. Representation in the Second Republic (1979–1983)
In 1979, the area now known as Enone produced two members of the House of Representatives:

Chief Samuel Ojogbane Adoyi – Okpokwu West

Chief David Attah – Okpokwu East

This reflects the historic demographic and political weight of the region. Today, despite a dramatic population increase, Enone is limited to one seat, highlighting the ongoing need for equitable representation.

3. Fourth Republic Representation and the Unwritten Zoning Tradition (1999–Present)
Since the return to democracy in 1999, Enone has maintained an unwritten rotational policy for its single House of Representatives seat:

Two-term (two-cycle) tenure per LGA ensures fairness, inclusivity, and equity.

This informal rotation has been largely respected and forms a moral and cultural guideline for the people of Enone.

Chronology of Representation Since 1999:
Hon. Sam Obande – Ado LGA 1999 – 2003. (one term of 4 years)

Rt. Hon. David Idoko – Okpokwu LGA, 2003 – 2011 ( two terms of 8 years)

Rt. Hon. Hassan Saleh – Ogbadibo LGA, 2011 – 2019 (two terms of 8 years)

Hon. Dr. Francis Ottah Agbo – Ado LGA 2019 – 2023. ( one tenure of 4 years)

Hon. Philip Agbese – Ado LGA (2023–2027, incumbent Member, completing Ado LG 2 tenures of 8 years and
If Sam Obande’s one tenure is inclusive, Ado will be spending 12 years by 2027.

This rotation has preserved peace, inclusiveness, and mutual respect among the three LGAs.

4. The Critical 2027 Rotation:
By 2027, the Ado LGA cycle will be completed. According to the established unwritten rotation:

Ogbadibo LGA should assume the next turn.
This is based on equity, historical fairness, and the absence of Ogbadibo LGA from National Assembly representation over the past eight years.

This transition is not about personalities, but about ensuring fairness and continuing the moral and cultural covenant of Enone.

5. Internal Equity Within the LGAs
Within Ado LGA:

Igumale → 2 representatives

Agila → 2 representatives

Utankon → 0 representatives

Thus, internal fairness dictates that if the rotation returns to Ado in the future, Utankon should be considered first.

Within Ogbadibo LGA, internal rotation among Otukpa, Orokam, and Owukpa has been maintained, with Otukpa notably extending brotherly inclusiveness.

Otukpa 2 terms representatives

Orokam 0 representative

Owukpa 0 representative .

Orokam stand the chance to be favor now and next time it returns to Ogbadibo, it will be the turn of Owukpa for fairness and inclusiveness

6. Justification for Ogbadibo LGA in 2027
Over the past eight years:

– Ado LGA has held the House of Representatives seat.
– Okpokwu LGA has concurrently held the Senate seat through Senator Patrick Abba Moro.

This leaves Ogbadibo LGA without representation, creating an imbalance that must be corrected.

7. Enone’s Population Strength and Underrepresentation:
The Enone people form one of the largest demographic groups in Benue Zone C, with major populations in;

Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, Kano, Enugu, Maiduguri, Yola, Nasarawa, and Makurdi.

In Makurdi, the Enone population exceeds that of other Zone C subgroups. Despite this, Enone people remain underrepresented in federal political structures.

Restoring rotational equity to include Ogbadibo LGA in 2027 is a critical step toward fairness.

8. Appeal to Ado LGA and Okpokwu LGA:
We respectfully urge our brothers and sisters in Ado LGA and Okpokwu LGA to;
– Recall that Okpokwu LGA currently holds the Senate seat, representing Zone C.
– Uphold the principle of rotation, fairness, and inclusion.
This is a moral duty and a demonstration of brotherhood and unity.

9. Path to Future Unity and Representation: A united Enone can;
– Reclaim its second House of Representatives seat, which existed in 1979,
– Strengthen internal brotherhood and confidence,
– Establish a strong, respected precedent for unwritten rotational policy,
– Ensure that every LGA—Ado LGA, Ogbadibo LGA, and Okpokwu LGA—is included in political representation.

10. Appreciation
We commend the Otukpa people of Ogbadibo LGA for their discipline in maintaining zoning within the LGA and ensuring fairness across its districts. Their commitment is a model for all LGAs in Enone.

11. Conclusion
We call on all sons and daughters of Ado LGA, Ogbadibo LGA, and Okpokwu LGA to uphold:

– Equity
– Justice
– Unity
– The integrity of the Enone rotational understanding.
As 2027 approaches, Ogbadibo LGA must be supported to take its rightful turn in the House of Representatives. After Ogbadibo LGA completes its cycle, the seat will naturally rotate back to Okpokwu LGA, maintaining peace and continuity.

Long live Ado LGA.
Long live Ogbadibo LGA.
Long live Okpokwu LGA.
Long live the Enone Federal Constituency.
Long live Zone C.
Long live Benue State.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Issued by Concerned Enone Unity Group for Equity Fairness and Justice