The Price of Fairness: How Rotation Keeps Igboho, Kishi, and Olorunsogo Stuck at the Starting Line | Triple Tee

Representation in Nigeria’s House of Representatives is meant to secure influence, development, and a voice in national decision-making. Yet for the Federal Constituency of Igboho, Kishi, and Olorunsogo, representation has long been governed by an unsigned pact of rotation. This arrangement, designed to promote fairness and inclusivity, ensures each community takes its turn. While noble in intent, it has left the constituency trapped in perpetual beginnings, unable to consolidate experience or build the seniority needed to wield real political influence in Abuja.

Admittedly, rotation spreads opportunity and prevents political dominance by any single community. It fosters inclusion and gives each bloc a sense of ownership. But the costs are heavy. Every new representative starts from scratch, stripped of institutional memory, relationships, and committee leverage that only time can nurture. The constituency has never produced a ranking member, never risen beyond the level of a starter, and never had a chance to secure a principal officer position. Developmental projects requiring continuity often stall, and influence in the chamber remains elusive.

The current representative, Hon. Polam, illustrates the dangers of this system. His tenure has been reportedly unimpressive, with no distinguishing achievements to set him apart. Many argue his record is weaker than those of his predecessors. Ironically, Polam himself campaigned for rotation against Olumide Ojerinde, only to become his worst version. This clearly shows that change does not always mean progress. Polam’s stewardship has left the constituency underrepresented and underserved. In Yoruba metaphor, while one may negotiate slightly down the price of Aro, the traditional dye used to restore faded attire, it is unacceptable to entrust leadership to one who has consistently failed to deliver.

As the cycle continues, Olorunsogo should NOW be allowed to take its turn. This would preserve the spirit of fairness and inclusivity that rotation was meant to uphold. But once Olorunsogo has served, the time will be ripe for a serious review of the doctrine itself. Rotation has sustained order, but it has also deprived the constituency of continuity, service, and development. Without reform, Igboho, Kishi, and Olorunsogo will remain trapped in a cycle of underrepresentation, never producing a principal officer, and never consolidating influence in the Green Chamber.

The way forward is not to discard rotation entirely, but to refine it. Yes, rotation was meant to guarantee fairness, but fairness without progress is hollow. If the constituency continues to reset itself every four years, it will remain a perpetual beginner in the Green Chamber.A performance-based model could be introduced, where representatives who meet clear benchmarks in legislative output, constituency service, and institutional influence are allowed to serve additional terms. This would reward competence while preserving inclusivity. Only by striking this balance can Igboho, Kishi, and Olorunsogo move beyond perpetual beginnings and finally secure a meaningful voice in Abuja.

Triple Tee writes from Ibadan, Oyo state.