Exclusive: Oyo LG Council Where Women Hold Power

Despite the diversity of culture all over the world, it is axiomatic that no culture consigns the roles of women above those of men. In other words, except in few cases, the worldwide traditional roles of women are subordinate to men’s role. Women occupy a lower status and perform less significant roles in the societies. Culture and Society account for the differentiation and stratification. It is the cultural facts that limit women.

Right from the infancy, boys are motivated to face arduous challenges and given mechanical gadgets that entail risks. They are constantly reminded that they are boys and as future societal leaders, they are supposed to be ambitious, adventurous and persevering. For to ‘persevere’ means to succeed. Though, a common slogan, but it goes a long to reinforce man’s ego and his adventurous spirits.

But, girls, on the other hand, are treated delicately, dressed well and encouraged to wear expensive trinkets to impress not boys but men. They are totally discouraged from partaking in herculean tasks because culturally such tasks are meant for boys.

Interestingly, things have been speedy, for women have removed most of the cultural inhibitions inimical to their progress and emancipation. They have ‘arrived’ not only in developed countries of the world, but also in gradually developing ones like Nigeria and Oyo state in particular.

It is believed that human world as achieved today would have been a mirage if only men but no women strive. Feminist writers like Marian Levy in his parochial view posited that the human world is “made in women”.

Little then should one wonder that many empires, kingdoms and even modern societies have queen mothers, queen mums, queen dowagers and heroine of all sorts that their folklore flourishes in their wider celebrations in monument of their heroic contributions to the development of society.

Though, there’s still a long way to go towards women’s equal representation in government and society, however, Ibadan South East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), in Oyo state housed female leaders who are making their mark in the modern world.

The Local Council Development Area (LCDA) was created from the present Ibadan South East Local Government  situated at Mapo,  on January, 2017 by the immediate past Governor Abiola Ajimobi led administration; a project inherited from his political leader, late Governor Lamidi Onaolapo Adesina.  Its headquarters is Scout Camp as pronounced by Oyo State Government but still using its temporary office at Ibadan South East Local Government, Mapo.

The present Caretaker Chairperson of the Council Area is Mrs Kehinde Eboda while the Council Manager is Mrs Thomas Morenikeji, the Head of Local Government Administration (HLA) and the number civil servant in the council.

As if this is not enough, Mrs Ajao Fausat is the Director of  Administration and General Services and Alhaja Zainab Bolomope is in charge of Finance and Supplies.

These sensitive positions can best be described as the live wire of any local government council because decisions that determine the destiny of the council and its people are made by the key stakeholders earlier mentioned.

One of the civil servants in the council who confided in Mega Icon Magazine disclosed that the LCDA is currently witnessing an harmonious working relationship. She, however predicted possible transfer that may separate these female leaders in not too distance future

“Our council is currently enjoying peace, but you know women have a well-deserved reputation for being catty, gossipy, and, well, witchy in the workplace. Women are – dare I say it? – worse to one another than men are to them.

” The root of this psychological complex perhaps comes from a competitive drive stifled by intimidation when working with men or a feeling of more direct competition with women than with men. We should expect transfer letters very soon and I am sure they will also be affected”, the source added.