Lagos: The Ogbomoso Valliant Club, a forum of Ogbomoso elders, has called for the creation of a New Oyo State with its capital in Ogbomoso. Retired Rear Adm. Jacob Ajani, President of the Club, presented ‘A Bill to Provide for the Creation of the New Oyo State’ to the Senate Committee on Constitution Review during public hearings in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Senate Committee on Constitution Review conducted public hearings focused on requests for constitutional amendments across geo-political zones. The creation of new states was a key area of consideration during these discussions. Ajani highlighted the need to split Oyo State, which covers approximately 28,500 square kilometers, to better manage its resources and population.
Ajani argued that if the South-East region can have five states within a similar landmass, a New Oyo State with Ogbomoso as its capital is a reasonable request. He noted that Oyo State, after Lagos, is one of the most populous regions in the South-West, suggesting that dividing it could enhance development opportunities and management.
Ajani proposed that the rest of the local governments, excluding Ibadan and potentially Ibarapa, should form the new state. He emphasized that the proposed New Oyo State, with its 19 local government areas, would be more substantial than Bayelsa, which has only eight.
Ajani justified choosing Ogbomoso as the capital due to its historical significance, strategic location, and economic activity. He highlighted the city’s population, its educational institutions, and resources as factors supporting its selection as the capital.
Similarly, the Oke-Ogun Development Consultative Forum submitted a memorandum advocating for the creation of Oke-Ogun State with Agunrege as its capital. Dr. Bimpe Aderonmu, representing the forum, stated that socio-cultural and traditional institutions in the region’s ten local governments have long desired this change to address marginalization and underdevelopment.
Dr. Seidu Bello, a forum member, reinforced the demand by pointing out the geographical definition and unity among the people of Oke-Ogun. He mentioned that traditional rulers, elected representatives, and community leaders have all endorsed the proposal.
Meanwhile, Chief Suleiman Adewole of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes advocated for the creation of Ibadan State, emphasizing its historical significance and the need for equity. He pointed out that Ibadan, like Enugu and Kaduna, was a regional headquarters but has yet to gain state status.
Sen Jubrin Barau, Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Senate Constitution Review Committee, noted that the constitution provides clear guidelines on regulating proceedings. Barau, represented by Sen Opeyemi Bamidele, outlined the focus areas of the public hearing, which included electoral reforms, federalism, resource control, and state creation.