Group initiates powerful push for Ogbomoso as capital of New Oyo state

Group initiates powerful push for Ogbomoso as capital of New Oyo state

Femi OGUNLANA

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An Ogbomoso new group has emerged, pushing unrelentingly to put Ogbomoso in an unassailable position to emerge as capital of the proposed New Oyo state. The group asks for creation of new Oyo state excluding Ibadan the present capital city.

They group newly constituted and led by Dr Akin Oladeji-Johnbrown, president of Ogbomoso Recreation Club (ORC), is composed of other patriotic members including Prof. Jide Ajao, Barrister Kayode Bankole, Dr. Tayo Magbagbeola, Mrs. Ruth Olasoko Adeyinka and Mr. Banji Ojo.

The initiative tagged “Ogbomoso Capital City Project” according to Dr. Oladeji-Johnbrown is borne out of the desire to drive the proposal to make Ogbomoso the capital of the new Oyo State.

“We formed the group to drive the aspiration to transform Ogbomoso into the capital of new Oyo state being proposed.

“We took it upon ourselves to propel the aspiration. We need a coordinated approach. If some people don’t stand in the gap, the project may lack the cutting edge needed to realize the dream.”

Oladeji noted Ogbomoso deserves “that prize more than any other city in view of its status, infrastructures, facilities, and most importantly in terms of contributions to development of Oyo state and Nigeria as a whole in the past and presently through its many sons and daughters. On merit, no one deserves it better. But we will not rely on that alone.”

An all inclusive session was held on December 19 to bring on board critical stakeholders for a strategic interactive engagement

Held at Talking Drum Hotels in the metropolis, representatives of various socio-cultural associations and groups among which are Ogbomoso Parapo Worldwide, Ogbomoso Community Foundation, Ogbomoso Ajilete Group, Ogbomoso Development Association, Ogbomoso Recreation Club and O’ First Group, attended the gathering, which lasted several hours.

The meeting reviewed and intensively discussed the proposal and charted a roadmap, details of which, however, was not disclosed.

A memorandum is to be submitted to the National Assembly on the matter.

Oladeji states, “The meeting was a brainstorming session. Stakeholders interested in Ogbomoso development came together for critical discussion.”

“We will incorporate others, both home and in diaspora. We already have blessings of our Royal Fathers and traditional institutions, Ogbomoso is a major stakeholder in the Nigeria project, courtesy of values addition by its citizens who had selflessly and patriotically served and serving the nation most meritoriously.

“We will get our people to advance the cause of the selection of Ogbomoso as the capital of the proposed new Oyo state, currently being considered by the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.

“We are not unconscious of the apathy and scepticism of some individuals to creation of new states in Nigeria. However, our group believes nothing is lost if we make the push. The issue of the creation of additional states is long overdue. It may be costly, but in the long run, it will bring developments further down the grassroots and improve local economies. We will watch and act appropriately as events unfold. In the interim, a memorandum will be prepared and submitted to NASS,” he asserted.

Recall in recent time, agitation for creation of new states intensified, with the present Oyo state being advocated for splitting because of its enormous size and diversity, moreover in view of the fact that of all pre-independence regional headquarters only Ibadan (presently the capital of Oyo state) has not been made an autonomous state. Kaduna and Enugu, its counterparts have long been conferred with the status.

The strident calls are being backed with bills by different lawmakers pushing for requests to make their preferred towns capital in proposed new states.

Hon Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala representing Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South/Oriire federal constituency as well Hon Akeem Adeyemi Skimeh representing Oyo federal constituency recently put forward bills with their respective constituents recommended as capital of proposed new Oyo state.

Note: Story updated at 3:00pm on the day of publication

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