Why Ogbomoso is most ideal as capital of New Oyo state – Group, proposes 19 LGs
Yinka ADETUNJI
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The group spearheading the transformation of Ogbomoso into a capital city, of the proposed New Oyo state has intensified its resolve to make the goal a reality.
The group, Ogbomoso Capital City Group (OCCG), has in a series of releases been making case for the recommendation.
Emphasizing its position that resonates well with the people of the city OCCG comprising eminent personalities asserted that Ogbomoso is the most suitable in terms of size, population, cultural diversity and economic base.
It notes that with the “proposal in the making, the new state will make Ogbomoso the capital having been the second biggest, most populated, culturally diverse and most economically viable town just after Ibadan.”
It informs its renewed effort is provoked “by the much-anticipated States’ Creation Exercise by the Federal Government.”
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OCCG noted it “has further advanced the campaign and proposal for the clamors for creating New Oyo State and selecting Ogbomoso as the capital city of the proposed new State.
“This proposal is informed by the need to join other communities across Nigeria that are submitting acceptable memoranda for the ongoing consideration of the National Assembly. The clamour is hinged on current bill under consideration by the National Assembly, which seeks to create additional states in Nigeria.”
It adds, “the goal is strengthened by a Draft Bill in the Federal House of Representatives which has made case for the desired New Oyo State with Ogbomoso proposed as its capital city.”
The group discloses it is forging healthy relationship and needed partnership with other communities whose interest align with that of Ogbomoso, expressing confidence the goal will be achieved.
This is as it stresses that all major stakeholders in the city including traditional rulers and other community leaders are keying into the project, a development believed is raising the stakes.
It proposes the new state will have four administrative zones including Ogbomoso, Oyo, Oke – Ogun 1 and Oke – Ogun 11.
It also projects the proposed New Oyo state will consist of nineteen local governments which it lists as Afijio, Atiba, Atisbo, Ogo-Oluwa, Irepo, Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola, Oriire and Olorunsogo.
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Others are Oorelope, Oyo East, Oyo West, Saki East, Saki West, Surulere, Ogbomoso North and Ogbomoso South.
The calibre of the people at its recent meeting clearly underscores the commitment attached to the project. Among the people at the meeting are Gen Oladayo Popoola (rtd), Dr Saka Balogun, Eng Abu Salami, Alh Lamidi Monsuru Ayoade Ejide, Prof Segun Ajiboye, Prof Jide Ajao, Dr. Akin Oladeji-Johnbrown, Mrs. Ruth Olasoko Adeyinka, Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani (rtd), Engr. Abu Salami, Prof. John Aderinto Mr. Kola Oyadiran, Chief Olaleye Pekun Amstrong, Prof. Rasheed Olaniyi and Pa Amos Ajekigbe.
