State Creation: Olubadan Warns Agitators Against Internal Division

…As Monarch urges stakeholders to build consensus, accommodate all zones

…As Oke-Ogun, Ogbomoso interests must be represented, Olubadan stresses

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has advised advocates of the proposed New Oyo State to build internal consensus if their agitation for state creation is to succeed.

The statement was released and signed by the Media Aide to the monarch, Adeola Oloko while receiving members of the Committee on the Creation of Ibadan and New Oyo State, led by Engr. Francis Adedayo and Prof. Saheed Malik on Thursday at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.

Oba Ladoja noted that while the push for Ibadan State creation appears straightforward, disagreements over the name and proposed capital for New Oyo State could hinder progress.

“There are many interests already emerging,” the Olubadan said. “Iseyin wants to be a state capital. Agunrege is interested. Oyo is interested. Ogbomoso is silent. All these towns, including virgin lands, qualify to be state capitals.”

He stressed the need for unity among stakeholders:
“If truth must be told, you need to build consensus. You need compromise. Oke-Ogun has 10 local governments, Ogbomoso has four. How much representation of Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso do we have here? You cannot wish them away.”

Also speaking, Dr. Ojelabi Morakinyo from Ibarapa asserted that Ibarapa and Ibadan share a long-standing relationship and have no disputes regarding the proposed Ibadan State.

The meeting was attended by top traditional and community leaders, including the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, and the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barrister Sulaiman Ajewole.