A group of like-minded individuals in Ogbomoso have further advanced the campaign and desire for creating a new Oyo State and making Ogbomoso the capital city of the proposed new state.
The desire is hinged on a current bill under consideration by the National Assembly, which seeks to create additional states in Nigeria.
The group, which has now gained the full buy-in of the community leaders and other stakeholders, has constituted committees to liaise with other stakeholders in the state for approval by the National Assembly.
According to proposals in the making, the new state will make Ogbomoso the capital, being the second biggest, most populated, culturally diverse, and most economically viable town just after Ibadan.
The proposed new state will comprise four administrative zones of the current state – Ogbomoso, Oyo, Oke-Ogun I, and Oke-Ogun II.
The proposed New Oyo State will have nineteen local governments which, by the group’s projection, would overwhelmingly scale the minimum hurdle for a viable state.
The new Oyo State and recommended local governments are listed as follows: Afijio, Atiba, Atisbo, Ogo-Oluwa, Irepo, Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola, Ori Ire, Olorunsogo, Orelope, Oyo East, Oyo West, Saki East, Saki West, Surulere, Ogbomoso North, and Ogbomoso South.
The group recently held a meeting which was attended by community leaders and stakeholders amongst whom are: Gen Oladayo Popoola (rtd); Dr Saka Balogun; Mr Abu Salami; Alh Lamidi Monsuru Ayoade Ejide; Professor Segun Ajiboye; Dr Akin Oladeji-Johnbrown; Mrs Ruth Olasoko Adeyinka; Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani (rtd); Professor John Aderinto; Prof Jide Ajao; Mr Kola Oyadiran; Chief Olaleye Pekun Armstrong; Professor Rasheed Olaniyi and Pa Amos Ajekigbe.
