The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has advised promoters of the proposed New Oyo State to resolve internal disagreements if they hope to advance their agitation.
Receiving members of the Committee on the Creation of Ibadan and New Oyo State at his Oke-Aremo Palace yesterday, the Olubadan observed that while the push for an Ibadan State appears more straightforward, disputes over the name and choice of capital for the proposed New Oyo State could hinder progress.
He cautioned that several towns were already positioning themselves for the capital.
“Iseyin is interested in becoming a state capital. Agunrege is interested. Oyo is interested. Ogbomoso is not talking,” he said.
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“All these towns, including virgin lands, are qualified to become state capitals. But if truth must be told, you need to build consensus. You need compromise.”
Addressing the delegation led by Engr. Francis Adedayo and Prof. Saheed Malik, Oba Ladoja noted that Oke-Ogun has ten local government areas while Ogbomoso has four, stressing the need for broad consultation.
“How much of Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso representation do we have here? You cannot wish them away,” he said.
Dr. Ojelabi Morakinyo, representing Ibarapa, assured the palace that there was no rift between Ibadan and Ibarapa, adding that both zones “have come a long way”.
The meeting was attended by the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, and the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barrister Sulaiman Ajewole.
