In a bold move, the Ogbomoso Capital City Initiative, a pressure group from Ogbomoso, has kicked off a campaign for the creation of a new Oyo State, with Ogbomoso as its capital. The group has presented a robust argument for the creation of the new state and why Ogbomoso is the ideal choice for the state capital.¹
According to Dr. Akin Oladeji-Johnbrown, President of Ogbomoso Recreation Club and one of the coordinators of the group, the creation of an additional new state in Nigeria is long overdue. The group has obtained the support of key stakeholders in Ogbomosoland and is confident that the proposed new Oyo State will be a reality soon.
The proposed new Oyo State will comprise 19 local government areas, including Afijio, Atiba, Atisbo, Ogo-Oluwa, Irepo, Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola, Ire, Olorunsogo, Oorelopo, Oyo East, Oyo West, Saki East, Saki West, Surulere, Ogbomoso North, and Ogbomoso South, as well as Ejigbo Local Government in present Osun state.
The group argues that splitting Oyo state into two (Oyo and Ibadan states) is a matter of equity and should be a priority for the National Assembly. Ogbomoso, with its vast landmass and unique geospatial advantages, is well-positioned to serve as the capital of the new state.
In fact, Ogbomoso has almost 15% of the total land area of the current Oyo State, providing ample space for the necessary infrastructure for the new state capital.
The campaign by the Ogbomoso Capital City Initiative has sparked excitement and hope among the people of Ogbomoso and beyond. As the group continues to push for the creation of the new Oyo State with Ogbomoso as its capital, many believe that this could be a game-changer for the ancient town whose younger and lesser towns has ascended state capital level.
Credit: InsideOgbomoso
