A bill seeking the creation of a new Oyo State with Ogbomoso as its capital has passed its second reading at the House of Representatives.
The first reading was presented on the house floor on February 27, 2024.
The bill was sponsored by Hon Olamijuwonlo Ayodeji Alao Akala, a lawmaker representing Ogbomoso North-South and Oriire Federal Constituency.
The Bill seeks to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Amendment Bill), 2024, by amending Part 1 of the First Schedule to create two new states – Ibadan/Ibadan and Oyo/Ogbomoso.
According to him, Ibadan state, with Ibadan city as its capital, will have 11 local governments in Ibadan and 3 in Ibarapa, including Akinyele, Egbeda, Ibadan North, Ibadan South-West, Ibadan South East, Ibadan North-East, Ibadan North-West, Lagelu, Oluyole, Ona Ara, Ido, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa North, Oyo State.
The proposed new Oyo State with Ogbomoso as state capital will have Ogbomoso Afijio, Atiba, Atisbo, Ogo Oluwa, Irepo Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola, Ori Ire, Olorunsogo, Oorelopo, Oyo East, Oyo West, Saki East, Saki West, Surulere, Ogbomoso North and Ogbomoso South.
Hon Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala led the debate: “Creating Ibadan as a state would honour this legacy and provide a platform to preserve and promote the unique Yoruba culture and traditions that Ibadan embodies. The establishment of Ibadan as a state and to serve as its own capital would benefit its citizens and contribute positively to Nigeria’s national development. As a state, Ibadan would have the autonomy to develop its cultural and historical assets, which are crucial to Nigeria’s national identity.”
Currently, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state, dominates as a commercial hub, but shifting some of the focus to Ogbomoso could encourage infrastructure development and economic growth in underdeveloped areas.
The case for Ogbomoso as the capital stems from being the second-largest city in Oyo state after Ibadan, its historical role as a crucial town in Yoruba history, and its central location.
“Ogbomoso is rapidly growing in terms of population and urbanization. As the second-largest city in Oyo state after Ibadan, it has experienced considerable population growth and is likely to continue growing due to its increasing urbanization and economic opportunities. By positioning Ogbomoso as the capital of Oyo State, there could be an opportunity to create more balanced development throughout the state.
He maintained that Ogbomoso stands as a symbol of regional unity and progress. Ogbomoso is strategically placed geographically with excellent road and rail links to other major cities. It serves as a bridge between the northern and southwestern parts of the Nation. Also, it has a robust history of commerce, educational institutions, and an emerging local economy that has shown tremendous potential for growth. Ogbomoso would serve as the perfect administrative and political capital, not only because of its geographical location but also due to its rising infrastructure and industrialization.”
The capital city would draw attention and investments from the federal government and private investors, sparking a new wave of development. The economic and administrative growth this development promises will create balance and accommodate the growth that has long been stifled for them, particularly for Nigeria.
The creation of Ibadan as a state and its capital and Ogbomoso as the capital of Oyo State is a strategic and timely move to advance the southwest region of Nigeria.
He concluded that it would promote balanced economic growth, facilitate better governance, encourage decentralized decision-making, and provide an opportunity for sustainable development that reflects the people’s needs.
