Group demands rotational governorship system in Oyo State

By Adejayan Gbenga –

A socio-political group, G22 Renewed Group, has called for the introduction of a rotational governorship system in Oyo State, arguing that the principles of fairness and equity demand that zones outside Ibadan be given the opportunity to produce the next governor in 2027.

The group made the call during a press conference held on Thursday at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Agodi, Ibadan. Members said the briefing was aimed at drawing public attention to what they described as a “longstanding imbalance” in the state’s political leadership.

The G22 Renewed Group, comprising prominent personalities from 22 local government areas in Oke-Ogun, Ogbomoso, Oyo, and Ibarapa zones, noted that Ibadan had dominated the governorship seat since 1979. They pointed out that apart from former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, who served from 2007 to 2011, no other zone had produced a governor in the state.

According to the group, Ibadan, which has 11 of the state’s 33 local government areas, has held the governorship for about 26 years, leaving the remaining 22 local government areas without representation in the top seat of power. They argued that this situation contradicts the federal character principle in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which promotes fairness in political appointments and representation.

The group also compared Oyo State’s situation with that of other Southwest states such as Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti, where the governorship seats are rotated among zones and no governor has emerged from the state capitals. They said the practice has helped to maintain peace and inclusiveness in those states and should be adopted in Oyo.

G22 Renewed therefore appealed to political parties to zone their 2027 governorship tickets to any of the 22 local government areas outside Ibadan. They urged the people of Ibadan to support the move “in the interest of justice, peaceful coexistence, and fairness.”

The group congratulated the newly installed 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and commended President Bola Tinubu for attending the monarch’s coronation ceremony, describing it as a symbol of national unity.

While urging the media to publicize its position, the group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting unity, equity, and justice across all zones of Oyo State. It expressed confidence that all stakeholders would support the call to ensure a fair political arrangement ahead of the 2027 elections.