New Oyo state: Appropriateness of Oyo town as capital, by Kola Amzat 

Diverse reforms in economic sphere, oil & gas sector, infrastructural segment, as well as tax administration, which have become the hallmark of Tinubu administration, has significantly opened up the country for developmental opportunities, as well as putting question mark on the nation’s existing 36 states structure, including FCT, Abuja.

It’s instructive that these past two years has witnessed the nation Appropriation Bill crossing N28 trillion mark, with the current year standing position at audacious N54.9 trillion mark.

And, with the increased revenue opportunities abound in the new Tax Act, which implementation becomes effective Jan 2026, as well as imminent increase in crude oil production, there is no doubt the country needs additional states not only to start fulfilling her potentials, but essentially to bring growth and development to downtrodden in all the nooks and crannies.

With no shadow of doubt, the country’s present resources could conveniently accommodate the creation of at least additional eight (8) states, to be spread across the geo-political zone. It’s against this backdrop that this writer passionately argues for the creation of a new Oyo state, and with Oyo town as state capital. There are clear justifications for this submission:

Of the major provincial headquarters during the colonial era, ancient Oyo remains the only province that hasn’t attained the status of a state capital. Granting the kingdom the opportunity to become a state capital would address this act of omission or commission that has deprived the ancient town equal opportunity enjoyed by other provincial headquarters over years, and ultimately redress the imbalance.

Secondly, the ancient town is widely acknowledged as the epicenter of Yoruba cultures, traditions, and norms; attributes that make it deserving recognition as a capital for new Oyo state; a status that would also reflect his rich heritage.

And of course, Oyo town has an incontestable historical significance, as the administrative and economic seat of the Oyo Empire. To its advantage are existing enduring administrative infrastructures: branches of ministries, parastatals, agencies of government, and Government Reserves Area (GRA), one of the biggest in the country, which already prepare the ancient town for immediate take-off as state capital.

In addition with the above federal government presence are Correctional centers and Nigeria Police Area Command, with capacity to serve as state police headquarters for the proposed new state.

It’s also important to mention the economic viability that Oyo town offers as the new state capital, particularly with reference to its vast agricultural potentials in all corners, convenience & safe haven for industrial activity, diverse tourism opportunities and acknowledged educational center; diverse tertiary institutions, and an avalanche of private and public secondary schools.   

At a time like this, it’s normal for other towns and communities that are likely to be part of the proposed new state to agitate for the capital to be located in their domains; but, there exists no doubt that Oyo town is more deserving.

To the proponents of consensus building, it’s never a bad idea. But, the consensus would be in the area of sharing political offices: governor, deputy governor, SGF, CoS and the rest.

In the proposed new Oyo state, communities like Iseyin, Shaki, Ogbomoso, etc shouldn’t have any issue or harbor grudges in making concession for Oyo town to be state capital.

This is the least they could do in this circumstance.    

Kola AMZAT (FCA, FCIB),

Lagos based Financial and Management Consultants,

09077509348.