Olubadan urges consensus on New Oyo State agitation

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has urged advocates of the proposed creation of a New Oyo State to build consensus among stakeholders before pressing further with their demand.

The monarch made the call while receiving members of the Committee on the Creation of Ibadan and New Oyo State at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.

Oba Ladoja noted that while the creation of an Ibadan State might be less contentious, disagreements over the name and choice of capital for the proposed New Oyo State could hinder the process.

He said several towns, including Iseyin, Agunrege, Oyo, and others, have expressed interest in becoming the state capital, adding that all are qualified and that such competing interests require compromise.

The Olubadan stressed the need for inclusiveness, pointing out that Oke-Ogun has 10 local government areas while Ogbomoso has four, warning that no zone should be ignored in the agitation.

“You need to build consensus and be ready to compromise if you want to succeed,” the monarch told the delegation.

Earlier, a member of the delegation, Dr Ojelabi Morakinyo from Ibarapa, said there was no dispute between the Ibadan and Ibarapa zones, noting that both areas have a long history of cooperation.

The meeting was attended by the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, and the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Barrister Sulaiman Ajewole.