Ondo group reaffirms push for Ose State, backs Ikare as capital

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Akoko Development Initiative (ADI) has reiterated its commitment to the agitation for the creation of Ose State, affirming that Ikare remains the rightful choice as the capital.

The clarification was contained in a rejoinder obtained by Western Post and signed by Afolabi Amure Esq., Olanrewaju Kazeem Esq., and Pa Lawrence Ibukun Rogbitan.

The group, which comprises several community and cultural associations in Akokoland, said it was necessary to set the record straight following comments allegedly credited to one Mr. Olatunbosun Oladimeji.

ADI accused Oladimeji of attempting to mislead the people of Owo and Ose during a recent meeting, noting that all past memoranda, dating back to 1995, had recognised Ikare as the capital of the proposed state.

The group argued that the attempt to alter the narrative was aimed at creating needless tension between the Akoko and Owo people.

It maintained that Ikare was the natural choice for capital because of its central location, extensive road networks to neighbouring states, population strength, economic significance, and history as the administrative headquarters of Akokoland.

The group stressed that previous documents submitted to various state creation committees, including those by Owena Club and the Akoko Development Group, had all endorsed Ikare.

While urging Akoko indigenes to remain calm, the group appealed to the National Assembly to approve the creation of Ose State with Ikare as its capital, adding that a struggle lasting over three decades must not be allowed to fail.