The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has advised proponents of the proposed New Oyo State to first resolve internal disagreements and build a united front if their agitation is to gain traction at the national level.
According to a press release signed by Adeola Oloko, Media Aide to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the monarch gave the counsel on Thursday while receiving members of the Committee on the Creation of Ibadan and New Oyo States at his palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.
Oba Ladoja noted that while the proposed Ibadan State appears more straightforward due to its homogeneity, the drive for New Oyo State faces complex challenges—especially disagreements over the naming of the state and the choice of its capital city.
He said:
“Iseyin is interested in becoming a state capital. Agunrege is interested. Oyo is interested. Ogbomoso is not talking. All these towns, including virgin lands, are qualified to become state capitals. If truth must be told, you need to build consensus. You need compromise.”
The Olubadan urged the delegation—led by Engr. Francis Adedayo and Prof. Saheed Malik—to ensure fair representation of all blocs, particularly Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso, which he stressed cannot be sidelined.
He added:
“Oke-Ogun has 10 local governments, Ogbomoso has four. How much of Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso representation do we have here? You cannot wish them away.”
Supporting the monarch’s position, Dr. Ojelabi Morakinyo from Ibarapa affirmed the long-standing cordial relationship between Ibadan and Ibarapa, noting that there was no contention between both zones regarding state creation.
The meeting was attended by Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Barrister Sulaiman Ajewole, President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII); and other palace officials.
