By Adeyinka Adeniran
Prominent individuals and stakeholders from across 22 local governments areas of Oyo State under the aegis of G22 Renewed have kicked against what they called the political dominance of Ibadan in serving as governor of the state at the extent of other regions.
The group which called for a rotational governorship seat comprises four out of the five political zones in the state. They include: the ten LGAs in Oke-Ogun, five in Ogbomoso, four in Oyo and three in Ibarapa, lamenting that the cumulative period of Ibadan dominance of the governorship of the State, is put at 26years despite being just one zone out of the five that made up the state.
The group spoke while addressing a press conference on the issue of rotational governorship seat in the state on Thursday.
According to the group, the event which held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan was called to draw the attention of the general public to what they described as ‘intolerable imbalance and insensitivity’ being perpetrated in Oyo State as far as the Governorship seat is concerned.
Speaking on behalf of group, Chief Ademola Ayoade said the group, made up of respected and responsible individuals have always been a vanguard for the unity and progress of the state, based on uts belief that, for peace to reign, there must be fairness, equity and justice.
He said, “The purpose of this Press conference is to draw attention of the general public to the historic and intolerable imbalance and insensitivity being perpetrated in Oyo State as far as the office of Governor of Oyo State is concerned.
“Going by the Federal Character Principle as enshrined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Oyo state is divided into five administrative zones viz: Ibadan (11 LGAs), Oke-Ogun (10LGAs), Ogbomoso (5 LGAs), Oyo (4 LGAs) and Ibarapa (3LGAs).
“Historically, we like to invite attention to the hegemonic trend of governance of Oyo State since the advent of civil/democratic rule using 1979 as starting point:
“Dr Victor Olunloyo (3 months/Ibadan), Chief Kolapo Ishola (1year 11month/Ibadan), Alhaji Lamidi Adeshina (4years/Ibadan), Senator Rashidi Ladoja (4years/Ibadan), Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala (4years/Ogbomoso), Senator Abiola Ajimobi (8years/Ibadan) and Seyi Makinde (8yrs/Ibadan).
“As could be seen, the governrishp of Oyo State has been dominated by Ibadan Zone to the exclusion of the remaining four zones. Ibadan Zone, apart from being the state capital with 11 LGAs is just one-third of the entire state in voting strength.
“Excpet for accidental emergence of Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala between May 2007 – May 2011, none of the remaining four zones comprising 22 LGAs has ever produced a governor in the state. The cumulative period of Ibadan dominance of the governorship of Oyo State is about 26years whereas it is one of the remaining zones (Ogbomoso) that ruled for only four years.”
He said further, “We also wish to forward attention to the pattern of governorship candidates and elections in other Southwest states contrary to the winner takes all situation in Oyo State, no particular Zone has been dominating the political landscape of their respective states.
“For instance, since the creation of Ondo, Osun and Ekiti states, apart from rotating the governorship slot, no indigenes of the state capitals of Alure, Osogbo and Ado- Ekiti has been elected as governor of these three states. The citizens of the state capitals have always ensured that the governor comes from outside the state capital.
“It is also pertinent to state that even at the federal level, if the North had weaponised its famed voting population, no Southerner would have emerged as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This is where the seeming uncompromising posture of Ibadan co-patriots becomes an issue. All told, the voting pattern in Oyo State has consistently shown that only 30percent of the voting population in Ibadan are Ibadan indigenes. The implication of this is that the remaining 70 percent belong to the other zones of the state as well as non-indigenes of Oyo State.
“In the light of the foregoing, we on behalf of the 22 local governments outside Ibadan in the state are, by this Press conference making a clarion call on all stakeholders to effect the following changes in the political landscape of our dear state.
“That our Ibadan co-compatriots should, in the interest of justice, peaceful co-existence, equity and fairness allow the 22 LGAs to nominate candidates for the governorship position in Oyo State for the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
“That all political parties in the state should support this peaceful and legitimate demand of the remaining four zones in the state by ensuring that their respective parties nominate governorship candidates from any of the 22 LGAs for the 2017 general elections.
“I’m thanking all and sundry for giving thoughts to this our humble consideration, we are confident yahy as true Democrats and dogged fighters for justice, equity and fairness, tou will join hands with us in our collective quests for changing the narratives in the political landscape of Oyo State.”
