By Adeyinka Adeniran
The umbrella body of all socio-cultural gropus in Ibadanland, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has said it does not in anyway oppose to the growing calls for rotational governorship in Oyo State.
Noting that even the entire Ibadan and the populace are never against the idea, the Council said the primary concern of the people is the emergence of a governor capable of delivering effective governance and provision of good leadership.
The President-General of CCII, Chief Sulaimon Ajewole gave the assurance on Wednesday while playing host to members of the Ègbé Àjosepò Fún Ìtésíwájú Gbogbo Wa who were at Secretariat of the CCII, Ibadan House, Oke Aremo, Ibadan on a courtesy call.
Chief Ajewole who acknowledged the agitation for rotational governorship, emphasizing its roots in the demand for fairness and equity among the various zones in Oyo State.
He maintained that “Ibadan is not selfish to work against its feasibility”, but emphasised that the focus remains on “effectiveness and delivery from anybody coming on board as a Governor.”
The CCII President General cited Ibadan’s historical support for past governors, both during the era of old Oyo State and extending to the late former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.
He further highlighted Ibadanland’s inclusive nature, noting its tradition of accommodating non-indigenes without bias as well as the recognition of many individuals with “award of outstanding friend of Ibadanland.”
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of Ègbé Àjosepò Fún Ìtésíwájú Gbogbo Wa, Mr. Dauda Olaifa, said the group is a socio-cultural and political advocacy group dedicated to the vision of power rotation within Oyo State, specifically advocating for the process to commence from the Oke-Ogun region.
He emphasized the group’s non-political, non-religious, and non-town-based ethos, representing the collective interest in equity, development, and unity.
He acknowledged Ibadan’s cosmopolitan identity, acknowledging it as Africa’s largest city and a testament to its inclusive spirit. He also stressed Oke-Ogun’s significant contributions to the growth, describing the region as the food basket of Oyo State crucial for the state’s sustenance and economic prosperity, including Ibadan’s development.
The Chairman appealed for the CCII’s support in advocating for the rotation of the governorship to Oke-Ogun, believing it would foster equity and unlock the region’s untapped economic and developmental potential.
He recognized that although, the CCII PG might not possess direct executive power but his influence, voice and moral authority within the state are powerful tools that can help champion the cause of agitation for rotational governorship.
Also speaking, Professor Jacob Babayemi, Spokesperson for the group stressed the benefits of an Oke-Ogun governorship, noting that if Oke-Ogun were to lead the state, its “50 percent landmass, seven international borders, and untapped natural resources” would alleviate the developmental pressure currently concentrated on Ibadan, which presently contributes the highest percentage of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Also speaking, another prominent voice within the group, Dr. Adenike Adejumo appealed for the consideration of rotational governorship, advocating for its initiation from the Oke-Ogun zone.
Rounding off the meeting, Mr. Ajuwon Oladejo extended gratitude to the CCII leadership for the opportunity to present their case for rotational governorship, expressing hope for Ibadanland’s continued prosperity.
The meeting had in attendance the CCII Secretary, CCII Social Director, and members of Ègbé Àjosepò Fún Ìtésíwájú Gbogbo Wa, including Engr. Dauda Olaifa (Chairman), Pastor Favour Adewoyin (Secretary), Engr. Moses Olusola Babarinde (Financial Secretary), Professor Jacob Olaniyi Babayemi (Spokesperson), Dr. Adenike Adejumo, Professor Kolawole Adekunle and Mr. Oladejo Ajuwon.
Others are: Mr Sunday S.O., Mr Ogungbenjo T. John, Mr Ogungbenro Kunle, Madam Suliat Ogungbenro, Mr Layo Kehinde, Comrade Khalid Imran and Comrade Adebowale Okelola among others.
