One big news wey dey make waves now na the bill to create new Oyo State and rename the existing one to Ibadan State. This bill don pass its second reading for the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
The bill, wey be sponsored by Akeem Adeyemi, the member representing Afijio, Oyo West, Oyo East, and Atiba West federal constituencies in Oyo State, dey seek to amend the 1999 Constitution to divide the current Oyo State into two distinct states. According to the bill, Oyo town go be the capital of the new Oyo State, while Ibadan go be the capital of Ibadan State.
Akeem Adeyemi explain say the agitation for the creation of New Oyo State no be new thing. He mention say the 2014 National Conference recommend the formation of New Oyo State with Oyo town as its capital. He argue say the division necessary because of the state’s vast landmass, which make it the largest in the South-West geopolitical zone, with 33 local governments and a population of over 5.5 million people based on the 2006 census.
He also highlight the economic and political viability of the proposed New Oyo State, mentioning vast agricultural and water potentials, mineral resources like gold, kaolin, and limestone, as well as tourism. He emphasize say Oyo town have all the necessary facilities to serve as the capital, including the Erelu Dam, Government Reservation Area, and functional branches of ministries, parastatals, and agencies.
The bill now go to the Constitutional Review Committee for further legislative action and public hearing before it reach the third reading and concurrence by the Senate.
