The long-standing agitation for the creation of a New Oyo State has taken a significant leap forward in the National Assembly.
A bill proposing the restructuring of the current Oyo State into two distinct entities—Ibadan State and New Oyo State—has officially reached the final report stage in the House of Representatives.
This development was confirmed by the bill's sponsor, Honourable Adeyemi Akeem Adeniyi (Skimeh), representing the Afijio/Oyo East/Oyo West/Atiba Federal Constituency. Speaking after a National Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution, Hon. Adeniyi described the progress as a critical step toward bringing governance closer to the people.
The Proposal: A Capital Return for Oyo
Under the provisions of the bill, the current state would be split into:
- Ibadan State: With Ibadan City retaining its status as the capital.
- New Oyo State: With Oyo Town designated as the new state capital.
For residents of Oyo Town, this move is seen as a historic restoration of the town’s political significance and a catalyst for rapid infrastructure development.
High-Level Backing in Abuja
The advancement of the bill follows a high-profile public hearing held on September 22 at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. Organized by the House Committee on Constitution Review, the session drew top political figures, legal experts, and traditional rulers from across the country.
Most notably, the movement received royal backing from the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade. The monarch led the delegation for the New Oyo State Forum Movement (NOSFOM), presenting a unified front for the creation of the new state.
Why Now?
Hon. Adeniyi emphasized that the demand is not just about drawing new lines on a map, but about equitable development.
"The creation of New Oyo State is rooted in the desire for fair representation and improved access to governance resources," Adeniyi stated. He noted that the proposal is now part of the wider constitutional reforms being considered by the 10th National Assembly, covering issues from devolution of powers to fiscal federalism.
As the bill moves to the final consideration stage, stakeholders in Oyo are urging legislators to fast-track its passage, a move that could redefine the political and economic landscape of the Yoruba race.