The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has urged proponents of the proposed New Oyo State to strengthen internal unity and build broad-based consensus if their agitation is to stand any chance of success.
The monarch gave the counsel on Thursday while receiving members of the Committee on the Creation of Ibadan and New Oyo State, led by Francis Adedayo and Saheed Malik, at his Oke-Aremo Palace in Ibadan.
Oba Ladoja noted that while the demand for new states is not unusual in Nigeria’s political landscape, only groups that present a united and well-coordinated front often gain the attention of the Federal Government.
He stressed that internal disagreements, conflicting interests, or lack of clarity in objectives could weaken the agitation. He advised the committee to widen consultations across communities, political blocs, traditional institutions, and socio-cultural groups within the proposed state territory.
According to him, this would help in presenting a single, coherent voice when engaging the National Assembly and relevant federal authorities. The Olubadan commended the delegation for their commitment but maintained that the struggle would require patience, strategic planning, and collaboration beyond local advocacy.
Speaking earlier, committee leaders Francis Adedayo and Saheed Malik briefed the monarch on their ongoing efforts to galvanize support for the creation of a new state with its capital in Oyo town. They described their visit as part of broader consultations with key stakeholders across Oyo State.
The meeting comes amid renewed calls from various regions across the country for the creation of additional states to promote administrative efficiency, political balance, and cultural representation.
Follow us on all social media platforms @dailyquery for news and analyses around the globe.
