The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has urged agitators pushing for the creation of a proposed New Oyo State to first reconcile their internal differences before taking their demands to the national stage.
The monarch gave the charge on Thursday while receiving members of the Committee on the Creation of Ibadan and New Oyo States at his Oke Aremo Palace in Ibadan.
The visit came amid renewed momentum from the Olubadan stool for the establishment of an Ibadan State — a long-standing demand that has recently gained stronger public attention. However, Oba Ladoja cautioned that while Ibadan’s case remains straightforward, the agitation for a New Oyo State faces more intricate challenges.
He pointed particularly to deep-seated rivalries and unresolved questions over the proposed state’s identity, including its name and the location of its capital.
“Iseyin is interested in becoming a state capital. Agunrege is interested. Oyo is interested. Ogbomoso is not talking. All these towns, including virgin lands, are qualified to become state capitals,” he observed.
The Olubadan, who received the delegation led by Engr Francis Adedayo and Prof Saheed Malik, stressed that meaningful progress can only emerge from unity, compromise, and broad-based agreement.
“If truth must be told, you need to build consensus. You need compromise,” he advised.
Oba Ladoja also raised concerns about what he described as inadequate representation from key blocs whose voices are crucial to any credible push for state creation. He noted that Oke Ogun, with its ten local governments, and Ogbomoso, with four, were poorly represented in the current agitation.
“How much of Oke Ogun and Ogbomoso representation do we have here? You cannot wish them away,” he cautioned.
Observers say his remarks mirror a growing worry that the New Oyo State movement may struggle to match the coherence and organization behind the Ibadan State campaign unless its proponents close ranks.
Supporting the Olubadan’s position, Dr Ojelabi Morakinyo from Ibarapa stated that there has never been tension between Ibadan and Ibarapa, noting their historical harmony and shared interests. According to him, their alignment should not be in question.
Thursday’s meeting also had in attendance key personalities such as the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, and the President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barrister Sulaiman Ajewole.
