The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and the wider Ibadan populace are not opposed to the growing calls for rotational governorship in Oyo State. Instead, their primary concern is the emergence of a governor capable of delivering effective governance, stated Barrister Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole, President General of the CCII.
Barrister Ajewole articulated this position on Wednesday, May 21st, during a visit from stakeholders of Ègbé Àjosepò Fún Ìtésíwájú Gbogbo Wa at his office in Ibadan House, Oke-Aremo.
He acknowledged the agitation for rotational governorship, emphasizing its roots in the demand for fairness and equity among the various zones in Oyo State. “Ibadan is not selfish to work against its feasibility,” he affirmed, reiterating 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 and the recognition of many individuals with “award of outstanding friend of Ibadanland.”
The visiting delegation, led by Engr. Dauda Olaifa, Chairman of Ègbé Àjosepò Fún Ìtésíwájú Gbogbo Wa, 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.
Engr. Olaifa emphasized the group’s non-political, non-religious, and non-town-based ethos, representing the collective interest in equity, development, and unity.
He underscored Ibadan’s cosmopolitan identity, acknowledging it as Africa’s largest city and a testament to its inclusive spirit. Engr. Olaifa stressed Oke-Ogun’s significant contributions to this 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 while Barrister Ajewole might not possess direct executive power, his “influence, voice, and moral authority within the state are powerful tools that can help champion the cause of agitation for rotational governorship.”
Corroborating Engr. Olaifa’s statements, Professor Jacob Olaniyi Babayemi, spokesperson for the group, articulated the tangible benefits of an Oke-Ogun governorship. He highlighted 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).
Dr. Adenike Adejumo, another prominent voice within the group, also appealed for the consideration of rotational governorship, advocating for its initiation from the Oke-Ogun zone.
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 productive meeting saw the attendance of Barrister Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole, 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, Mr. Oladejo Ajuwon, Mr Sunday S.O., Mr Ogungbenjo T. John, Mr Ogungbenro Kunle, Madam Suliat Ogungbenro, Mr Layo Kehinde, Comrade Khalid Imran and Comrade Adebowale Okelola respectively.
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