The Oke-Ogun Development Consultative Forum (ODCF), a non-partisan and community-driven organization, proudly announces its unwavering support for the creation of Oke-Ogun State. This proposed state, comprising 10 Local Government Areas in the northern part of Oyo State, represents a historically united and culturally homogeneous bloc.
The ODCF, the umbrella body of all the socio-cultural associations of Oke-Ogun region, respectfully opposes the proposed New Oyo State, which would include communities beyond Oke-Ogun’s natural, cultural, and philosophical boundaries. We believe that the interests and unique identity of Oke-Ogun are best served through a state that reflects its historical unity, cultural alignment, and socio-economic homogeneity.
According to an Official Position Paper jointly signed by Alhaji Ahmed Raji, SAN and Dr. Bimpe Aderounmu, President and Secretary-General of ODCF respectively and made available to newsmen in Ibadan.
*Constituent Local Government Areas of the Proposed Oke-Ogun State:*
1. Iseyin
2. Kajola
3. Itesiwaju
4. Iwajowa
5. ATISBO
6. Saki West
7. Saki East
8. Oorelope
9. Irepo
10. Olorunsogo
*Justification for Oke-Ogun State:*
_i. Cultural and Historical Homogeneity:_
The Oke-Ogun region is made up of closely related Yoruba subgroups who share common ancestry, language, customs, values, and festivals. The people have lived together for centuries, developing a shared heritage that defines their worldview, governance systems, and social practices. The integration of culturally divergent communities under New Oyo State would compromise this well-established unity.
_ii. Shared Ethical, Ideological, and Developmental Philosophy:_
Oke-Ogun is grounded in communal values such as honesty, equity, mutual respect, and service to the community. These principles guide our leadership models, conflict resolution mechanisms, and youth development strategies. These ethical and ideological consistencies provide a unique advantage for governance and sustainable development within a homogenous state structure.
_iii. Economic Similarities:_
The people of Oke-Ogun are predominantly farmers, traders, artisans, and herders, relying on a similar economy of scale and value chain. A state structure focused on their specific agro-based economy will create tailored policies that reflect and respond to their real needs, unlike a broader, mixed state structure where development strategies may lack targeted relevance.
_iv. Geographic and Ecological Unity:_
All ten LGAs lie within a unified savannah belt, experiencing similar weather patterns, vegetation, water systems, and natural resources. This ecological alignment promotes integrated environmental planning, infrastructure design, and agricultural development, which may become fragmented in a multi-zone state arrangement.
_v. Administrative Viability:_
The proposed Oke-Ogun State has existing institutional linkages—traditional councils, inter-LGA associations, road networks, educational zones, and healthcare systems. These provide a ready-made framework for a smooth transition into full statehood without the complex restructuring that a mixed-region state like New Oyo State would require.
_vi. Preservation of Indigenous Identity:_
For decades, the Oke-Ogun region has been politically marginalised within the broader Oyo State. An independent state would restore political inclusion, offer fair representation, and preserve the region’s unique identity. Inclusion in a broader state with distinct cultural identities risks the dilution and erosion of Oke-Ogun’s heritage and priorities.
_vii. Popular Mandate and Longstanding Demand:_
The call for an Oke-Ogun State is not new. It dates back to the 1980s and has been consistently supported by royal fathers, community leaders, youth groups, women groups, professional associations, and civil society organisations. The idea enjoys grassroots legitimacy and broad consensus, unlike newer propositions that do not reflect the true aspirations of the indigenous population.
*Putting the record straight:*
ODCF noticed that the Memorandum presented by the proponents of New Oyo State carried signatures of royal fathers, community leaders, local government officials, etc and we like to state that our people didn’t sign that Memorandum. We suspect their signatures were forged, photoshopped or AI-fixed by those who were and are desperate to lord their ambition over the people.
The only authentic Memorandum that got the blessing of the generality of the people of Oke-Ogun beginning with their traditional rulers, community leaders, local government officials and all the socio-cultural associations is the one presented by ODCF.
*Conclusion and Call to Action:*
The Oke-Ogun Development Consultative Forum (ODCF) reaffirms its resolute commitment to the creation of a state that is reflective of the true nature, spirit, and aspiration of our people.
Therefore, we respectfully call on:
i. The National Assembly to give due consideration to this historically justified and widely supported proposal.
ii. The Federal Government of Nigeria to prioritise equity, cultural preservation, and administrative feasibility.
iii. All stakeholders in Oyo State to support a peaceful, objective, and merit-based state creation process.
“In the face of evolving national realities, the creation of Oke-Ogun State is not only a matter of fairness, it is also a strategic necessity for regional stability, cultural preservation, and national development”, the group concluded.
