The G22 Renewed Group, a coalition of prominent personalities from 22 local government areas in Oyo State, has called for a rotational governorship arrangement in the state, emphasizing the need for fairness, equity, and justice among all zones.
Speaking at a press conference held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Agodi, Ibadan, the group decried what it described as a longstanding “imbalance and insensitivity” in the political structure of Oyo State, where the governorship seat has been largely dominated by the Ibadan zone since the return to democratic rule.
In a statement delivered at the event, the group congratulated the newly installed 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for personally attending the coronation ceremony.
The G22 Renewed Group, comprising members from Afijio, Atiba, Atisbo, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North, Irepo, Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola, Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Ogo-Oluwa, Olorunsogo, Oorelope, Orire, Oyo East, Oyo West, Saki East, Saki West, and Surulere local governments, said it has always stood for unity and progress in the state.
The group argued that since 1979, the governorship of Oyo State has been overwhelmingly controlled by the Ibadan zone, leaving the other four zones without fair representation. “Except for the accidental emergence of Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala between 2007 and 2011, none of the remaining four zones comprising twenty-two local governments has ever produced a governor,” the group noted, describing the situation as “politically unjustifiable.”
Drawing comparisons with other South-West states, the G22 pointed out that states like Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti have embraced inclusive power rotation, ensuring that no state capital dominates governorship positions. The group added that even at the federal level, Nigeria’s political structure accommodates equity despite regional voting strengths.
“In Oyo State, however, the Ibadan zone’s continued hold on the governorship position does not reflect the spirit of fairness,” the group stated, while noting that only 30 percent of voters in Ibadan are actual indigenes of the city, with the remaining 70 percent comprising citizens from other zones and non-indigenes.
The group, therefore, made a “clarion call” on all political stakeholders to support a shift in the 2027 governorship race by allowing candidates from the 22 local governments outside Ibadan to contest for the governorship.
Specifically, the G22 demanded that:
“1. Ibadan political leaders and stakeholders should, in the interest of peace and fairness, concede the 2027 governorship ticket to candidates from the remaining four zones.
“2. All political parties in the state should ensure that their governorship candidates emerge from any of the 22 local governments outside the Ibadan zone.”
The group appealed to all and sundry to give thoughts to their humble
consideration, as it is a legitimate step towards promoting balance, unity, and progress in Oyo State.
“As true democrats and fighters for justice, we must join hands to change the narrative of Oyo State politics,” the group concluded.
