By Matthew Oyedele Oyedokun
Oyo State, created on February 3, 1976, has been a significant political and economic hub in Nigeria. However, governance in the state has historically been dominated by certain zones, leaving others—such as Oke Ogun— politically marginalized. Analyzing this historical imbalance underscores the need for an inclusive governance approach, particularly a power rotation system that prioritizes equity, beginning with Oke Ogun.
1. The Zoning Structure in Oyo State
Oyo State is divided into five major geopolitical zones:
Ibadan Zone (Ibadan North, Ibadan North-East, Ibadan North-
West, Ibadan South-East, Ibadan South-West, Akinyele,
Egbeda, Ido, Lagelu, Oluyole, Ona Ara)
Oyo Zone (Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East, Oyo West)
Ogbomoso Zone (Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Oriire, Surulere, Ogo-Oluwa)
Oke Ogun Zone (Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola, Saki East,
Saki West, Atisbo, Irepo, Olorunsogo, Oorelope)
Ibarapa Zone (Ibarapa North, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East) 2.
Historical Governance and Power Distribution
Since the creation of Oyo State, most governors have emerged from Ibadan and Ogbomoso zones. Below is a breakdown of past leaders by their geopolitical origins:
Chief Bola Ige (1979–1983) – Osun State
Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo (1983, short-lived) – Ibadan Zone
Major. Gen. Oladayo Popoola (1984–1985, Military) – Ogbomoso Zone
Col. Adetunji Idowu Olurin (1985–1988, Military) – Ogun Stateborn
Col. Sasaenia Oresanya (1988–1990, Military) – Ogun Stateborn
Col. Abdulkareem Adisa (1990–1992, Military) – Kwara State-born
Chief Kolapo Ishola (1992–1993) – Ibadan Zone
Col. Ike Nwosu (1993–1996, Military) – Non-indigene
Col. Ahmed Usman (1996–1998, Military) – Non-indigene
Cmpol. Amen Edore Oyakhire (1998–1999, Policeman ) – Nonindigene
Alhaji Lam Adesina (1999–2003) – Ibadan Zone
Sen. Rashidi Ladoja (2003–2007) – Ibadan Zone
Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala (2007–2011) – Ogbomoso Zone
Sen. Abiola Ajimobi (2011–2019) – Ibadan Zone
Engr. Seyi Makinde (2019–present) – Ibadan Zone
From this history, Ibadan has produced seven civilian governors,
Ogbomoso one civilian governor, and Oyo none in the democratic era. Oke Ogun and Ibarapa have never produced a governor, despite their significant contributions to the state’s economy and demographics.
3. The Case for Power Rotation to Oke Ogun
There is a growing consensus that governance in Oyo State should be more inclusive, considering the historical marginalization of Oke Ogun. The justification for power rotation to Oke Ogun includes:
Political Marginalization:
Oke Ogun has been consistently overlooked in terms of governorship representation despite its vast landmass (over 60% of Oyo State) and economic contributions.
Economic Contributions:
Agriculture: Oke Ogun is the food basket of Oyo State, producing significant amounts of maize, yam, cassava, and cash crops like cashew and cocoa.
Solid Minerals: The region possesses untapped mineral resources, including gold, lithium, gemstones, granite, marble etc which can drive economic growth.
Tourism and Natural Resources: Oke Ogun hosts sites like Ado-Awaye Suspended Lake, Iyamapo in Igbeti, Old Oyo National Park, etc which can boost tourism revenue.
Equity and Fairness:
Democratic governance should promote fairness and inclusivity. Given that Ibadan has dominated power for decades, Oke Ogun deserves the opportunity to lead.
iv. Political Mobilization and Readiness:
Oke Ogun has a rising political consciousness, with strong leaders advocating for their rights. The region has produced national leaders in various capacities, yet has been denied the governorship.
4. Conclusion
For Oyo State to achieve balanced development, a rotational governorship system should be institutionalized, beginning with Oke Ogun. This will foster unity, enhance grassroots development, and ensure equitable resource distribution. A leader from Oke Ogun will likely prioritize the region’s neglected infrastructure, boost economic diversification, and bridge the urban-rural divide in Oyo State.
Dr. Matthew Oyedele Oyedokun is a former Special Adviser to Late Governor Ajimobi. He hails from Oorelope LGA.
