A bill proposing the creation of Ogbomoso as a new Oyo State has successfully passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

Sponsored by Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala, representing Ogbomoso North-South and Oriire Federal Constituency, the bill was presented to the House on February 27, 2024, for the first reading.

The bill is aimed at amending part one of the first schedule to seek to create two new states: Ibadan/Ibadan and Oyo/Ogbomoso.

Ibadan state with Ibadan city as a capital will have the 11 local governments in Ibadan and the three in Ibarapa, including Akinyele, Egbeda, Ibadan North, Ibadan South-West, Ibadan South East, Ibadan North-East, and Ibadan North-West. Lagelu, Oluyole, Ona Ara, Ido, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa North.

The proposed new Oyo state with Ogbomoso as state capital will have Ogbomoso Afijio, Atiba, Atisbo, Ogo Oluwa, Irepo Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola, Ori Ire, Olorunsogo, Oorelopo, Oyo East, Oyo West, Saki East, Saki West, Surulere, Ogbomoso North, and Ogbomoso South.

If passed into law, creating Ibadan as a state to serve as its own capital would not only benefit its citizens but also contribute positively to Nigeria’s national development and would have the autonomy to develop its cultural and historical assets, which are crucial to Nigeria’s national identity.

Ogbomoso is strategically placed with excellent road and rail links to other major cities. It will also serve as a bridge between the northern and southwestern parts of the nation and also has a robust history of commerce, educational institutions, and an emerging local economy that has shown tremendous potential for growth due to its rising infrastructure and industrialisation.

This capital city would draw attention and investments from both the federal government and private investors, sparking a new wave of development that will create balance and accommodate the growth that has long been stifled for them, particularly, and for Nigeria generally.

By positioning Ogbomoso as the capital of Oyo State, there could be an opportunity to create more balanced development throughout the state.