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.

all and sundry for giving thoughts to this our humble
consideration,

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.

The Progressive Forum (TPF) in Oyo State has replied Governor Seyi Makinde over his recent statement that “hunger is yet to defect from Nigeria,” describing the comment as careless and self-indicting.

In a statement issued in Ibadan on Saturday, the forum said the governor had no moral justification to lament hunger in the country when his own policies had contributed to widespread hardship across Oyo communities.

The forum said that despite the steady rise in the state’s monthly allocation from the Federation Account (FAAC), the Makinde administration had failed to deliver corresponding results in local development, agriculture, and rural infrastructure.

“Governor Makinde should explain how he has been using the billions received monthly from FAAC. Instead of showing transparency and results, his administration has continued to centralise power and weaken local government administration,” the statement said.

The group accused the governor of blocking local government autonomy and starving the councils of development funds, noting that most council chairmen had become figureheads, unable to execute projects or address community needs.

Turning to agriculture, the forum reminded the governor of his unfulfilled promises, particularly the Botswana maize partnership announced in 2019, which has not produced any visible outcome more than five years later.

“Governor Makinde promised Oyo people the Botswana maize project as a landmark agricultural breakthrough, but nothing has come out of it till today, The Fashola Farm Estate, though often showcased, has not yielded the expected results. It remains far from achieving the productivity targets earlier announced” the statement continued.

The forum also lamented the worsening condition of roads in rural areas, saying farmers in Oke Ogun and other agrarian regions could no longer access their farms due to bad roads such as the Agbonle–Saki route, which has remained neglected.

“If the governor truly understands the pain of the people, he will not make light of hunger. Local government workers are struggling to meet community demands because funds are not reaching them. Farmers cannot move their produce. Rural dwellers are completely cut off,” the group stated.

The group urge Governor Makinde to focus on governance instead of playing to the gallery with political metaphors.

“There is hunger in Oyo State not because of Abuja, but because of the governor’s poor management of state resources. The people expected leadership and development, but what they got is propaganda and excuses. Hunger will only ‘defect’ when the governor begins to do his work in truth and sincerity,” the group declared.

The Chairman of Copacapana Group, Chief Ahmed Ajibola, has joined well wishers across Nigeria to celebrate the Chief Executive Officer of Ilaji Resorts, Engr. Dotun Sanusi, on his birthday, describing him as a rare visionary, a bridge-builder, and one of Oyo State’s most influential sons of progress.

Chief Ahmed praised Engr. Sanusi’s exceptional dedication to the growth of Oyo State through his investments in tourism, youth empowerment, and community development.

He noted that Ilaji Resorts, under Engr. Sanusi’s leadership, has become a model of excellence not only as a tourism hub but also as a catalyst for social and economic transformation in Ona Ara Local Government and beyond.

“Engr. Sanusi’s story is one of vision, courage, and purpose. His projects continue to create opportunities, inspire enterprise, and strengthen the bond of community among our people,” Chief Ahmed said.

“He represents the spirit of true leadership humble in service, firm in vision, and deeply committed to human development.”

Chief Ahmed further commended Sanusi’s philanthropy and contributions to education, sports, and cultural promotion, describing him as “a silent achiever whose impact speaks louder than words.”

“As we celebrate this remarkable son of Oyo State today, I pray for more wisdom, strength, and divine favour upon his life. May the years ahead bring greater fulfilment and prosperity. Happy Birthday to a man who continues to redefine what it means to serve humanity through enterprise,” Chief Ahmed added.

In the last eight days, the Environmental Task Force of the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has arrested 66 individuals for offences ranging from illegal waste disposal to open defecation in different parts of the state.Among those arrested was a learned individual who, shockingly, used his personal car to transport refuse from his residence only to dump it on the road median. This single act speaks volumes about the poor attitude of some residents toward environmental sanitation and their blatant disregard for laws designed to protect our collective well-being.

The Oyo State Government, under the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has continued to demonstrate strong commitment toward making the state clean, healthy, and environmentally friendly. Several proactive measures have been implemented to achieve this vision. These include the engagement of street sweepers to maintain cleanliness on major roads and streets, the provision of waste bins at strategic locations to encourage proper waste disposal, and a partnership with private waste collectors to ensure regular evacuation of refuse. The government has also intensified stakeholder and market sensitization to promote environmental awareness and shared responsibility among the populace.

Yet, despite these massive investments and continuous sensitization efforts, some individuals have chosen to frustrate the government’s hard work by dumping waste indiscriminately , especially on newly renovated and beautified roads. These reckless acts not only deface the environment but also undermine the state’s image and pose serious health risks to the public. It is painful that at a time when the government is beautifying the state through the renovation of major roads and public spaces, some residents still treat these infrastructures with utter disdain. Cleanliness is a collective responsibility, not a government duty alone. Every act of illegal dumping or open defecation erases the progress being made toward a modern, clean, and livable Oyo State.

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources reiterates that offenders will face strict penalties, including fines and community service, as stipulated by environmental laws. Members of the public are therefore urged to dispose of their waste responsibly, patronize registered waste collectors, and report illegal dumping to the nearest authority.

Together, we can make Oyo State a cleaner, safer, and more beautiful place to live

Ki Oyo le dun wo, ojuse emi ati iwo ni ooo

The Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Oyo State Chapter, is set to host the Oyo State Real Estate Conference 2025, a major event aimed at driving innovation, urban development, and sustainable growth in the state’s property sector.

The conference, hosted by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing and Urban Development, Honourable Akinsete Olakunle, will bring together industry experts, policymakers, and key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies that can accelerate growth in Oyo’s real estate landscape.

It is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Jogor Event Centre, Ibadan, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Admission is free, but participants are required to register in advance via https://oyostaterealestateconference.com.ng.

This year’s edition, themed “Real Estate and Economic Development in Oyo State: Strategies for Success,” will serve as a platform for meaningful discussion, networking, and knowledge-sharing on how to advance the real estate industry and strengthen its role in the state’s economic development.

In a statement by the organisers, the conference is being held to consolidate on the developmental progress recorded under the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, who has made significant strides in infrastructure renewal and urban expansion across Oyo State.

“The conference seeks to build on that momentum by positioning Oyo State as a leader in the real estate sector, promoting sustainable development, and creating opportunities for professionals to connect and grow,” the statement read.

Organisers further called on stakeholders, investors, and industry players to participate actively in what they described as “a defining conversation shaping the future of real estate in Oyo State.”