The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), the apex socio-cultural body representing all Ibadan groups, has declared its support for the growing calls for rotational governorship in Oyo State, stressing that competence and effective governance remain its top priorities.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by members of ‘Ègbé Àjosepò Fún Ìtésíwájú Gbogbo Wa’ at the CCII Secretariat in Ibadan, the President-General of the Council, Chief Sulaimon Ajewole, said neither the CCII nor the people of Ibadan oppose the principle of power rotation.
Ajewole noted that the call for rotational governorship is rooted in the pursuit of equity and fairness across all zones in the state.
“Ibadan is not selfish to work against the feasibility of rotational governorship. Our major concern is the delivery and effectiveness of anyone who becomes governor,” he said.
He highlighted Ibadanland’s history of inclusivity, citing its support for past governors from outside the city, including the late former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.
He added that Ibadan has always embraced non-indigenes, even honouring several with awards such as “Outstanding Friend of Ibadanland.”
The CCII reiterated that while fairness in political representation is important, the ability to govern effectively and provide leadership remains the foremost criterion for the people of Ibadan.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of Ègbé Àjosepò Fún Ìtésíwájú Gbogbo Wa, Mr. Dauda Olaifa, said the group is a socio-cultural and political advocacy group dedicated to the vision of power rotation within Oyo State, specifically advocating for the process to commence from the Oke-Ogun region.
He emphasised the group’s non-political, non-religious, and non-town-based ethos, representing the collective interest in equity, development, and unity.
He acknowledged Ibadan’s cosmopolitan identity, acknowledging it as Africa’s largest city and a testament to its inclusive spirit. He also stressed Oke-Ogun’s significant contributions to the growth, describing the region as the food basket of Oyo State, crucial for the state’s sustenance and economic prosperity, including Ibadan’s development.
The Chairman appealed for the CCII’s support in advocating for the rotation of the governorship to Oke-Ogun, believing it would foster equity and unlock the region’s untapped economic and developmental potential.
He recognised that although the CCII PG might not possess direct executive power but his influence, voice and moral authority within the state are powerful tools that can help champion the cause of agitation for rotational governorship.
Also speaking, Professor Jacob Babayemi, Spokesperson for the group stressed the benefits of an Oke-Ogun governorship, noting that if Oke-Ogun were to lead the state, its “50 percent landmass, seven international borders, and untapped natural resources” would alleviate the developmental pressure currently concentrated on Ibadan, which presently contributes the highest percentage of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
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Also speaking, another prominent voice within the group, Dr. Adenike Adejumo, appealed for the consideration of rotational governorship, advocating for its initiation from the Oke-Ogun zone.
Rounding off the meeting, Mr. Ajuwon Oladejo extended gratitude to the CCII leadership for the opportunity to present their case for rotational governorship, expressing hope for Ibadanland’s continued prosperity.
The meeting had in attendance the CCII Secretary, CCII Social Director, and members of Ègbé Àjosepò Fún Ìtésíwájú Gbogbo Wa, including Engr. Dauda Olaifa (Chairman), Pastor Favour Adewoyin (Secretary), Engr. Moses Olusola Babarinde (Financial Secretary), Professor Jacob Olaniyi Babayemi (Spokesperson), Dr. Adenike Adejumo, Professor Kolawole Adekunle and Mr. Oladejo Ajuwon.
Others are: Mr Sunday S.O., Mr Ogungbenjo T. John, Mr Ogungbenro Kunle, Madam Suliat Ogungbenro, Mr Layo Kehinde, Comrade Khalid Imran and Comrade Adebowale Okelola, among others.