A group, Ogbomoso Capital City Initiative, has begun campaign for the creation of new Oyo State, with Ogbomoso as the capital.
A statement by one of the coordinators of the group, Dr. Akin Oladeji-Johnbrown, who is also the president of Ogbomoso Recreation Club, said the creation of the new state was long overdue and Ogbomoso should be made the capital.
The body said the proposed state was expected to have 19 local governments, namely Afijio, Atiba, Atisbo, Ogo-Oluwa, Irepo, Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola, Ire, Olorunsogo, Oorelopo, Oyo East, Oyo West, Saki East, Saki West, Surulere, Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South and Ejigbo Local Government (in present Osun State).
According to the group, based on the principle of equity, splitting Oyo State into two (Oyo and Ibadan states) should be prioritised by relevant National Assembly committees.
