Oke-Ogun Coalition Supports Apex Body; ODCF, on State Creation …cites demographic, economic potential

The Oke-Ogun Coalition, a merger of social groups from the northern zone of Oyo State, has called on the Senate Committee on 1999 Constitution Review, to consider granting Oke-Ogun a statehood status, giving its support to the official request presented recently by the Oke-Ogun Development Consultative Forum, ODCF, before the creation of Oke-Ogun State from the existing Oyo State.

This call was made during a press conference held in Iseyin where the coalition outlined the compelling reasons why Oke-Ogun deserves to be recognized as a separate state.

According to Hon. Thomas Olayode, the coalition’s publicity secretary, Oke-Ogun boasts a population of over two million people, a demography that not only meets but exceeds the requirements for state creation. This significant population base, he argued, provides a solid foundation for governance, service delivery, and economic development, making a strong case for the region’s elevation to state status.

Olayode highlighted Oke-Ogun’s abundant mineral resources, which could serve as a major revenue stream for the proposed state. With these resources, “Oke-Ogun State would be able to generate substantial internally generated revenue (IGR), reducing its dependence on federal allocations and enabling it to drive its own development agenda.”

He said the fear of viability would not exist as “Oke-Ogun State would be able to generate substantial internally generated revenue (IGR), reducing its dependence on federal allocations and enabling it to drive its own development agenda.”

“In addition to its natural resources, the Oke-Ogun region is endowed with strong human capital, which the coalition believes would be a key driver of growth and development in the proposed state. The region’s sprawling landmass also presents vast opportunities for agriculture, a sector that could significantly contribute to the state’s IGR and economic stability.”

The coalition further pointed out that “Oke-Ogun enjoys relatively stable electricity, a factor that would greatly enhance its attractiveness for investment and industrial development. This, combined with its natural landscapes, including lake and rocky formations, offers immense potential for tourism development, which could be a major source of revenue for the state.”

Moreover, the region’s spectacular trado-cultural relics were cited as another area of economic potential, with the coalition noting that these relics could be developed for export, further boosting the state’s revenue generation capabilities. The body emphasized that these unique cultural assets not only enrich the nation’s heritage but also offer a competitive edge in the global cultural economy.

The Coalition also drew attention to the Oke-Ogun region’s dependable security network, which ensures the safety of citizens and their properties. This, Olayode argued, “…is a proof of the region’s civic disposition and its readiness for statehood.”

“The citizens’ commitment to rules and regulations, according to him,  ‘demonstrate a high level of social cohesion and stability, essential ingredients for effective governance,” Olayode noted.

The Coalition expressed optimism that the Senate Committee on the 1999 Constitution Review would give serious consideration to their demand, given the region’s demographic, economic, and social credentials. It expressed its belief that granting statehood to “Oke-Ogun would not only be a just recognition of the region’s potential but also a strategic move to unlock its growth and development, thereby contributing to the overall progress of Nigeria.”