A coalition of political stakeholders from 22 local government areas in Oyo State, under the banner of G22 Renewed, has called for a rotational governorship system, citing what they describe as the long-standing dominance of the Ibadan zone in the state’s political leadership.
At a press conference held at the Oyo State House of Assembly Complex in Ibadan, the group—made up of representatives from Oke-Ogun, Ogbomoso, Oyo, and Ibarapa zones—decried the continued marginalization of other regions in the race for the state’s highest political office.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Chief Ademola Ayoade stated that Ibadan, despite being one of five geopolitical zones in the state, has held the governorship position for a combined total of 26 years since 1979. He described this as an “intolerable imbalance” and called for equity and justice in future elections.
The group listed past governors from Ibadan, including Victor Olunloyo, Kolapo Ishola, Lamidi Adesina, Rashidi Ladoja, Abiola Ajimobi, and Seyi Makinde, while pointing out that only one governor—Adebayo Alao-Akala from Ogbomoso—has emerged from outside the Ibadan zone in the last four decades.
They argued that the situation contradicts both the Federal Character Principle and political trends in other South-West states, where state capitals like Ado-Ekiti, Osogbo, and Akure have never produced governors. The stakeholders also noted that despite perceptions, only about 30% of Ibadan’s voting population are indigenous to the city, with the remaining 70% coming from other zones or non-indigenes.
Calling for change ahead of the 2027 general elections, the group urged political parties to zone their governorship tickets to any of the 22 LGAs outside Ibadan.
“We appeal to our Ibadan compatriots to support this call for justice, equity, and fairness by allowing other regions to produce the next governor,” Ayoade said. “We also urge all political parties to reflect this in their candidate selection process for the 2027 elections.”
The group expressed confidence that the people of Oyo State would embrace this demand as a step toward a more inclusive and balanced political future.
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