A bill aimed at amending the 1999 Constitution to establish a new Oyo State passed its second reading in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
The bill’s sponsor, Akeem Adeyemi, proposed that Oyo town would serve as the capital of the new state.
During the debate on the bill’s general principles, Adeyemi, who represents Oyo Federal Constituency, explained that the push for the creation of New Oyo State is not a recent development. He referenced the 2014 National Conference held in Abuja, which had recommended the formation of the state with Oyo town as its capital.
Adeyemi noted, “The current Oyo State is the largest in terms of landmass in the South-West, with 33 local governments and a population of over 5.5 million (2006 census). Dividing it into two would make both states economically and politically viable.”
He highlighted the region’s agricultural capacity, mineral resources like gold, kaolin, and limestone, and its tourism potential as key factors that would support the new state’s growth.
Adeyemi argued that Oyo town is well-positioned to serve as the capital due to its existing administrative infrastructure, its status as the cultural center of Yoruba heritage, and its historical significance as the seat of the old Oyo Kingdom. He pointed out that Oyo town’s Government Reservation Area (GRA) could function as a temporary Government House, and its numerous branches of ministries and agencies could serve as initial offices for the new state.
Additionally, Adeyemi mentioned that Oyo town is the only former provincial headquarters that has yet to become a state capital, and he advocated for addressing this imbalance. He also emphasized the readiness of the Nigeria Police Area Command in Oyo to serve as the new state’s police headquarters, as well as the town’s existing Federal Medium Security Prison.
The bill will proceed to a public hearing before advancing to the third reading and Senate approval.
