Oyo State, one of the most politically significant states in Nigeria, is a microcosm of cultural diversity, economic importance, and rich historical heritage.
However, its political landscape has been predominantly shaped by a singular pattern: the concentration of power within Ibadan, the state capital.
While Ibadan is undoubtedly a crucial part of Oyo State, the continued dominance of its sons in the governorship seat has consistently raised critical questions of equity, representation, and fairness.
As the next gubernatorial election approaches, it is time to strongly consider the urgent need for a governor from outside Ibadan in the spirit of cohesion and unity, if truly all other geopolitical zones are equal in this corporate identity called Oyo state.
Since the creation of Oyo State in 1976, Ibadan indigenes have consistently occupied the governorship seat for a significant portion of the state’s political history.
Notable former governors such as Lam Adesina, Rashidi Ladoja, and Abiola Ajimobi hailed from Ibadan. Currently, Governor Seyi Makinde is also an Ibadan indigene. This pattern of leadership has contributed to a disproportionate distribution of political power, with other regions like Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa, and Oyo town left on the margins of executive influence.
A case of the only former governor outside of Ibadan, late Adebayo Alao Akala may become a counter argument on this subject by the naysayers but we must all agree to the fact that the emergence of the late Ogbomoso political warlord was due to some peculiar political circumstances at the time.
Otherwise, chances are that the usual Ibadan dominance and marginalization of other zones would have played out thereby, denying the good people of the state an opportunity to enjoy from the leadership acumen and resource management skills which brought about many notable accomplishments to his credit at the helms of affairs as an executive governor of the state.
Suffice to say that Oyo State is not Ibadan alone. The state is a diverse federation of ethnic subgroups and geopolitical zones, each with its own unique challenges, potentials, and aspirations.
The overrepresentation of Ibadan in the governorship seat has created a perception, if not a reality, but of marginalization for the other zones.
True democracy thrives on inclusiveness and equitable representation. By electing a governor from outside Ibadan, the state can promote a sense of belonging among all its people and strengthen the unity of the state.
Despite efforts to drive development across the state, Ibadan continues to enjoy the lion’s share of infrastructural and economic investments. This is not surprising given the concentration of political leadership from the city.
Areas like Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa, rich in agricultural potential, often suffer from poor road networks, limited access to quality healthcare, and underfunded educational institutions compared to Ibadan. A governor from these regions could bring more attention to local issues and prioritize long-overdue development as evident in Ogbomoso during the time of former governor Akala
The principle of zoning; a rotational approach to leadership, has become an accepted mechanism in Nigeria’s political architecture for promoting fairness and stability.
Several states have adopted zoning formulas to ensure every region gets a fair shot at leadership. For Oyo State, failing to rotate the governorship to other zones outside Ibadan undermines this principle and risks political alienation.
To ignore the call for power shift is to risk entrenching political exclusion, which can promote resentment and weaken democratic harmony.
The non-Ibadan regions of Oyo State are home to many capable and visionary leaders who have proven their mettle in business, academia, public service, and civil society.
These individuals have the competence, commitment, and fresh perspectives needed to steer the state toward inclusive growth. By opening up the political space to candidates from Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, Oyo, or Ibarapa, the state can benefit from new ideas, renewed energy, and a wider development agenda.
A governor from outside Ibadan would not only help balance political power but also foster a greater sense of unity across the state. It would send a powerful message that leadership in Oyo is not the exclusive preserve of a single city but a collective responsibility shared by all. This symbolic shift can pave the way for a stronger, more inclusive Oyo State.
As 2027 approaches, Oyo State stands at a critical juncture. The choice of its next governor should reflect the democratic ideals of fairness, representation, and equity.
Electing a governor from outside Ibadan is not about division, it is about inclusion. It is about giving every part of the state a voice at the highest level of governance. Oyo deserves leadership that represents all its people, not just a dominant few. Now is the time to make that bold, equitable shift.
The future of Oyo State depends on our ability to embrace fairness and ensure that no region is left behind. Let us choose equity. Let us choose unity. Let us choose a governor from outside Ibadan and put an end to all forms of political double standard.
Hon. Kazeem Tunde Isiaka, JP, CPA, MSPS is a former member, Oyo State House of Assembly.
He writes from Oyo Town.