written by pastor Favour Adewoyin

Published by MD DOLLY

01/08/2025

In a period marked by widespread misinformation and political tension, the Òkèògùn Development Consultative Forum (ODCF), the apex umbrella body for all socio-cultural associations across the ten Local Government Areas of Òkèògùn, has stepped forward with clarity, conviction, and purpose.

Beginning Monday, July 28, 2025, ODCF commenced a report-giving and sensitisation tour across all ten Local Governments within the region to update the people on recent constitutional review developments and reaffirm the collective resolve for Òkèògùn State creation. The tour is a bold response to growing misinformation, including a viral falsehood that the National Assembly had unilaterally approved the creation of Ìbàdàn State—news later debunked by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Debunking Misinformation and Reaffirming Òkèògùn's Stand:

Contrary to public misconception, the National Assembly’s constitutional review exercise was not singularly focused on state creation. Rather, it aimed to address over 20 critical issues in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), such as local government autonomy, boundary adjustments, resource control, and indeed, state creation —issues often described as complex, vague, and practically unenforceable. For example, Section 8 of the Constitution, which addresses state creation, remains an almost insurmountable legal labyrinth, one so intricate that only metaphorical "gnomes or daemons" could navigate it with ease.

However, during the Memorandum Presentation sessions, the matter of state creation surged to the forefront, especially among prepared regions like Ìbàdàn and Ìjẹ̀bú, who arrived sharply dressed and well-organised.

Thanks to ODCF’s foresight, Òkèògùn came armed with a thoroughly prepared and widely endorsed memorandum which had been signed by traditional rulers, religious bodies (Christian, Muslim, and indigenous), political leaders, community groups, and stakeholders across all walks of life, requesting the creation of Òkèògùn State with Agúnrégé as its capital.

Rallying Against Defeatism:

In each LGA visited, ODCF strongly cautioned against defeatist narratives. The people of Òkèògùn were encouraged never to capitulate or assume inferiority. They were urged to continuously echo their aspirations for Òkèògùn State creation with pride and confidence. ODCF reaffirmed that Òkèògùn's demand stands independently. In other word, it has not merged, aligned, or partnered with any other region’s call for statehood.

The Case for Òkèògùn State:

ODCF outlined a compelling case for the creation of Òkèògùn State, citing:

i. Distinct identity in language, culture, tradition, value system, and worldview;

ii. Vast landmass rich in natural vegetation, topography, and biodiversity;

iii. Substantial population and a robust economic base rooted in agriculture, trade, and resource potential;

iv. Long-standing history of political exclusion, marginalisation, and underdevelopment.

Moreover, Òkèògùn is not merely a geographical location but a living, breathing identity deserving of self-determination and equal representation. It is, in every sense, a complete and qualifying candidate for statehood under the principles of equity, justice, and fairness.

Warning Against Divisiveness:

ODCF warned against the internal threats of religious intolerance, political partisanship, and hometown rivalry, which continue to hinder regional unity. The time has come for Òkèògùn to rise above petty divisions and forge a united front.

Other Key Issues Addressed During the Tour

1. Security:

ODCF reported ongoing collaborations with government and private stakeholders to strengthen security architecture across the region.

2. Land Administration:

The Forum advised that land should be leased, but not sold — preferably to indigenes, to protect future generations.

3. Mineral Resources:

Illegal mining will no longer be tolerated. Host communities must be engaged and involved in resource management.

4. Boundary Disputes:

ODCF is collaborating with the Boundary Dispute Committee chaired by the Deputy Governor to resolve all grey areas peacefully.

5. Council of Obas:

Advocacy efforts have been intensified to ensure Òkèògùn monarchs receive rightful recognition and fair treatment.

6. 2027 Governorship Rotation:

ODCF reiterated its unshaken position that it is Òkèògùn’s turn to produce the next Governor of Oyo State and the Senator. Political unity is imperative, and aspirants must seek the ticket of the two major parties while the electorate rallies behind Òkèògùn candidates both for the Governor and Senator.

7. Ownership of Institutions:

Institutions such as FUNATO, Òkehò, Lautech’s Faculty of Agriculture (Ìṣẹ́yìn), Òkèògùn Polytechnic (Ṣakí), and others are regional assets, but not the sole property of their host towns. So their governance should reflect inclusivity and collective ownership.

8. ODCF Structure and Mandate:

People were reminded that ODCF is a non-profit, self-funding NGO with no governmental power but vast influence through its tripartite constitutional structure:

Òkèògùn Patriot Forum (OPF) for local associations who reside in Òkèògùn;

Concerned Indigenes of Òkèògùn (COIN) for those associations outside Òkèògùn including those in the diaspora;

Òkèògùn Council of Elders (OCE), made up of distinguished veterans of the Òkèògùn liberation struggle.

Progress and Public Reception:

So far, the update tour has successfully covered six Local Governments—Ìṣẹ́yìn, Ìtẹsiwájú, Kájọlà, Ìwájọ̀wà, Tede, and Ṣakí West, each witnessing overwhelming public support despite minimal notice. Among attendees were royal fathers, traditional chiefs, LG executives, religious leaders, women groups, youth bodies, and a vibrant general public.

Next Stops and Sustained Engagement:

The tour continues with visits to the remaining four LGAs: Ṣakí East, Orelope, Irepo, and Ọ̀lórunsógo. Early feedback indicates enthusiastic anticipation across these areas.

Importantly, this initiative is not a one-time campaign. ODCF intends to sustain such community engagements to bridge the communication gap and foster a stronger bond between leadership and the grassroots.

For further inquiries and engagement, kindly contact:
Pst. Favour Adéwoyin Assistant Secretary, Òkèògùn Development Consultative Forum (ODCF) Email: favouradewoyin81@gmail.com

Dr. Adebimpe Aderounmu General Secretary, Òkèògùn Development Consultative Forum (ODCF) Email: oba.adebimpe@gmail.com

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watch an interview below 👇