Power Rotation vs State Creation: Egbe Ajosepo Leaders Clarify Okeogun’s Position Amid Regional Concerns
Extracted from our interviews
Published by MD DOLLY
04/08/2025
In a recent interview with Egbe Ajosepo Fun Itesiwaju Gbogbo Wa, the Chairman, Engr. Dauda Olaifa, and the Financial Secretary, Engr. Babalola Olusola, addressed pressing issues surrounding the agitation for power rotation and state creation in Oyo State — two hot-button topics that have stirred regional sentiments, particularly between Okeogun and other zones.
During the discussion, Engr. Olaifa recalled that the Okeogun Development Consultative Forum (ODCF) had made a formal presentation advocating for state creation during a public hearing. However, this move did not sit well with some stakeholders from the Ibarapa, who questioned why Okeogun would go ahead with a state creation demand despite a perceived understanding between both regions on the need to push for power rotation in Oyo State.
Responding to the concerns, Engr. Olaifa pointed out that the agitation for state creation did not start recently, nor was it a reaction to power politics. “Okeogun has always been at the forefront of the call for state creation in Oyo State,” he emphasized. He argued that Ibadan, being a cosmopolitan city and one of the largest in Africa, should naturally lead such a demand — just as Enugu and Kaduna did in their respective regions. “It is only recently that Ibadan joined the movement,” he added.
He made it clear that the demand for a separate state should not be misconstrued as a deviation from the quest for equitable power distribution in the current Oyo State. “The two issues are separate and can be pursued independently” he said.
When asked to state Okeogun’s exact position, Engr. Babalola Olusola clarified that while both state creation and power rotation are valid pursuits, the people of Okeogun are currently prioritizing power rotation. “That’s what is more feasible now,” he noted. “No one knows when the Federal Government will eventually create new states, but right now, we are asking that the next governorship position be zoned to Okeogun.”
He added that Okeogun’s demand for its own state is a legitimate aspiration, grounded in years of marginalization and regional uniqueness. “Okeogun is a distinct entity and deserves to be recognized as such,” he said. However, he maintained that their push for state creation would not jeopardize the working relationship with other marginalized zones. “It only becomes an issue when other zones begin to impose themselves or force political dominance.”
The Egbe Ajosepo executives reiterated that Okeogun remains committed to constructive dialogue and regional unity, but will continue to assert its right to leadership and development — either through power rotation or eventual state creation.watch the interview below 👇
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