Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

In a significant move, the House of Representatives passed a bill yesterday for its second reading that aims to create the New Oyo State, designating Oyo Town as its capital. The bill, sponsored by Hon. Adeniyi Adeyemi along with six other legislators, sparked a lively debate.

While leading the discussion, Adeyemi emphasized that this isn’t a new proposal for the parliament. He reflected on the history of the bill, noting that it was successfully approved during the Second Republic by both chambers of the National Assembly but was stalled awaiting presidential assent before the military takeover. He elaborated on how the National Assembly passed a motion in 1983 to establish New Oyo State with Oyo Town as its capital, referencing the official report from the National Assembly Debates (Senate) dated February 23, 1983.

Moreover, Adeyemi pointed out that the 2014 National Conference in Abuja had also recommended the creation of New Oyo State, as noted in Volume II, page 708 of its final report. He highlighted that the current Oyo State is the largest in the South-West geopolitical zone, boasting thirty-three local governments and a population of 5,580,894 according to the 2006 census.