The African Action Congress (AAC) in Oyo State has strongly criticized a recent bill proposing the creation of a New Oyo State with Oyo town as its capital, labeling the move as a plot by the Alaafin royal family to further its interests.
The bill, which passed its second reading in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, was sponsored by Hon. Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, representing Afijio/Oyo/Atiba federal constituency, alongside six others.
The bill suggests renaming the remaining parts of Oyo State as Ibadan State, with Ibadan City as the capital. The proposed states would also include a redefinition of local government areas
n a press statement issud on Thursday, the AAC State Chairman, Kayode Babayomi, described the bill as “frivolous” and “highly questionable,” accusing the Alaafin royal family of attempting to impose its desires on the people of Oyo State.
“Oyo does not belong to the Adeyemi family, and any attempt to impose their wants and desires on the people would be widely resisted,” Babayomi declared in his statement.
The AAC chairman also emphasized that the bill was a reflection of poor legislative priorities, arguing that Nigeria’s lawmakers should focus on addressing the country’s pressing economic challenges rather than pushing for the creation of new states.
“This bill reinforces our long-held position that our country does not need a bicameral legislature, and legislation should be on a part-time basis. Were this the case, our lawmakers would not have the time to entertain such a useless bill at a time when the country is grappling with widespread economic woes,” he added.
Babayomi pointed out that creating more states would lead to an increase in senators, representatives, governors, and government appointees, which would further burden Nigeria’s already costly governance system.
He referenced the #EndBadGovernance protest as evidence that many Nigerians are calling for a reduction in the size of government rather than its expansion.
“We do not need more states, but better representatives and good governance,” Babayomi stressed.
“Even if 33 more states were created within Oyo State under this same leadership marked by misappropriation, impunity, and greed, no positive outcome would emerge until we prioritize what truly matters.”
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