About Oyo State
Oyo State, popularly referred to as the “Pace Setter” is one of the constituent 36 States of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It came into existence with the break up of the old Western State of Nigeria during the State creation exercise on 3rd February, 1976.
Brigadier, now Major-General David Medaiyese Jemibewon (rtd) was the first Military Governor of the State (1976-1978). His successor, Colonel, now Major General Paul C. Tarfa, rtd (July 1978-Sept.1979) midwived the transition to civil rule which ushered in the Second Republic on October 1, 1979.
Late Chief Bola Ige was the first Executive Governor, 1979-1983. He was succeeded by Chief Victor Omololu Olunloyo, who was the second Executive Governor between October 1, 1983 and December 31, 1983. His tenure was truncated by the military take-over on December 31, 1983.
On 4th January, 1984, Colonel (now Major-General Oladayo Popoola, rtd.) came in as the Military Governor of the State. In September 1985, he passed the baton to Colonel, now Brigadier General Adetunji Idowu Olurin (rtd). It was the turn of late Colonel (later Brig. General) Adedeji Sasaenia Oresanya, who was sworn-in on 27th July, 1988.
On 3rd September, 1990, Late Colonel, later Major-General Abdukarim Adisa (rtd) was posted to the State as Military Governor. It was during his tenure, precisely Tuesday, 27th August, 1991, that another nationwide State creation exercise was performed during which Osun State with the appellation “State of Living Spring” was carved out of Oyo State.
Chief Kolapo Olawuyi Ishola was sworn-in as the third Executive Governor of the State on January 2, 1992 at the inception of democratic rule in the Third Republic. He was there until November 17, 1993 when General Sanni Abacha came on board as the Military Head of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
At the return of the military in the governance of the country, Navy Captain, later Rear Admiral Adetoye Sode (rtd) was posted to Oyo State as Military Administrator on 9th December, 1993. Colonel Chinyere Ike Nwosu (rtd) was the Military Administrator of the State between 1994 and 1996, while Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd) became Military Administrator of the State between August 1996 and 1998.
The last Military Administrator before the advent of civil rule on May 29, 1999, was Compol (later AIG) Amen Edore Oyakhire (rtd). He handed over to Alhaji (Dr) Lamidi Onaolapo Adesina as the fourth Executive Governor of the State. Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja became the fifth Executive Governor of Oyo State on 29th May, 2003.
Otunba (Dr) Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala was sworn-in on Thursday, 12th January, 2006 as the Executive Governor of Oyo State in order not to create a vacuum in government administration and to salvage the then existing political situation in the State culminating in the impeachment of Governor Rashidi Ladoja by the members of the House of Assembly.
During his eleven-month stint at the helms of affairs as the Executive Governor, Otunba (Dr) Alao-Akala achieved greater feat unequaled by any administration under such a short period.
Amongst such achievements is the total renovation of the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan which was built during the Western Region period but was almost in ruins due to neglect by successive military and civilian administrations.
The Hall now wears a new look under a new management and has played host to important dignitaries from all walks of lives since its commissioning.
As a man of destiny, fate has a lot in stock for Otunba (Dr) Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, as he was overwhelmingly given a four-year mandate to steer the ship of the State on April 14, 2007 in a keenly contested 2007 gubernatorial election.
Ibadan, the capital city, reputed to be the largest indigenous city in Africa, South of the Sahara, had been the centre of administration of the old Western Region since the days of the British colonial rule in Nigeria. Western Region then consisted of the present Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Edo and Delta States.
GEOGRAPHY
Oyo State is located in the South West Region of Nigeria. Latitude 8 degree and Longitude 4 degree East bisect the State into four nearly equal parts.
The State now covers a total of 27,249 square kilometers of landmass. It is bounded partly by Ogun State (Gateway State) in the South, Kwara State (State of Harmony) in the North. To the West, it is bounded partly by Ogun State and partly by the Republic of Benin, while in the East it is bounded by Osun State (State of the Living-Spring).
The topography of the State is one of the gentle rolling lowland in the south, rising to a plateau 40 metres and above in the North. The State is well drained with rivers flowing from the upland in the North/South direction. The major rivers are Ofiki, Ogun, Shasha, Oba and Opeki.
The vegetation pattern of the State is that of rain forest in the South and guinea savannah to the North. Thick forest in the South gives way to grassland interspersed with trees in the North.
POLITICAL ZONES
The State is divided into three Senatorial Districts of Oyo North, Oyo Central and Oyo South. Oyo North has 13 Local Governments, viz Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Irepo, Olorunsogo, Kajola, Iwajowa, Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Iseyin, Oorelope, Oriire and Itesiwaju.
Oyo Central comprises 11 Local Governments: Afijio, Akinyele, Egbeda, Ogo-Oluwa, Surulere, Lagelu, Oluyole, Ona-Ara, Oyo East, Oyo West and Atiba.
Oyo South consists of 9 Local Governments. They are: Ibadan North, Ibadan North East, Ibadan North West, Ibadan South East, Ibadan South West, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North and Ido.
The State has three elected Senators, 14 members in the House of Representatives and 32 members in the State House of Assembly.
SETTLEMENT PATTERN
People in Oyo State live in various types of human settlements, varying from farmstead, hamlets, villages, towns, cities and metropolis.
The hierarchy of human settlement is usually decided by the settlement size, size of population, availability and scale of infrastructure, social amenities, services and the functions of the settlements. These settlements are used in identifying the hierarchy of the settlements within Oyo State.
SIZE OF SETTLEMENT
Oyo State ranks amongst the most urbanized States in Nigeria. It has many large urban settlements. Ibadan metropolis, the State capital, is the largest city in Africa, South of the Sahara. It has developed into a metropolis, growing fast towards becoming a megalopolis. Other large urban settlements in Oyo State are: Ogbomoso, Oyo, Iseyin, Saki and Okeho. Some of the urban settlements of medium size are: Igbo-ora, Igbeti, Igboho, Kisi, Iganna and Eruwa. Oyo State is also blessed with small-sized urban settlements such as: Lanlate, Ago-Are, Fiditi, Tede, Idere, Otu, Awe, Ayete, Ilora, Tapa, Moniya, etc.
At the lowest level of the hierarchical order are the small villages, hamlets and farmsteads. They are usually of small sizes. These villages, hamlets and farmsteads are more concentrated in the Southern part of the State.
THE PEOPLE
The people of Oyo State are Yoruba with a common ancestor in Oduduwa. Within the State however, there are sub-ethnic groups with distinct dialect peculiarities. The people of Oyo State may be divided into five broad groups, viz Ibadans, Ibarapas, Oyos, Oke-Oguns and Ogbomosos.
IBADANS
The Ibadans have their settlements in the city of Ibadan and surrounding farms and villages. They trace their roots to Lagelu, a warrior. The city grew around a legendary baobab tree from which it derived its name. It grew quickly, attracting warriors and refugees from the internecine wars that raged Yorubaland in the 18th century. Over the years, the diverse background of the early settlers has evolved into a sub-cultural mix that is unique in Yorubaland. The system of promotion from Compound Head (Mogaji) to the throne is exclusive to the Ibadans. The people are spared the unhealthy rivalry and in-fighting that attends filling of vacant stools. The people were originally warriors and farmers but are now gainfully employed in all areas of human endeavour.
OYOS
The Oyos occupy a geographic location to the north of Ibadan including Oyo town, surrounding towns and villages. In ancient times, Oyo Empire ruled over a sizeable chunk of Yorubaland and beyond. The Oyos were core people of the Oyo Empire. Today, the Empire is no more, but the people retain their proud heritage. They are engaged in all forms of modern business activities and human endeavours. Oyo State is named after the rich heritage of the people.
OGBOMOSOS
The Ogbomosos dwell in the town of that name and surrounding towns and villages. The people have their home on the strategic route linking the northern parts of Nigeria to the south. In times past, they were fearless warriors. They have many things in common with the Oyos in particular and other sub-cultural groups in Yorubaland. Today, the people are established in all areas of modern business and public service. They are renowned traders, and can be located in any part of the country conducting their businesses. They are established all over Northern Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
IBARAPAS
The Ibarapas are scattered over seven major towns and surrounding villages. The towns are: Eruwa, Tapa, Ayete, Igbo-Ora, Lanlate, Igangan and Idere. The Ibarapas have a distinct dialect that separates them from their nearest neighbours. The people have similarities with the Oyos. The people are mainly farmers. Yam and cassava flour (elubo) are major farm products in the area. They also engage in plantation farming-cultivating cocoa and palm produce.
OKE-OGUNS
The Oke-Oguns occupy the guinea savannah area of Oyo State. Many sources ascribe same origin to the Oke-Ogun people and the Oyos. The people are scattered over several towns and villages, namely Iseyin, Saki, Okeho, Igbeti and Igboho, among others. The people are hardworking and hospitable. The people of Oke-Ogun are mainly farmers. The area is tagged the “Food basket” of Oyo State. Weaving and pottery are cottage industries well developed among the people. The people are noted for their business acumen.