G22 Renewed Group Calls for Rotational Governorship, Appeals to Ibadan Leaders for Support

The G22 Renewed Group, a coalition of prominent stakeholders across 22 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Oyo State, has called for a rotational arrangement for the governorship. The group urged political leaders in Ibadan to support candidates from outside the Ibadan zone in the 2027 contest, emphasizing fairness, equity, and balanced representation.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the House of Chiefs in Agodi, Ibadan, the coalition expressed concerns about what it describes as decades of domination of the governorship by the Ibadan axis. They argued that such concentration has created imbalances and excluded other zones from full participation in state leadership.

The G22's membership footprint spans across LGAs including Afijio, Atiba, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North, Irepo, Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola, Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Ogo-Oluwa, Olorunsogo, Oorelope, Orire, Oyo East, Oyo West, Saki East, Saki West, and Surulere. This wide geographical basis underscores their claim to represent zones that have been historically sidelined.

In their address, they congratulated the newly installed 44th Olubadan, Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and thanked President Tinubu for attending the coronation ceremony—signifying recognition and inclusiveness in traditional and political spheres.

The G22 urged that in 2027, political parties adopt internal zoning policies that allow governorship aspirants from any of the 22 LGAs outside Ibadan to vie for the ticket. They believe that Ibadan political leaders should, in the interest of peace and fairness, step back and allow non-Ibadan zones to produce the next governor.

Comparisons were drawn with other Southwest states, such as Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti, which practice power rotation among zones to promote inclusion. The group argued that the current imbalance in Oyo does not reflect democratic justice, especially given that only about 30% of voters in Ibadan are indigenes while 70% are non-indigenes or settlers, contesting claims of exclusivity by the Ibadan zone.

They described their call as a legitimate demand for political restructuring that would reaffirm equity, inclusivity, and justice. The G22 concluded with a plea for unity, urging all political stakeholders to adopt the shift in mindset toward more credible, representative governance in Oyo State.