Social Democratic Party (SDP) senatorial candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Ayoade Raimi Baale, has pledged to make the creation of Ibadan State a major priority if elected to the Senate in the next general election.
Baale said the agitation for Ibadan State should not be treated as an issue concerning only the people of Ibadan, arguing that the proposed state would have wider economic and social benefits for Nigeria.
The SDP candidate spoke at the party’s state secretariat in New Bodija, Ibadan, after he emerged from the party’s substitution primary.
He was subsequently presented to party members by the Oyo State Chairman of the SDP, Michael Okunlade.
Baale described Ibadan as a “mini country” within Nigeria, stressing that its population, economic activities and historical significance make the demand for statehood a matter of national importance.
He argued that the continued denial of state status to Ibadan constituted an injustice to the ancient city and the country.
According to him, Ibadan remains the only regional capital of both pre- and post-independence Nigeria, particularly the former Western Region, that has yet to become a state.
He noted that other former regional capitals, including Kaduna, which served as the capital of the Northern Region, and Enugu, the former capital of the Eastern Region, had subsequently attained state status.
Baale said the creation of Ibadan State should not necessarily be tied to the next general exercise for the creation of new states, arguing that the process should be fast-tracked to address what he described as years of neglect.
“The creation of Ibadan State is so urgent and desirable that it is not a process that must be made to wait till when other states will be created,” he said, adding that the demand should be expedited to compensate for the alleged long-standing neglect.
The candidate acknowledged the contributions of former and serving senators representing Oyo South who have pursued the issue at different times.
He promised to continue from where they stopped if elected and work with lawmakers from Oyo State and other parts of the country to advance the agitation.
Baale also expressed confidence in the SDP’s prospects in the forthcoming elections, urging members to unite and work towards securing victory for the party at all levels.
He reminded party members that the SDP was not a new political platform, noting that it had previously produced governors and legislators at both state and federal levels.
He said the party could reclaim a significant position in Nigeria’s political space if its members remained determined and worked collectively.
“I’m a grassroots politician and I know what it takes to win election having been an active participant over the years,” Baale said, assuring members that his candidacy would contribute to the party’s electoral success.
He also called on other contestants within the party to work together towards a common objective, saying the party’s mandate should be used for the benefit of the people.
Baale thanked the SDP leadership for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to justify the party’s decision to field him.
He specifically commended the party’s national and Oyo State leader, Rt. Hon. Mulikat Adeola Akande, whom he described as an “indefatigable, committed, visionary and focused leader” for her sacrifices and contributions to building the party in Oyo State.
He also acknowledged the support of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, under Oba Olaitan, following its reported adoption of the SDP.
Baale said the party would work to justify the confidence placed in it by the group.
He further commended the SDP National Chairman and members of the National Executive Committee, the Oyo State leadership, the party’s presidential candidate, Dr. Prince Adebayo Adewole, and other members, stressing the need for collective action to address Nigeria’s challenges.
