Stakeholders in Owo and Ose communities in Ondo State have strongly rejected the proposal to site the capital of the planned Ose State in Ikare-Akoko.
Led by the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, the stakeholders described the move as an affront to the historical significance of the two local government areas.
They unanimously rejected the proposed Ose State creation bill, which has already passed first reading at the House of Representatives.
Various speakers described the plan as procedurally defective, morally indefensible, and economically untenable, alleging that its promoters failed to consult Owo and Ose indigenes before presenting the proposal.
The stakeholders resolved that if a new state is to be created within the Ondo North Senatorial District involving Owo and Ose territories, the only historically consistent and infrastructurally prepared location for the capital remains Owo.
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They expressed the hope that the matter would be resolved in the best interest of the affected communities, to strengthen unity and peace.
The meeting brought together political leaders across party lines, traditional rulers, clerics, youth groups, women leaders, civil society organisations, and technocrats from Owo and Ose federal constituency.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
