The push for new local government councils in Osun State has brought Esa Oke, a prominent town in the Ijesa North Federal constituency, to the forefront. The town, which hosts the Osun State College of Technology (OSCOTECH), is making a strong case to become an independent local government or the headquarters of one of the proposed councils in the present Obokun local government area. According to available records, Esa Oke surpasses many existing local government headquarters in the state in terms of population, infrastructure, land mass, and the number of adjoining villages and hamlets, which exceed 40, each with its own community head.
A Committee to Deliberate on New Councils
The Aregbesola administration has established a committee, chaired by former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Prof. Mojeed Alabi, to examine the creation of new third-tier administrations. This move is part of a broader agenda to foster grassroots development. While it is customary for communities to agitate when such opportunities arise, the committee must weigh several factors. The Ijesa North Federal constituency, comprising Obokun and Oriade local governments, has a complex structure with many large towns, villages, and a substantial land mass.
Esa Oke, according to available records, is bigger than many present local government headquarters in the state. Its population, infrastructure, land mass, and the more than 40 adjoining villages and hamlets with their separate community heads make it a viable candidate. The ancient town, which produced the first Executive Governor of old Oyo State and leader of the progressives, the late Bola Ige, along with many other illustrious sons and daughters, has the economic power, high political profile, and available structures to serve as an independent local government or as the headquarters of one of the proposed councils.
Economic and Historical Strengths of Esa Oke
A critical assessment of the current population of Esa Oke shows that it overwhelms all other towns in Obokun local government, including Ibokun, Imesi Ile, Ilare, Otan Ile, Ikinyinwa, Idominasi, Ilowa, Iponda, Ilase, Idoka, Esa Odo, Eesun, Ido Oko, and Ipetu Ile. Its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is higher than all other towns in the local government put together. The town also has a vibrant historical record, particularly with its immediate past monarch, Oba Isaiah Ajayi Adeniran, Owa Omiran (JP), who served as the only traditional ruler in the old Western Region to represent all Obas in that axis during an international conference in England.
Esa Oke is endowed with a large fertile land that could support the agricultural agenda of the Aregbesola administration. The community has about seven public and private secondary schools and many elementary schools. In fact, the government would need to add little or nothing to the existing infrastructure in Esa Oke for the effective take-off of the proposal. It is noteworthy that Ikenne, the country home of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is today the headquarters of a local government in Ogun State.
Political Support and Legacy
Were it not for the selfless politics of the late Bola Ige, known as the "Cicero of Esa Oke," during his tenure as Governor of the old Oyo State, Esa Oke would have become a local government headquarters many years ago. Governor Aregbesola has been a friend of the community for many reasons, and will continue to be, considering the support many of its citizens gave him during the 2007 election and his period in the trenches when he battled to reclaim his stolen mandate from political usurpers. Chief Ige would rejoice in his grave if Esa Oke is granted the status of a local government headquarters.
