Renowned broadcaster and current Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, has launched a seminal publication titled “Know Oyo State”—a comprehensive book aimed at deepening public understanding of the state’s history, governance, achievements, and developmental trajectory.
The official unveiling, which took place in Ibadan on Wednesday, drew an audience of policymakers, historians, journalists, civil society actors, academics, and members of the public. The event also featured the presence of top state officials, royal dignitaries, and scholars who commended the book as a timely and invaluable resource for generations to come.
Dotun Oyelade, known for his articulate voice in journalism and governance, described “Know Oyo State” as more than a literary effort—it is, in his words, “a bridge between Oyo’s historical identity and its evolving present.”
“This book is my humble contribution toward preserving the memory of who we are as a people, where we are coming from, and where Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration is steering us,” Oyelade said.
Know Oyo State is structured as a narrative and reference text, providing detailed insights into the geography, political evolution, economic potential, traditional institutions, and infrastructural developments across Oyo’s 33 local government areas.
The publication places special emphasis on the reforms and flagship projects implemented under the Makinde-led administration—ranging from education to road infrastructure, healthcare revitalization, and digital governance. It also features analysis on the state’s fiscal policies, the Light-Up Oyo project, and the strategic deployment of the Oyo State Investment and Public-Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA).
Governor Seyi Makinde, praised Oyelade’s effort, noting that the book reflects the intellectual strength of his cabinet members and reinforces the administration’s transparency and accountability goals.
“Dotun Oyelade has given us a tool not only to inform but to inspire. Know Oyo State will serve educators, policy planners, and even political observers well,” she said.
The Alaafin of Oyo and other traditional rulers in attendance lauded the book for its emphasis on Oyo’s cultural identity and its respect for Yoruba heritage and monarchy.
Dr. Ayo Adeseun, a former senator from Oyo Central, commended the book’s depth and data-driven content. “This is not a political manifesto disguised as a book. It’s a thorough documentation of a state rich in legacy and alive with potential.”
Beyond government, Know Oyo State is expected to serve as a textbook and civic engagement resource across secondary schools, colleges, and community-based organisations. Oyelade hinted at a rollout plan in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and civic groups to make the book accessible in public schools and libraries.
“Our young people must understand that Oyo is not just a point on the Nigerian map; it is a story, a system, a heritage,” he said.
This book marks Dotun Oyelade’s third major publication, following his widely acclaimed titles on media and governance. A veteran broadcaster and communications strategist, Oyelade’s career spans over four decades in journalism, public service, and political communications.
With Know Oyo State, he now cements his role as not only a narrator of events but a custodian of Oyo’s identity and a contributor to intellectual and policy discourse in Southwest Nigeria.