President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly supporting the creation of a new Ijebu State in Nigeria’s Southwest region, which would be carved out of Ogun State.
This development comes after decades of advocacy by the Ijebu people seeking recognition as an independent state, according to a fresh report.
The president is said to have assured his backing during a January 5 meeting with the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, at his Bourdillon residence in Lagos. During the meeting, Oba Adetona emphasized that Ijebu remains the only former colonial province in Nigeria yet to attain statehood, unlike other provinces such as Oyo and Sokoto, which have been divided into multiple states.
Highlighting the region’s resources and infrastructure, including industrial estates, an international airport under construction, and plans for a deep-sea port, Oba Adetona argued that Ijebu is economically viable and ready to function as an independent state. “Ijebu province is well-positioned for growth and development, with all the infrastructural facilities needed to sustain a state,” the monarch said.
Efforts to advance the proposal gained momentum in November 2024 when Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East, introduced a bill titled the “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (Creation of Ijebu State)” to the National Assembly. The bill aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to enable the state’s creation.
In December 2024, Oba Adetona, along with other traditional rulers and Ijebu leaders, convened to discuss logistics for the proposed state, addressing issues such as the location of the state capital, the creation of local government areas, and the allocation of federal resources.
While supporters of the initiative see it as a long-overdue recognition of Ijebu’s historical and economic significance, critics argue the timing is problematic, given Nigeria’s pressing economic challenges, including poverty, inflation, and insecurity.
Political analysts have speculated that Tinubu’s alleged support may have political undertones, as the creation of new states could potentially secure additional support for his administration and a possible second-term bid.
The presidency has yet to issue an official statement on the development, possibly to avoid stoking tensions among advocates of other state-creation initiatives across the country.
