President Bola Tinubu is set to approve the creation of Ijebu State following a high-level meeting with the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
The meeting, held on January 5 at Tinubu’s Lagos residence, focused on the longstanding request to carve Ijebu State out of Ogun State. According to People’s Gazette, the Awujale emphasized that Ijebu is the only colonial-era province yet to achieve statehood.
The monarch highlighted the region’s potential for success, citing its industrial estates, growing airport, and existing infrastructure.
“The president didn’t allow the Awujale to overflog the matter before agreeing,” a source disclosed.
Momentum for the new state increased after Senator Gbenga Daniel of Ogun East introduced a bill in November 2024, seeking constitutional amendments to facilitate its creation. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reportedly advanced the proposal through legislative stages.
The push for Ijebu State has sparked debate. Critics argue that the nation faces pressing issues such as poverty and a mounting debt crisis, making state creation a lower priority. Others claim the move is politically motivated, potentially aiming to secure regional support for Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Proponents, however, believe Ijebu State has the resources and capacity to thrive, driving development in the region.
Ijebu State is not the only proposal under consideration. Talks about creating additional states, such as Anioma from Delta State, have also surfaced. If approved, these proposals could increase Nigeria’s total number of states from 36 to 56.
Supporters remain optimistic, arguing that new states would bring economic growth and better governance to underserved regions.
