A bill for the creation of Ijebu State, sponsored by Senator Otunba Engr. Gbenga Daniel, has passed its first reading at the Red Chambers, Apples Bite Magazine reports. This development heralds significant progress in the long-standing demand for a new state in Nigeria’s Southwest region.
The proposed Ijebu State would comprise nine local government areas carved out from Ogun State, with Ijebu Ode designated as the state capital.
The local governments involved include Ijebu East, Ijebu North, Ijebu North-East, Ijebu-Ode, Ikenne, Odogbolu, Ogun Waterside, Remo North, and Sagamu.
This initiative is part of broader efforts to realign Nigeria’s administrative divisions for enhanced governance.
Earlier in the year, Honourable Oluwole Oke introduced a related bill in the House of Representatives, proposing the creation of three new South-West states: Oke-Ogun, Ijebu, and Ife-Ijesa.
The proposal aims to amend the First Schedule, Part I, of Nigeria’s Constitution to accommodate these states.
The push for Ijebu State has gained widespread support from traditional rulers, political figures, and community leaders.
Advocates argue that the new state would foster equitable development, improve administrative efficiency, and address decades of demands for better representation and resource allocation.
They also pointed out that of all the old provinces in Nigeria under the colonial administration, it is only Ijebu Province that has not yet become a state.
For Ijebu State to become a reality, the bill must successfully navigate further readings and debates in the National Assembly.
Senator Gbenga Daniel, a former Ogun State governor and seasoned politician, expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential to promote balanced regional development.
The creation of Ijebu State is expected to address disparities in resource distribution and governance within Ogun State.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
