President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has allegedly assured the Awujale of Ijebuland, Sikiru Adetona, of his support for the creation of Ijebu State from Ogun State.
Naija News understands that this is despite concerns about its feasibility amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.
The president met the traditional ruler on January 5 at his Bourdillon residence and pledged to back the proposed state, according to sources privy to the discussion.
At the meeting, Adetona highlighted how Ijebu remains the only colonial-era province yet to become a state, unlike former provinces such as Oyo and Sokoto, which have since been subdivided.
“The president didn’t allow Awujale to overflog the matter before acquiescing,” a source told Peoples Gazette.
This marked the first time Tinubu openly indicated his stance on the Ijebu State proposal. The discussion also referenced other potential states, including Anioma from Delta, currently under legislative consideration as part of a constitutional amendment.
Presidential aides refrained from commenting publicly on the meeting, citing concerns about potential backlash from proponents of other new states who might perceive the engagement as favoritism.
The push for Ijebu State gained momentum in November 2024, when Senator Gbenga Daniel of Ogun East introduced a bill to the National Assembly advocating its creation. The bill seeks to amend the constitution to enable the establishment of the state, reflecting decades-long aspirations of the Ijebu people. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has since advanced the bill, titled the “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (Creation of Ijebu State).”
The proposal is one of several aimed at expanding Nigeria’s states from 36 to as many as 56. Critics, however, have argued that the timing is inappropriate, citing economic hardships, rising inflation, debt, and security challenges. Some also allege that Mr. Tinubu is using the promise of new states to bolster political support ahead of a potential re-election campaign.
During the meeting, Mr. Adetona dismissed such criticisms, asserting that Ijebu State could thrive independently through internally generated revenue and federal allocations.