The Convener and Coordinator-General of the Ijebu Youth March For New State, Comrade Akeem Temitope Akilo has praised the recent efforts by the promoters and stakeholders of Ijebu State creation for taking a fresh step towards achieving their goal. This move comes after the National Assembly requested new memoranda from interested groups, as previous submissions didn’t meet constitutional requirements. This response comes after a press conference held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Aafin Awujale in Ijebu Ode, where the Ijebu State Creation Implementation Committee submitted a memorandum for the creation of Ijebu State.
Akilo stated that the stakeholders’ decision to take this new step is expected, given the National Assembly’s request for fresh memoranda submissions as per Section 8 of the Constitution. This section outlines the criteria for creating new states, and previous expressions of interest from state creation advocates didn’t meet these constitutional requirements.
In essence, Akilo believes the stakeholders are responding to the National Assembly’s call to action, aiming to fulfill the necessary criteria for state creation. This development highlights the ongoing efforts towards potentially creating new states in Nigeria, with the Ijebu State creation being a specific case in point.
Akilo stated that it’s great to see the Implementation Committee refining the document for Ijebu State creation, with Ijebu-Ode as the capital. The determination of the Ijebu people to have their own state is clear, and they’re no longer willing to wait for others to drive this process. This development aligns with the ongoing efforts to create Ijebu State, which has already passed the first reading at the Nigerian Senate. The Ijebu community’s resolve is evident in their push for state creation, emphasizing their desire for self-governance and development.
Akilo boasted that Ijebu is blessed abundantly with human and natural resources, making it viable to sustain itself as a state. He emphasized that submitting fresh memoranda is a crucial strategy in demanding the creation of Ijebu State from Ogun East Senatorial District, with Ijebu Ode as the proposed capital.
Akilo praised the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Kabiesi Alaiyeluwa Oba Dr. S.K. Adetona GCON, for his dedication and commitment to the Ijebu State project. Oba Adetona, considered the father of the Ijebu nation, has been instrumental in driving the state creation initiative. As a renowned monarch, he has brought development and stability to Ijebuland, leveraging his nearly seven decades of experience on the throne to promote socio-economic growth. His leadership has earned him recognition as one of Nigeria’s greatest monarchs, known for his incorruptibility, transparency and commitment to justice.
Comrade Akilo commends the Ijebu State Creation Implementation Committee, led by Chief Chris Olufunmilola Okunowo, The Bobasuwa II of Ijebu, for their unwavering resilience and commitment. He also extends his appreciation to all stakeholders who have worked tirelessly.
