President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly expressed his support for the creation of a new Ijebu State in Nigeria’s Southwest, a move that would carve the state out of Ogun State. This follows long-standing demands by the Ijebu people for recognition as a separate entity.
The President’s backing came during a meeting on January 5, 2025, with Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, at Tinubu’s Bourdillon residence. The monarch highlighted that Ijebu is the only former colonial province in Nigeria without statehood, unlike provinces such as Oyo and Sokoto. Oba Adetona stressed that the Ijebu people have waited long enough for their own state.
According to sources, the President expressed his support during the meeting, which was confirmed by People’s Gazette. Oba Adetona also pointed out the region’s growing infrastructure, including an industrial estate, an international airport under construction, and plans for a deep-sea port, arguing that Ijebu is economically viable and ready for statehood.
The proposal gained further momentum in December 2024, when Oba Adetona, alongside other Ijebu leaders, met to discuss logistical issues such as the capital city and the allocation of resources. Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East, introduced a bill in November 2024 aimed at amending Nigeria’s Constitution to create the new state.
While the bill has passed through various legislative stages, critics argue that the timing is problematic due to the country’s economic challenges. Some analysts also suggest that Tinubu’s support could be politically motivated, as new states might align with his second-term ambitions.
The presidency has yet to make an official statement on the matter, likely to avoid controversy among other statehood movements in the country.