Leaders from the Ilaje community in Ondo State have rejected the inclusion of their land in the proposed Ijebu State, stating they were not consulted and will not support such an arrangement. A bill to create Ijebu State passed its first reading in the Senate on November 17, 2024. The bill, introduced by Senator Gbenga Daniel of Ogun East, seeks to carve out Ijebu State from Ogun State.
At a press conference in Lagos on Friday, Iwamitigha Irowainu, President-General of Egbe Omo Ilaje Worldwide, emphasized that the Ilaje people have no historical, political, or administrative ties to the Ijebu, and they oppose being included in the proposed state. He noted that there was no support for this move within Ilaje land.
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Irowainu explained that Ilaje people have historically been part of the old Ondo province and the current Ondo State. Culturally, communities such as Ilaje, Ikale, Apoi, Ondo, Idanre, and Owo share similarities and have long been administratively linked. He stressed that the Ilaje community has always aimed to remain united within Ondo State, and they did not request to be part of Ijebu State.
He further clarified that the Ilaje people did not submit a request to join Ijebu State during the National Assembly’s deliberations on state and local government creation. If they had wanted such a move, they would have formally presented their case to the committee.
Irowainu also called on the Federal Government to keep Ilaje land within Ondo State and address past boundary issues. He demanded the return of Ilaje communities that were merged with Ogun State in 1976, as recommended by the 1975 Irikefe Panel on state creation and boundary adjustment. He listed affected areas, including Itebu Manuwa, Ajegunle, Ayetumara, Igboedu, Obinehin, and Arijan.
Additionally, Irowainu raised concerns about alleged threats to Ilaje communities near the Ogun State border, claiming that some Ogun officials and security agents were undermining the safety of Ilaje residents. He urged Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to take steps to protect these communities, particularly Atijere, Ugboedun, Irokun, Ayetumara, and Obinehin. He urged the Ilaje people to stay vigilant and resist any efforts that might compromise their territorial integrity.
