Ilaje monarchs kick against move to include communities in proposed Ijebu State

Monarchs in riverine communities of the Ilaje axis of Ondo State have frowned upon the alleged plot to include their domains as part of the proposed Ijebu State.

According to the traditional rulers, the riverine communities of Ilaje have, for ages, been part of Ondo State, and they cited a series of historical facts to back their claims.

While disclosing this in a communique, the monarchs urged descendants of Ilaje origin to shun all forms of inducement that may compromise what they described as inherited territorial integrity.

In the communiqué, signed by the Chairman of the Ilaje Council of Obas, the Amapetu of Mahin, Oba Olusegun Williams Akinyomi, and the Secretary, Oba Olufemi Ogbaro, the Odoka of Obe-Ogbaro, the people of Ilaje firmly rejected the inclusion of any part of Ilaje land in the proposed Ijebu State or any other state.

The communiqué read, “The meeting was informed and took cognisance of agitations by different peoples and groups in Nigeria for the creation of states, with proposals to that effect submitted by members and published by concerned committees of the National Assembly, as reported in the media. One such proposal is the creation of Ijebu State, which, strangely, includes names of Ilaje communities.

“The meeting resolved, without prejudice to the interests of those concerned, but for the avoidance of any doubt, that Ilaje people reject the inclusion of any part of Ilaje land in the proposed Ijebu State or any other state to the east or west of Ilaje land, as hereinabove defined.

“Ilaje shall remain one and indivisible, with no part thereof excised except by the creation of more local governments or administrative units within the same state—an option we may clearly and unambiguously support, if necessary, in the fullness of time.

“The meeting reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to maintaining, defending, and promoting Ilaje unity, territory, and culture as an integral part of the Federation of Nigeria. We urge persons of Ilaje origin or descent to remain vigilant and shun all forms of inducement that may compromise our inherited territorial integrity.”

READ ALSO: Bode George faults proposed 31 new states

The communiqué further stressed that “the meeting was briefed on the unwarranted crises being instigated by officials of Ogun Waterside Local Government and Ogun State at Irokun, an ancient Ilaje town and kingdom, which lies outside the boundary with Ogun State. The Olurokun of Irokun has always been appointed under Ilaje and Ondo State authority.

“Attempts to extend Ijebu or Ogun State authority to Irokun have been rejected by Irokun Obas and even Ijebu officials since British colonial times. This was confirmed by the District Officer of Ijebu-Ode in his letter No. 71/1920, dated 9th July 1920, to his Ondo Division counterpart, in which he stated that ‘neither Irokun nor the village of Obi was in Ijebu country.’

“Olurokun Oba Joga Adejipe, in accordance with the Native Authorities Ordinance of 1924, reaffirmed his Ilaje ancestry and insisted that his kingdom remained part of the Ilaje District in a letter dated 8th October 1937, addressed to the District Officer on Tour in Mahin through the Maporure of Ihapen Agerige-Ilaje.

“A similar stance was maintained during the reign of Olurokun Oba Beniah O. Omosehin. Following a request from the Chieftaincy Department, a letter (Ref. No. CHM7/4/24) dated 24th May 1982, signed by S.O. Abiodun on behalf of the Secretary to the Ogun State Government and addressed to the Secretary of the Ijebu Traditional Council, confirmed during a meeting held on 22nd October 1982 that ‘available records did not show that Oba Olurokun of Irokun was ever a member of the Ijebu Traditional Council.’

“The meeting also noted recent actions by certain Ogun State officials in Irokun, particularly since the passing of Olurokun Oba Olowoniyi Abejoye. His daughter, Princess Adeyinka Abejoye-Ogunyemi, has since been appointed Regent. Those fuelling crises are advised to reconsider their actions and uphold the age-long peaceful coexistence among our peoples.”