Ogonis insist on state creation as condition for oil exploration

Ilaje nation rejects inclusion in proposed Ijebu state

The Ogoni ethnic nationality in Rivers State has said that state creation is the only thing that can assuage their grudges of neglect, marginalisation and part of the conditions for the resumption of oil exploration in the area.

They have, therefore, called on the Federal Government to expedite moves to create “Ogoni State” with the capital in Bori town.  About 20 communities in Gokana Local Council made the call during a town hall meeting held in the council at the weekend.

The people requested the implementation of the Ogoni Bill of Rights, including political autonomy, control over Ogoni economic resources, adequate representation in Nigerian institutions, protection of the Ogoni environment, and the development of Ogoni culture and language.

They also demanded self-determination for the Ogoni people amid severe exploitation and environmental degradation, primarily caused by oil companies operating in the area.

Kattey said that the town hall meeting is a crucial part of a series of grassroots consultations the committee has diligently planned.  He said: “We are here to ensure that the voices of the people of Gokana, and all of Ogoni resonate loudly and clearly in the ongoing dialogue with the Federal Government. Your insights, experiences, and aspirations are vital to shaping our collective future.”

ALSO, the monarchs and entire indigenes of Ilaje nation, Ondo State, have made an appeal to the Federal Government against moves that will adversely affect the existing inter-state relationships between Ondo and Ogun.

The President-General, Egbe Omo Ilaje World-Wide, Prince Iwamitigha Raphael Irowainu, who appealed during a press briefing, at the weekend, in Lagos, said Ilaje people have rejected their rumoured inclusion in the proposed Ijebu State.

Irowainu also begged the Federal Government to ensure that Ilaje towns and villages, merged with the present Ogun State in 1976, are returned to their kith and kin in Ondo State, as advised by the Irikefe panel on the creation of states and boundary adjustment in 1975.

He said: “As far as we are aware, the move to include Ilaje land or any part of Ilaje local council area in the proposed Ijebu State does not enjoy the support of any section or kingdom in Ilaje land. In the ongoing state and local council creation proposed before the National Assembly, we made bold to confirm that there was never any request to include Ilaje land in the proposed Ijebu State.

“If we had wanted such a demand, we could have submitted such desire to the committee on the proposal of state and local council areas creation at the National Assembly.”

While affirming that their consent was not sought on such a far-reaching political decision and arrangement, Irowainu noted that for the avoidance of doubt, they shall under the law resist, vehemently, any attempt to include Ilaje land in the proposed Ijebu State or any other proposed state of whatever name called.