Traditional rulers, religious, community and political leaders in four Ekiti towns have rejected a proposal by the Okun Development Association (ODA) to include them in the proposed Okun State being sought by ODA.
The communities, namely Ipao-Ekiti, Okè-Àkò Ekiti, Ijowa-Ekiti, and Irele Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, said in a communiqué after a recent meeting that they would prefer to remain in Ekiti State and do not wish to be included in the proposed new state.
The communiqué was signed by Oba Williams Oluseyi Ehinmodupin, the Obanla of Ipao-Ekiti; Oba David O Andero, the Onirele of Irele-Ekiti; Oba Emmanuel Omopariola, the Alajowa of Ijowa-Ekiti; Princess Tinuade Ogunbiyi, the Regent of Oke Ako-Ekiti; Samuel A. Abejide, who hosted the meeting; and 16 others, including high chiefs, religious leaders, and political leaders drawn from the towns.
The towns said that while they would not dissuade anyone from their agitation for a new state, they would rather remain in Ekiti State given their “deep-rooted affinity with the old Western Region, the former Ondo State and the present-day Ekiti State.”
According to the communities, their meeting became necessary following a letter they said they received from the Okun Development Association (ODA) informing them of their inclusion in the proposed Okun State.
“In light of the ongoing agitation for the creation of new states in Nigeria, including the proposed Okun State, the traditional rulers, political leaders and indigenes of Ipao-Ekiti, Okè-Àkò Ekiti, Ijowa-Ekiti, and Irele-Ekiti convened a crucial meeting to deliberate on the matter. This meeting became necessary following a letter of visitation from the Okun Development Association (ODA), informing us of our proposed inclusion in Okun State. Historically, our communities have never been part of the old Kabba Province nor the Northern Protectorate.
“Instead, we share deep-rooted affinity with the old Western Region, the former Ondo State, and the present-day Ekiti State,” the communiqué stated.
They said they “acknowledge the constitutional right of the proponents of Okun State to seek its creation and do not intend to discourage their efforts,” but added that “having considered our collective history, cultural ties, and the socio-economic well-being of our communities since the creation of Ekiti State in 1996, we affirm our satisfaction with our current status as part of Ekiti State.”
The communiqué added: “We remain steadfast in our commitment to the progress, unity, and overall well-being of our people under Ekiti State.
“Our communities have not assigned or authorised any individual(s) to represent us in discussions concerning the proposed Okun State. Any commitments made by individuals in this regard are personal and do not reflect our collective decision.
“Representatives of the Okun State agitation group met with our traditional rulers, political leaders, and prominent indigenes on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, in Ipao-Ekiti. During this meeting, we unequivocally communicated our decision to remain in Ekiti State.
“In light of the above, we hereby put it on record that our communities—Ipao-Ekiti, Okè-Àkò Ekiti, Ijowa-Ekiti, and Irele-Ekiti—have chosen to remain an integral part of Ekiti State. We implore the general public, government authorities, and relevant stakeholders to take note of this resolution.”
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