Ilaje Monarchs Reject Inclusion in Proposed Ijebu State, Cite Historical Claims
Ilaje Monarchs Reject Inclusion in Proposed Ijebu State, Cite Historical Claims
Traditional rulers in the Ilaje region of Ondo State have strongly opposed the alleged move to include their communities in the proposed Ijebu State. In a firm declaration, the monarchs reaffirmed that Ilaje has always been part of Ondo State, backing their stance with historical evidence.
In a communiqué issued 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 traditional rulers urged Ilaje descendants to resist any inducements that could compromise their territorial integrity.
“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.”
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The monarchs also addressed boundary disputes, citing historical documents dating back to British colonial times. They warned against attempts by Ogun State officials to assert authority over Irokun, an ancient Ilaje town, emphasizing that records from as early as 1920 confirm its Ilaje ancestry.
They called on all parties involved to respect historical agreements and maintain peaceful coexistence.
