A proposal before the House of Representatives seeks to add three additional states to Nigeria’s South-West zone, potentially reshaping the region’s administrative landscape.
Sponsored by Oluwole Oke, the lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in Osun State, the legislation aims to establish separate states named Oke-Ogun, Ijebu, and Ife-Ijesa.
Titled “A Bill for an Act to modify the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as revised),” the proposed legislation seeks amendments to the First Schedule, Part I of the Constitution.
If approved, the new states would be delineated as follows:
1. Oke-Ogun State, with Iseyin as its capital, comprising 12 local government areas.
2. Ijebu State, with Ijebu Ode as its capital, encompassing several LGAs from the Ijebu region.
3. Ife Ijesa State, with a capital city yet to be specified, consisting of 11 LGAs from the Ife and Ijesa areas.
The proposal underscores the growing demand for administrative decentralization and regional development in Nigeria’s South-West. Currently composed of six states, the addition of these new states would signify a significant expansion of the region’s political and administrative boundaries.
In a letter to the Clerk of the House dated February 6, 2024, Oluwole Oke forwarded the bill for further legislative action, signaling the initiative’s advancement within the House of Representatives.
As discussions progress, the proposal holds the potential to reshape governance and resource allocation in Nigeria’s dynamic South-West region.
