Nigeria might witness an increase in its states beyond the current 36, as the House of Representatives has received a new bill proposing the creation of three additional states in the South-West region. The bill, introduced by lawmaker Oluwole Oke on Tuesday, seeks to establish independent states named Oke-Ogun, Ijebu, and Ife-Ijesa.
Oke, representing the Obokun/Oriade federal constituency, aims to garner two-thirds support from fellow legislators to dissolve existing local government areas and set up these new states. The proposed Ijebu state, for instance, would have Ijebu-Ode as its capital, with specified local government areas, including Remo North and Sagamu.
The bill outlines Oke-Ogun as another proposed state with Iseyin as its capital and lists the corresponding local government areas. Additionally, the Ife-Ijesa state is suggested with Ife Central as its capital and designated local government areas.
If approved, this bill would make the South-West, currently comprising six states, the region with the highest number of states in Nigeria. In a letter to the parliament’s clerk, Oke has forwarded the bill for further legislative action.
In a separate development related to the upcoming November governorship election in Ondo State, influential leaders from Akure South, Ondo East, and Ifedore council areas have endorsed Olusola Oke’s candidacy. These leaders expressed confidence in Oke’s ability to unify and administrate the state effectively, emphasizing his tested experience and administrative knowledge.
During a meeting in Akure, Honorable Afe Olowookere, a former House of Representatives member, conveyed his conviction in Chief Oke’s suitability for the governor’s role. Other leaders echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Oke’s acceptability by the electorate and his potential to bring together a fractured party, creating effective leadership for the state’s progress.
