Traditional rulers and political leaders from Nigeria’s southwest made strong demands at Friday’s constitutional review hearing in Lagos, calling for five new states and official government roles for monarchs.
The proposals include creating Ijebu State from Ogun, Coastal State from Ondo, Igbomina State from parts of Osun, Ekiti and Kwara, plus two new states from Oyo.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barawu, represented by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, revealed the requests also seek to recognize Lagos’ 37 Local Council Development Areas in the constitution. “We’ve always supported traditional rulers’ constitutional roles,” Barawu said, “but past attempts failed when state assemblies rejected it.”
Ooni of Ife Oba Enitan Ogunwusi led other prominent monarchs in arguing that formal powers would help them better support governance. “We’re not competing with elected leaders,” he stated, “but need legal backing for our security and conflict resolution work.”
Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat highlighted the injustice of his state having only 20 recognized local governments despite its huge population. “Alimosho alone has nearly as many people as Bayelsa State,” he noted, urging constitutional recognition for Lagos’ additional councils created since 2003.
Ekiti House Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye promised southwest lawmakers would back autonomy for local governments and legislatures in the amendments. Former Ogun Governor Gbenga Daniel passionately advocated for Ijebu State, calling it correction of “a century-old injustice” since colonial times.
The hearing also featured demands for women’s reserved legislative seats and boundary adjustments between Lagos and Ogun communities.
