Nigeria’s states might be increased above 36 as the House of Representatives received a new bill seeking the creation of three new states in the South-West.
Oluwole Oke, the lawmaker sponsoring the bill made this known on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.
Oke, who represents Obokun/Oriade federal constituency, would seek to persuade at least two-thirds of the legislators at the lower chamber to support the dissolution of the local government areas and the establishment of Oke-Ogun, Ijebu, and Ife-Ijesa as independent states.
According to him, Ijebu should be recognised as a state with Ijebu-Ode as its capital, proposing Remo North, Ikenne, Ijebu East, Ijebu North-East, Ijebu Ode, Odogbolu, Ogun Waterside, and Sagamu as its local government areas.
The bill seeks the recognition of Oke-Ogun as a state, with Iseyin as its capital and Ogbomosho North, Ogbomosho South, Olorunsogo, Kajola, Irepo, Oorerelope, Saki-East, Saki-West, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa will become local government areas.
For the proposed Ife-Ijesa state, Ife Central, Ife South, Ife North, Ife East, Ilesa West, Ilesa East, Atakunmosa East, Atakunmosa West, Boluwaduro, Oboku and Oriade will become the local government areas.
If successfully passed, Mr Oke’s bill will make the South-West currently comprising six states — Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo — the region with the highest number of states in Nigeria.
“I wish to forward the above-mentioned bill to your office for further necessary legislative action to enable me to move same in our great Green Chamber, sir,” Mr Oke stated in a letter addressed to the parliament’s clerk.
Meanwhile, in a significant development ahead of the upcoming November governorship election in Ondo State, notable leaders from Akure South, Ondo East, and Ifedore council areas have thrown their support behind Olusola Oke‘s candidacy.This endorsement comes at a crucial time, with the leaders asserting that Chief Oke possesses the qualities and experience that Ondo State requires for its next governor amid the current socio-political climate.
During a meeting in Akure, the state capital, with Chief Oke’s campaign team, the leaders voiced their belief in Oke’s capabilities as a unifier and an administrator with a deep understanding of the state’s political landscape.
Representing the endorsing leaders, Honorable Afe Olowookere, a former House of Representatives member, emphasised his personal conviction in Chief Oke’s suitability for the role of governor.
Olowookere further assured that Ondo State stands to gain substantially from Chief Oke’s leadership, should he be elected as governor.
According to him, “We are here today because we are committed to the belief that Oke will make a better governor. Of all the people jostling for the position, he is the only one who can bring others together to achieve the great task ahead.
“We are convinced that he has tested experience, proven administrative knowledge and sagacity that always allows him to connect with the people seamlessly.
“At this time, when the party is fractured, he is one aspirant that can bring the party together and create an acceptable leadership collegiate that will move the party and state forward.
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