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OPINION: Toru-Ibe State, Aiyedatiwa’s “No Land Ceding” Remark, And The Ondo Ijaw

Published

3 weeks ago

July 22, 2025

By Icon-James Tam

The renewed push for the creation of Toru-Ibe State has once again brought the long-standing conversation around political inclusion and fair representation to the front burner particularly for the Ijaw people of Ondo State.

While I personally maintain a cautious stance on the possibility of state creation in today’s Nigeria, I cannot in good conscience dismiss the merit of the Toru-Ibe proposal. The uniqueness of the Ijaw story, their spread across multiple states, Ondo, Edo, Delta and the structural realities they contend with, all underscore the legitimacy of this demand.

Toru-Ibe State is not a new invention. It has a long and documented history, now receiving legislative attention as the National Assembly reviews the 1999 Constitution. Among the dozen proposed new states is Toru-Ibe, projected to include parts of Delta, Edo, and Ondo particularly Ese-Odo Local Government Area and the Ebijaw Ward in Odigbo.

During a recent consultation in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review met with various stakeholders. The Ijaw delegation, led by respected elder High Chief F.J. Williams, articulated a strong and factual case. The gathering was passionate. From the placards to the chants of “Asawana,” the message was clear, Ijaw people in Ondo are ready to align with their kin across state lines under a shared identity.

As someone who identifies strongly with the Ijaw cause, I understand the emotions in that room. Since the creation of Ondo State in 1976, our people have remained on the periphery. Despite a growing list of achievements such as Arogbo Kingdom having at least a lawyer to each family and other professionals to it credit in the state, our political elevation has remained limited. The highest position ever held by an Ijaw in the state is that of Secretary to the State Government.

Despite being a critical contributor to the state’s oil wealth, we have never led OSOPADEC, the agency set up to manage that same wealth. We are routinely included as non-executive participants, not because of a lack of competence, but because of a political structure that struggles to accommodate us beyond tokenism.

It was within this already difficult context that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa made a statement that many of us found disappointing. In his remarks at the Dome in Akure, the Governor stated that although he is not against the creation of new states, “Ondo will not cede its land to another state.”

That remark, in our view, was both unfortunate and unnecessary. The lands the Ijaws occupy in Ondo today are not borrowed,they are ancestral. If a new state is carved out to reflect the cultural and geographical realities of the Ijaw people, it is not ceding,it is realignment. The lands remain with the people; only the political boundary shifts.

Remarks of that nature can be avoided with proper vetting and sensitivity, especially at a time when the national conversation is focused on unity, justice, and equity.

The Ijaw people of Ondo have shown extraordinary patience over the years. But even patience has its limits. We cannot afford to allow sentiment or political caution to downplay valid concerns of marginalization. I call on Ijaw elders, leaders of thought, and community advocates to issue a dignified and unambiguous rejoinder to the Governor’s comment not out of hostility, but to set the record straight.

One of our consistent challenges as a people in this state has been the fear of political reprisal. Too often, leaders shy away from assertive positions for fear of being blacklisted or losing out on patronage. But silence has never been a path to justice. Speaking for your people should never be a political liability.

Our place in Ondo’s governance structure has remained secondary. Even at the level of traditional leadership, it took the intervention of good Samaritanlike Barr. Sola Ebiseni to challenge what was nearly a permanent exclusion of the Pere of Ijaw from becoming Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas. Though progress was made, even the forthcoming opportunity for that chairmanship due to rotate to the south remains uncertain for Ese-Odo, the only Ijaw local government in the region.

In all of this, Toru-Ibe State is not just an aspiration,it represents hope, equity, and a better future for a people long overlooked. It offers the Ijaws of Ondo a pathway out of structural sidelining and an opportunity for real self-determination.

As we await the decision of the National Assembly, I wish the Ijaw people strength, focus, and unity. May this be the beginning of a new chapter in our political history.

By Icon-James Tam

Convener, Social Crusade for a Sane Society

News

Okpebholo Announces ‘Massive’ Youth Recruitment Into Edo Civil Service

Published

2 hours ago

August 13, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has announced plans to recruit youths into the state civil service.

Speaking at the All Progressives Congress campaign rally in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, ahead of the August 16, 2025, Edo Central Senatorial by-election, the governor said it’s part of his administration’s effort to combat unemployment and accelerate Edo’s development.

He expressed his passion for his people and an unwavering commitment to building a better future.

Unveiling his new civil service recruitment plan, the governor disclosed that he had instructed the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, to begin the process without delay.

“We are going to massively employ our young people,” he affirmed. “Creating opportunities for our youths is the greatest investment we can make for the future of Edo.”

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Edo Govt To Open Up Riverine Communities For Development — Deputy Gov

Published

2 hours ago

August 13, 2025

Editor

The deputy governor of Edo state, Hon Dennis Idahosa, has said that the Monday Okpebholo-led administration will open up riverine communities in the state for sustainable development.

According to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, Idahosa stated this at Inikorogha in Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally for Saturday’s Ovia Federal Constituency by-election.

He told the gathering that the new administration led by Okpebholo is keen to see development across the nook and cranny of the state.

He said all that was needed from the people was support and for them to be patient with the nine month old government that hit the ground running immediately after inauguration.

Idahosa described the Inikorogha community as a peace loving people that had always supported him politically and otherwise.

The deputy, who was adorned by the community in their traditional regalia said, “I have always seen myself as one of your own even before your acceptance of me with this traditional attire.”

“All I need from you is massive votes in support for the APC candidate and our governor on Saturday,” he appealed.

He assured the community that the APC candidate is going to continue with the good work he put up as the representative before his election as deputy governor.

“Our candidate, Omosede Igbinedion, is not a neophyte in the business of lawmaking. The party chose her because we are sure of her capacity to deliver.”

While addressing the people, the APC candidate promised to synergise with the deputy governor to bring laudable projects to Ovia federal constituency.

Simirlarly, a chieftain of the party in the community, Ambassador Okubo Robert promised delivery of 100 percent votes for the party.

He noted that the Inikorogha community had always supported the APC in every elections, adding that Saturday’s bye-election will not be any different.

News

How Terrorist Leader, Abubakar Abba, Was arrested – Niger Govt

Published

3 hours ago

August 13, 2025

Editor

The Niger State Government has revealed how terrorist leader, Abubakar Abba, was arrested by the Department of State Service in the state.

Abba was the leader of the Mahmuda terror groups, which pitched its tent and operated in Niger and Kwara states.

He was captured in Wawa, the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Governor Mohammed Bago’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Wednesday announced Abba’s arrest in a statement in which he said the terror kingpin had been moved to the nation’s capital, Abuja, for further investigation.

“Yes, it is true. I can confirm that the leader of Mahmuda, which is one of the most dangerous terror groups in West Africa, Abubakar Abba, has been arrested by the DSS.

“He was apprehended alive through an intelligence-led operation by the DSS.

“This is a huge victory for us as a people and as a government, and President Tinubu deserves commendation for this cheering news.

“Abba’s arrest demonstrates the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to truly ending insecurity and promoting the well-being of Nigerians,” Ibrahim said.

Mahmuda, an offshoot of the deadly Boko Haram terror group, was also believed to have ties with the Islamic State and was responsible for a series of attacks across Kwara and Niger states.

The terror group had reportedly launched two attacks in one day in Kwara state on June 3—first killing three villagers in the morning and then four more in the evening, and leaving the community in mourning.

Mahmuda’s foot soldiers, usually clad in camouflage and often riding on motorcycles, continued their rampage, with at least three villagers killed in a fresh assault.

This indicated the group’s sustained threat.

A recent large-scale attack in Kwara reportedly resulted in the killing of seven residents, while several others were abducted.

The terror group had also reportedly struck numerous villages near Kainji Lake National Park while a market in Kwara was also attacked, killing four Fulani men, a local guard, and a 19-year-old bystander.

Another attack killed 15 vigilantes in Kemanji village.

The Mahmuda terror group reportedly established bases in forested areas linking Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, and Kogi states.

It carried out activities including illegal mining, forced labour and extortion of herders and farmers.

Meanwhile, the Niger State governor has applauded the DSS operation as a strong demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians.