In a bold stance against the recent agitations for the creation of Ijebu State in Ogun State, traditional rulers in the oil-rich Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have categorically rejected the inclusion of their communities in the proposed state. The monarchs, united under the banner of the Ilaje Council of Obas, expressed deep concern over the territorial claims made by officials from Ogun State, reaffirming their commitment to preserving the integrity and unity of Ilaje land.
The decisive statement was made during a crucial meeting held over the weekend in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje LGA. Led by the Chairman of the Ilaje Council of Obas, Oba Olusegun Williams Akinyomi, the monarchs stood resolute, issuing a communiqué that raised alarms about the potential encroachment on their heritage and territorial boundaries.
“We, the traditional rulers of Ilaje, stand united in rejecting the inclusion of any part of Ilaje land in the proposed Ijebu State or any other state east or west of Ilaje land,” the communiqué read. “Ilaje shall remain one and indivisible, except for the creation of more local governments or administrative units within Ondo State, as needed. Our people must remain vigilant and protect our land from any form of compromise.”
The rejection centers on what the monarchs termed as “unfounded territorial claims” from Ogun State, which have recently gained prominence amid the broader call for the creation of new states in Nigeria. Among the claims are allegations that Ilaje communities in Igbokoda, Irokun, and other towns within Ondo’s Ilaje LGA should be included in the proposed Ijebu State, a move the traditional leaders view as a direct challenge to their historical, cultural, and geographical ties to Ondo State.
The communiqué further stated: “We urge the people of Ilaje to reject any inducement that seeks to undermine our unity or territorial integrity. We must not allow ourselves to be divided or manipulated by external forces.”
Historical Context and Rejected Claims
The heart of the matter lies in the historical and administrative boundaries that have defined Ilaje land for centuries. Ilaje monarchs have long asserted their control over the coastline of Ondo State, which stretches from Elefon in the west to Oghoye at the Benin River boundary with Itsekiri in the east. These territories, rich in oil and other natural resources, are central to the Ilaje people’s identity and economic livelihood.
The monarchs referenced a landmark historical document to underscore their case. A letter from the District Officer of Ijebu-Ode, dated 1920, categorically affirmed that Irokun, an ancient Ilaje town, was not part of Ijebu territory, a claim that has remained undisputed by subsequent generations. This letter, they argue, should serve as the final word on the matter of Irokun’s affiliation, further reinforcing the Ilaje’s long-standing ties to Ondo State.
“The District Officer of Ijebu-Ode, in 1920, made it clear that Irokun was not under Ijebu jurisdiction. The historical records are crystal clear on this,” Oba Olusegun Williams Akinyomi said in an interview following the meeting. “We are not a part of Ogun, and we will not tolerate any attempt to annex our land. Irokun and every other Ilaje community belong to Ondo State, and that is where we shall remain.”
This firm stance follows a series of disputes over the years, including violent clashes allegedly instigated by Ogun State officials. One particularly disturbing incident involved the invasion of Eba, a town in Ilaje, by armed hoodlums believed to be acting on behalf of Ogun State. The monarchs condemned this action, stressing that Eba, along with other communities in the Ilaje LGA, remains firmly within the borders of Ondo State.
“The people of Eba have suffered enough from these unlawful incursions,” said Oba Olufemi Ogbaro, the Odoka of Obe-Ogbaro and Secretary of the Ilaje Council of Obas. “We will not allow Ogun State to extend its influence over Ilaje territories. Our people deserve peace and security, and that includes the protection of our lands from external aggression.”
Call for Government Intervention
In light of the growing tensions, the Ilaje monarchs have called on both the Ondo State Government and the Federal Government to intervene swiftly and decisively. They urged the authorities to ensure the safety and security of Ilaje people, especially in the face of what they described as false territorial claims by Ogun State officials.
The monarchs also reminded the public of a joint boundary meeting held in 2016, where representatives from Ondo and Ogun states, along with officials from the National Boundary Commission, agreed to maintain the status quo regarding the borders between the two states. The meeting concluded with the understanding that any future boundary disputes would be settled based on ethnographic surveys rather than territorial expansion or aggression.
“The agreement of 2016 was clear,” Oba Williams Akinyomi added. “Both states recognized the need for a peaceful resolution and reaffirmed the boundaries as they exist. Any attempt to alter that arrangement is unacceptable.”
The Ilaje Commitment to Unity and Peace
Despite the ongoing threats and territorial disputes, the Ilaje monarchs have emphasized the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence. The communiqué concluded with a call for all Ilaje people, both at home and abroad, to come together and stand firm in defense of their land. The monarchs assured the people that their cultural heritage and territorial rights would remain protected under their watch.
“We will continue to uphold the traditions, cultures, and values that define Ilaje. We are one people, and no external force will divide us,” said Oba Ogbaro. “We are asking for peace, but we will not allow anyone to trample on our rights.”
