The people of Ilaje, a prominent ethnic group in Ondo State, have voiced their strong opposition to any attempts to include their land in the proposed Ijebu State. The demand was made through a statement issued by the Egbe Omo Ilaje World-Wide, an influential socio-cultural group that represents the interests of Ilaje citizens.
In a press release issued on February 20, 2025, the President-General of the group, Prince Iwamitigha Raphael Irowainu, dismissed any claims or plans to integrate Ilaje Local Government Area into the new state of Ijebu. He made it clear that the Ilaje people had no historical, political, or cultural ties to Ijebu land, and therefore, such a proposal was completely unjustified.
“We have never been consulted, nor have we expressed any desire to join Ijebu land. Our community has always maintained strong ties with the other ethnic groups in Ondo State, such as the Ikale, Apoi, Ondo, and Owo. Any move to include Ilaje in Ijebu State is an imposition that we will not accept,” said Irowainu in his statement.
The proposed creation of new states across Nigeria has stirred debates about the boundaries of various ethnic territories. While the Ilaje people have no objection to the creation of the Ijebu State in principle, they are vehemently opposed to being a part of it. The group emphasized that their community shares no historical affinity with the Ijebu people and that their connection to Ondo State is rooted in cultural, administrative, and historical ties that span several decades.
Historical Context: The Origins of Ilaje and Ondo’s Boundaries
The origins of the Ilaje people and their ties to Ondo State date back to the colonial era. Prince Irowainu referred to the 1915 creation of the Ondo Province, which brought together various divisions, including the Okitipupa division where the Ilaje people reside. He explained that the Ilaje community has always been an integral part of Ondo State, tracing its roots to the old Ondo Province, which became the present-day Ondo State in 1976.
“Historically, the Ilaje and other communities such as the Ikale, Apoi, Ondo, and Owo have always been part of the same administrative structure,” Irowainu emphasized. “We were never part of the Ijebu Province, which was later incorporated into Ogun State after the division of the old Western Region. It is clear that Ilaje land has no political or administrative connection to Ijebu land.”
In his statement, the President-General reminded the public of the historical reshuffling of Nigerian provinces during colonial times. According to Irowainu, Ondo Province, created by a government notice in 1915, merged the Ekiti and Ondo divisions, which included Ilaje. By contrast, Ijebu Province was abolished in 1915 and merged with Abeokuta Province, which eventually formed the basis of Ogun State.
“From the historical record, it is transparent that Ilaje, as part of the Okitipupa division, had no relationship with the Ijebu people. Our land has always been a part of Ondo Province and later, Ondo State,” he added.
Cultural and Administrative Ties: Ilaje’s Unity with Ondo State
The Ilaje people, like other ethnic groups within Ondo State, share deep cultural and administrative bonds. The group pointed out that their common aspirations with other communities in Ondo State have consistently shaped their demands for local government creation and state recognition.
Culturally, the Ilaje, Ikale, Apoi, Ondo, and Owo people share a language, traditions, and values that bind them together. This sense of unity, the group argued, is what fuels their desire to remain within the present structure of Ondo State.
“The Ilaje people have always stood alongside other ethnic groups in Ondo State, fighting for the creation of local governments and the development of our region. Our cultural ties with the people of Ondo, Owo, Ikale, and others are not something we take lightly,” said Irowainu.
This strong sense of cultural and political unity is a crucial element of the Ilaje’s opposition to the inclusion of their land in the proposed Ijebu State.
The Boundary Issue: Ilaje Settlements in Ogun State
While the Ilaje people reject the proposal for inclusion in Ijebu State, they are also calling for the correction of a boundary issue that dates back to 1976. According to Irowainu, during the creation of states, some Ilaje towns, including Itebu Manuwa, Ajegunle, Ayetumara, and others, were mistakenly transferred to Ogun State.
“We are calling on the federal government to rectify the boundary adjustment error made in 1976. Settlements such as Itebu Manuwa, Ayetumara, Igboedu, and others have always been part of Ilaje land. They were wrongfully placed under Ogun State and we urge the authorities to correct this historical injustice by returning them to Ondo State,” Irowainu explained.
The group also referenced the findings of the Irikefe Panel, which had recommended that the affected Ilaje communities be returned to Ondo State as part of its boundary adjustments. “We believe that the implementation of the Irikefe Panel’s recommendations would bring long-needed justice and unity to our people,” Irowainu said.
A Call for Dialogue and Understanding
While the Ilaje people remain steadfast in their position, the group has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with the federal government and other stakeholders to resolve the matter amicably. They reiterated their support for the overall creation of new states but emphasized that the Ilaje people should not be part of Ijebu State.
“We understand the importance of state creation for the development of Nigeria, and we are not against the creation of Ijebu State. However, we must make it clear that Ilaje land must remain part of Ondo State, as our cultural, historical, and political ties are firmly rooted here,” Irowainu concluded.
In the face of growing concerns about the proposed state creation process, the Ilaje people’s firm stance serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical boundaries and ensuring that local communities’ wishes are respected in political decision-making. The call for the return of Ilaje communities from Ogun State adds an additional layer of complexity to the ongoing debate on Nigeria’s state boundaries and the aspirations of various ethnic groups.
