…Demand true federalism, creation of new states
…as monarchs, stakeholders push for Igbomina State
Governors of Ondo, Ekiti, and Osun States, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Abiodun Oyebanji, and Ademola Adeleke, have called for far-reaching constitutional amendments, including the establishment of state police, resource control, and the restructuring of Nigeria’s federal system to reflect true federalism.
The governors made these demands on Friday during the South-West Centre B Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome) in Akure, Ondo State.
Governor Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, in his submission, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating key democratic reforms and lauded the House Committee, led by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for taking the review process to the grassroots.
He argued that the current centralised policing model was no longer effective in combating rising insecurity and proposed a constitutional amendment to allow for state police. Citing the achievements of the Amotekun Corps in the South-West, Aiyedatiwa said decentralised policing would enhance intelligence gathering, community engagement, and crime deterrence.
The Ondo governor also advocated a review of the revenue allocation formula, proposing that states should retain at least 50 percent of revenues generated, while remitting 40 percent to the federal government. He stressed that true federalism must include fiscal autonomy, allowing states full control over their resources.
“Section 44 (3) of the 1999 Constitution should be amended to move control of minerals, mineral oils, and natural gas from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List,” Aiyedatiwa proposed, arguing that states are better positioned to manage their mineral wealth for local development.
He decried the lack of state oversight in mining operations, which he said has led to environmental degradation, illegal mining, and poor enforcement.
On local governance, Aiyedatiwa requested constitutional recognition for the 33 Local Council Development Authorities (LCDAs) established by the Ondo State government, in the same manner that Lagos State’s LCDAs are being considered. He also backed the creation of new states but opposed the excision of any part of Ondo territory to form or merge with another state.
Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, represented by the Attorney General of the State, Dayo Apata (SAN), echoed the call for resource control and decentralised policing. He added that the constitution must reflect inclusive governance by ensuring equal political representation for women and persons with disabilities.
Oyebanji also called for the formal recognition of traditional institutions and restrictions on the unregulated movement of herders and livestock, a factor he said has contributed to rising insecurity and farmer-herder clashes across the country.
In his own remarks, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, focused on electoral reforms and the need to curb the soaring cost of governance. He advocated for the adoption of electronic voting and called for stronger regulations on campaign financing.
“The cost of governance is too high. We must make public office less attractive to reduce the desperation that fuels electoral malpractice,” he said.
Traditional rulers also made a case for constitutional inclusion. Speaking on behalf of the monarchs, the Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, urged the National Assembly to grant formal constitutional roles to traditional rulers, whom he described as vital to grassroots governance and social cohesion.
Earlier, Hon. James Faleke, Chairman of the South-West Centre B of the Constitution Review Committee, assured the gathering that all position papers submitted would be thoroughly reviewed and taken into account in the next phase of the constitutional amendment process.
Stakeholders from labour unions, civil society organisations, religious groups, professional associations, and women’s groups across the three states also presented proposals on key issues ranging from devolution of powers to strengthening democratic institutions.
The public hearing was part of a nationwide constitutional review process initiated by the House of Representatives to amend provisions of the 1999 Constitution to address longstanding demands for equity, justice, and national development.
Meanwhile, traditional rulers, scholars, and representatives from Osun and Kwara States have also renewed calls for the creation of Igbomina State, insisting it would end centuries of marginalisation and cultural alienation of the Igbomina people.
Speaking before the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review on Friday, led by Hon. James Faleke, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, and Dr. Fatai Afolabi, Secretary of the Igbomina Committee, presented a united front in demanding the proposed state.
They were joined by representatives from 16 local government areas, three senatorial districts, district heads, and fellow monarchs including the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Raimi Adeoti.
Dr. Afolabi argued that Igbomina people—descendants of Ile-Ife under the leadership of Ajagunla, the first Orangun of Ila—have endured forced political alignment with the Ilorin Emirate, a system rooted in Fulani conquest and colonial administrative fiat.
He said “The Igbomina migrated from Ile-Ife under the leadership of Ajagunla, who became the first Orangun of Ila. Their natural homeland spans today’s Osun and Kwara States, until the Fulani Jihad of the early 19th century, the River Osin naturally divided the Igbomina domain from Oyo’s direct rule, while the Orangun of Ila governed his people with a participatory Yoruba kingship structure that balanced authority with community consensus.
