South-West leaders push for new states, LCDAs, roles for Monarchs

Political and traditional leaders from Nigeria’s South-West geopolitical zone have made a bold case for the creation of five additional states, recognition of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), and constitutional roles for traditional rulers, as part of wide-ranging reforms proposed at the ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

The demands formed the highlight of deliberations at the South-West zonal public hearing on the constitution review, held on Friday in Lagos.

The hearing was convened by the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, chaired by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau and represented by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.

According to Bamidele, the new states being proposed include: Ijebu State (from Ogun State); Coastal State (from parts of Ondo State);Igbomina State (from areas in Osun, Ekiti, and Kwara States); Ibadan State (from Oyo State); New Oyo State (from the current Oyo State)

In addition to state creation, leaders also called for the constitutional recognition of Lagos State’s 37 LCDAs, established in 2003 to manage its large population and complex urban structure. They also proposed boundary adjustments between Lagos and Ogun States, as well as the renaming of Irewole Local Government Area in Osun State to Ikire Local Government.

A major focal point at the hearing was the demand for constitutional roles for traditional rulers. Representing the region’s royal fathers, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, emphasized that traditional rulers were not seeking political power, but rather formal recognition to contribute meaningfully to governance, especially in areas such as security, conflict resolution, and community development.

“We are already doing a lot in maintaining peace, security, and promoting socio-economic development. Giving us constitutional backing will further enhance our contribution to nation-building,” the Ooni stated.

Other monarchs present included the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye; Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi; and the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Sikiru Okuribido, who represented the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

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Senator Bamidele acknowledged past failed efforts to institutionalize the roles of monarchs, pointing to the inability to secure the two-thirds majority required from state Houses of Assembly during previous constitutional amendment attempts.

“The last attempt during the ninth Senate nearly succeeded, but we could not get the needed endorsement from 24 out of the 36 state assemblies,” he said. “Our royal fathers must intensify advocacy, particularly among Speakers and governors, to make progress.”

Speaking on behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat decried what he termed “administrative injustice” over the federal government’s refusal to recognize the state’s 37 LCDAs. He cited the population of Alimosho LGA, which rivals that of Bayelsa State, as justification for the creation and recognition of more localized governance units.

“It is only fair that they are listed in the constitution and given full status like other local governments,” Hamzat said.

Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker, Adeoye Aribasoye, expressed the support of South-West lawmakers for amendments that enhance local government autonomy, legislative independence, and formal roles for traditional institutions.

Former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, delivered a passionate appeal for the creation of Ijebu State, describing it as a redress of historic injustice.

“Ijebu land has the capacity to sustain its own state. The Remo people have also expressed support, provided the new name is ‘Ijebu Remo State,’ much like we have Akwa Ibom,” Daniel said. “It remains the only former colonial province yet to be granted statehood.”

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The South-West’s constitutional demands speak to broader national conversations around federal restructuring, equity, and efficient governance. However, the process of amending Nigeria’s constitution remains technically and politically demanding, requiring approval from at least 24 of the 36 state assemblies, in addition to National Assembly assent.

As Senate Leader Bamidele noted, previous reform efforts failed not due to a lack of ideas but because of procedural roadblocks and insufficient cross-state support. With similar demands emerging from other regions, particularly the South-East and North-Central, success may depend on skillful lobbying and inter-regional consensus.

The South-West’s proposals, while ambitious, reflect a growing desire among Nigerians to redefine the country’s federal architecture. As the 1999 Constitution review process gains momentum, the region’s demands are poised to shape national discourse on how to build a more equitable and responsive federation—one that balances tradition with modern governance, and representation with functionality.