A new bill aiming to create three more states in the South-West region has been introduced in the House of Representatives. Sponsored by Oluwole Oke, the representative for Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in Osun State, the proposed law suggests forming Oke-Ogun, Ijebu, and Ife-Ijesa states.
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended),” proposes changes to the Constitution’s First Schedule, Part I. It aims to introduce new states while adjusting the number of local government areas.
Under the proposed legislation, Oke-Ogun State, with Iseyin as its capital city, would consist of 12 local government areas. These include Olorunsogo, Irepo, Oorerelope, Ogbomosho North, Ogbomosho South, Saki-East, Saki-West, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola, and Iseyin.
Similarly, Ijebu State would be formed from Ijebu East, Ijebu North-East, Ijebu Ode, Ikenne, Odogbolu, Ogun Waterside, Remo North, and Sagamu LGAs, with Ijebu Ode as its capital city.
Lastly, Ife-Ijesa State would be composed of 11 LGAs, including Atakunmosa East, Atakunmosa West, Boluwaduro, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, Ife South, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Oboku, and Oriade.
In a letter dated February 6, 2024, addressed to the House Clerk, Oke forwarded the bill for further legislative action. He expressed his intent to present the bill in the House for consideration.
Currently, the South-West region comprises six states: Ondo, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, and Ekiti. If the bill passes, the South-West would surpass the North-West in the number of states.
The Constitution requires two-thirds majority support from both the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly for any amendment to pass. The National Assembly is presently involved in the constitutional amendment process, with the Constitutional Review Committee set to be inaugurated on February 26, 2023.
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