President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly offered his strongest support yet for the creation of Ijebu State, a proposed entity to be carved out of Ogun State in southwest Nigeria.

According to insider reports, the meeting was cordial and productive, with the discussions centering on the long-standing demand for constitutional amendments to enable the creation of additional states in Nigeria. Oba Adetona emphasized Ijebu's unique historical significance, noting it remains the only pre-colonial province yet to achieve statehood, unlike other provinces such as Oyo and Sokoto that have since been divided into multiple states.

“President Tinubu showed unwavering support for the cause, even before Oba Adetona had fully laid out the case,” a source close to the discussion told The Gazette.

The president's backing marks a significant milestone for advocates of Ijebu State, who have been lobbying for decades to fulfill the aspirations of over one million Ijebu indigenes. However, it also reignites debates around other proposed states like Anioma in Delta State, which are also vying for legislative approval.

The renewed push for Ijebu State gained traction in November 2024 when Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East, introduced a bill at the National Assembly. A former governor of Ogun State, Senator Daniel argued that creating Ijebu State would address the long-standing socio-political and economic aspirations of the Ijebu people.

With President Tinubu's support now public, advocates are optimistic that the proposal will gain momentum in the National Assembly, marking a potential turning point in Nigeria’s state creation agenda.