Request for southwest leaders for new countries: economic implications

Political and traditional leaders in the southwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria have called for the creation of five additional states, formal recognition of more regional government territories, and the constitutional role for traditional rulers.

These proposals form the core of deliberations in the Southwest Zonal Public Hearing on the 1999 Constitutional Amendment, which was held on Friday in Lagos.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidle, Representing Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Who Chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, outlined the proposals, which includes the creation of Ijebu State from Ogun, coastal state from Ondo, Igbomina State from Osun, Ekiti, and Kwara, as well as ibadan state and new oyo state, both carved from Oyo.

Other main submissions include the inclusion of formal from 37 local council development areas (LCDAS) established by the state of Lagos in 2003 into the constitution, adjusting boundaries between the states of Lagos and Ogun, and the replacement of the names of the regional government area of ​​Irewole in Osun as the Regional Government of IKARE.

The leading theme at the trial is a request for the constitutional role for traditional rulers. The Bill for this effect has previously failed to be approved, with Bamidle quoting the lack of sufficient agreement from the two thirds of the State Assembly, the constitutional requirement for the amendment to succeed.

“The last effort during the ninth senate was almost successful, but we could not get the necessary support from 24 of the 36 state assemblies,” Bamidle explained. “Our royal father must intensify advocacy, especially among the speakers and governors, to make progress.”

Representing the king in the region, Ooni from Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogeunwusi, clarified that the traditional rulers did not try to seize the role of elected officials. Instead, they aim to complete the country’s efforts in security, conflict resolution, and grassroots.

“We have done many things in maintaining peace, security, and promoting socio-economic development. Giving us constitutional support will further increase our contribution to national development,” Ooni said.

Other famous kings who were present including Alaafin Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; Olowo from Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye; Ayangburen from Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi; And Dagburewe from Idowa, Oba Siku Okuribido, who represented Awujale from Ijebuland, Oba Semangu Adetona.

Non-confession LCDA Lagos is also a significant point of attention. The Governor of the State Lagos Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, criticized what he called “administrative injustice,” given the vast state population.

“For example, Alimosho LGA, with a population that is almost the same as the state of Bayelsa, must be divided into six LCDAs to meet administrative needs,” Hamzat said. “It is fair that they are registered in the constitution and given full status like other local governments.”

Likewise, the Chairperson of the Ekiti State Council Council, Adeoye Aribasoye, emphasized the support of Southwest Parliament members for reforms that promoted local government autonomy, legislative independence, and the constitutional role for traditional institutions.

Former Governor of the State of Ogun and served Senator for Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, creating a fiery case for the creation of the Ijebu state. He described that step as a long correction of historical injustice.

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“Land Ijebu has the capacity to maintain its own country. Remo people have also expressed support for the creation of the country, as long as their identity is included in the new name, ‘Ijebu Remo State,’ similar to Akwa Ibom,” he said, noting that Ijebu remained a colonial province that had not been given to the state.

What is the meaning of this proposal to the amendment and economy of the Nigerian Constitution

A new encouragement for the constitutional amendment, especially around the creation of the state, recognition of local governments, and traditional institutions, reflects regional demands that have long existed and broader debates about federalism, justice, and the efficiency of governance in Nigeria.

Although the proposal for new countries and the role of traditional rulers has been raised repeatedly over the years, their success depends on the very technical constitutional and political amendment process, which requires support from at least 24 of the 36 buildings of the State Assembly.

This has become a historical obstacle. As shown by the leader of the Bamidle Senate, the failure of the previous bill to be passed was not due to lack of will, but procedural barriers. So that this proposal is successful now, strong lobbying between countries and political consensus will be very important.

In addition, with demands for the creation of countries coming from various regions, the northern-middle and southeast leaders have filed a similar appeal, there is a possibility that there will be an increase in competition and negotiations in which countries eventually receive federal approval.

From an economic perspective, the proposal presents a two -edged sword.

On the one hand, advocates argue that new countries and LCDA that are recognized can bring the government closer to the people, promote fair development, and increase administrative efficiency in densely populated areas such as Lagos and Ogun. For example, constitutional recognition 37 LCDA Lagos will unlock the flow of federal funding, has the potential to improve social infrastructure and services in the community.

Likewise, creating countries such as Ijebu or Ibadan can help overcome complaints over marginalization, especially if the potential of local economy, such as agriculture, trade, or tourism, is strategically utilized by new subnational government.

On the other hand, the expansion of the Nigerian administrative structure comes with significant fiscal implications. More states and LGA mean more governors, commissioners, legislators, and civil service bureaucracy, increase pressure on the tense national budget.

Critics argue that without an appropriate increase in the income generated internally (IGR), this expansion can deepen the state dependence on federal allocation, further worsening fiscal inefficiency.

Moving the role of the king can also raise questions about constitutional costs and clarity, but supporters believe that traditional rulers can help strengthen the structure of local government, especially in the field of security and conflict resolution in which the country remains too long.

In the era of increasing insecurity and economic difficulties, traditional leaders, who often have a significant influence on the grassroots, may be very important in stabilizing the community and fostering local companies.

When the constitutional review process advances, the proposal from the Southwest Zone reflects a broader national dialogue about representation, equality, and government. While the political feasibility of this amendment remains uncertain, the conversation indicates the desire among Nigerians to re -define the structural foundation of the federation, and maybe, recalibrates the economic path.