By Abdulhameed Ivavah.
Elected councilors has kicked against the affiliation of Ajaokuta local government with the proposed Okura State.
This was a unanimous decision of the Ajaokuta legislative council on Thursday.
The session was marked by spirited discussions, wherein councilors articulated their position against the inclusion of Ajaokuta in the proposed state, which is driven primarily by the Igala-speaking community.
During the deliberation, Hon. Aliyu AbdulAzeez, representing Upake ward, took a strong stand against the proposal. He emphasized Ajaokuta’s identity as the ancestral home of the Ebira speaking community and noted that Ebira speaking language encompasses areas such as Okehi, Adavi, and Okene LGAs.
He raised questions regarding the rationale behind carving Ajaokuta, an Ebira speaking people, into the Igala proposal for Okura State, pointing to the clear natural boundaries and demarcations that separate the two linguistic groups.
Hon. Bamidele Saleh, representing Adogo ward, provided historical context to support the Council’s stance.
He noted that prior to the creation of Kogi State, Ajaokuta LGA was part of Okene LGA under the then Kwara State, comprising four wards.
He stressed that the local government’s evolution into its current structure was a result of various state creations which lead to Kogi State and Ajaokuta became a Local Government on it own under Kogi Central senatorial district, and that historically, the Igala were then situated in Benue State before becoming part of Kogi State under the Kogi East senatorial district.
This history, he argued, reinforced Ajaokuta’s rightful position and connection to Kogi Central.
Further supporting the council’s position, Hon. Sumaila Sadiku, the Deputy Council Leader and councilor representing Ebiya South, reiterated the historical alignment of Ajaokuta with Kogi Central during its prior affiliation with Kwara State.
He pointed out that the integration of both the Igala speaking population from Benue State and the Ebira speaking groups from Kwara into the newly formed Kogi State does not undermine the demographic and cultural landscape of Ajaokuta, hitherto.
He argued that the establishment of Okura State, which would potentially alter this demographic equilibrium, would not only undermine the historical ties and cultural identity of Ajaokuta but also disrupt the unity and harmony within the community.
Other members of the council echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of preserving the natural boundaries that have existed between the Ajaokuta and Igala populations.
They articulated that Ajaokuta must retain its historical and cultural heritage and that the proposed division poses a threat to the cohesion of the community.
The councilors called on the Federal Government, the State Government, and all relevant authorities to heed the concerns of the people of Ajaokuta, emphasizing that such proposals could lead to unnecessary demoralization and a detrimental shift in the status quo.
Hon. Jimoh Ayijimoh, the Council Leader and councilor representing Odonu/Ohuege, asserted that the Ajaokuta Local Government Legislative Council steadfastly maintained its position that Ajaokuta will not, in any circumstance, be part of the proposed Okura State.
He emphasized the council’s commitment to the welfare and identity of the Ajaokuta people and affirmed that any changes to their administrative boundaries must be approached with caution and thorough consideration of existing demographic and cultural realities.
The Ajaokuta Local Government Legislative Council urged both the Kogi State and Federal Government to conduct a critical review of the proposal for Okura State.
The council implored authorities to respect the gazetted boundaries and take into account the substantial historical and cultural evidence presented during the session.
The Ajaokuta Local Government Legislative Council said it stands united in its resolve to protect the interests of its constituents and will continue to advocate for the preservation of the Ajaokuta identity within the Kogi Central region.
The council expressed hope that these considerations will be given the serious attention they deserve in the decision making processes ahead.
