Traditional rulers in the oil-rich Ilaje council area of Ondo State have rejected the inclusion of their communities in the proposed Ijebu State in Ogun State.

Following a meeting held in Igbokoda over the weekend, the monarchs urged Ilaje people to remain vigilant and reject any inducement that may compromise their territorial integrity.

A communiqu? signed by the Chairman of the Ilaje Council of Obas, the Amapetu of Mahin, Oba Olusegun Williams Akinyomi, and the Secretary, Oba Olufemi Ogbaro, the Odoka of Obe-Ogbaro, outlined their concerns.

The statement highlighted awareness of agitations for state creation across Nigeria, including the proposed Ijebu State, which inexplicably lists Ilaje communities as part of its components.

The communique declared: ?Ilaje people reject the inclusion of any part of Ilaje land in the proposed Ijebu State or any other state east or west of Ilaje land. Ilaje shall remain one and indivisible, except for the creation of more local governments or administrative units within Ondo State as needed.?

The monarchs emphasized their commitment to preserving Ilaje unity, territory, and culture, urging the people to safeguard their heritage.

The traditional rulers condemned alleged crises instigated by Ogun State officials in Irokun, an ancient Ilaje town, noting that attempts to extend Ogun State authority there had been historically rejected.

They referenced a 1920 letter from the District Officer of Ijebu-Ode, which affirmed that Irokun was not part of Ijebu territory. Historical claims by Irokun monarchs also reaffirmed their allegiance to Ilaje land under Ondo State.

Recent disturbances, including the invasion of Eba community by armed hoodlums reportedly acting for Ogun State, were also condemned. The communique clarified that Eba and its adjoining areas remain part of Ilaje land and are not on the boundary with Ogun State.

The monarchs urged the Ondo State and Federal Government to ensure the security of Ilaje people and address false territorial claims by Ogun State officials.

They recalled previous efforts, including a 2016 joint boundary meeting involving officials from both states and the National Boundary Commission, which resolved that boundaries be determined through ethnographic surveys while maintaining the status quo.

The Ilaje monarchs reiterated that the Ilaje land constitutes the entire coastline of Ondo State, stretching from Elefon to Oghoye at the Benin River boundary with Itsekiri. They emphasized the historical and administrative ties of the territory to Ondo State since the colonial era.

The meeting concluded with a firm call for peace and respect for established boundaries, urging authorities to act decisively to prevent further crises. (Vanguard)