Eleven states have just marked the thirty-third anniversary of their existence. KUNLE ODEREMI takes a look at the birth of those states vis-a-vis the vision of their founding fathers.
STAKEHOLDERS in nine states are still celebrating the 33rd anniversary of the existence of such states. It has provided an opportunity for them to take a critical look at the journey that culminated in the creation of such states, the general expectations and to what extent the wishes and aspirations of the founding fathers have been met in more than three decades.
On August 27, 1991, the then military president, General Ibrahim Babangida proclaimed the birth of 11 additional states to make the states in the country 30. The states are Abia, Kebbi; Kogi from Kwara; Adamawa and Taraba, which came out of the then Gongola State; Enugu from the old Anambra; Edo and Delta from the defunct Bendel, while Yobe was carved out of Borno and Jigawa from the old Kano State.
The anniversary of the creation of those states is coming against the recent agitation by certain groups and individuals for additional states. Some members of the Senate and the House of Representatives almost blazed the trail in the present political dispensation. This is in spite of the outcry by some Nigerians that state creation is antithetical to the clamour for restructuring of the country. The argument of the advocates of restructuring is that the existing structure is defective and cannot work in a heterogenous entity like Nigeria. They further contend that state creation has encouraged indolence and fostered dependence on the powerful centre for handouts in the name of federal allocations. Other pundits say the proliferation of states has only conferred awesome powers on the Federal Government at the expense of states in what should have been a coordinate relationship between the centre and the federating units (states).
Conversely, the protagonists of additional states often hinge their demand on inclusivity; that is, the need to address the outcry over alleged ethic marginalization. Another related issue being raised by the advocates is the disequilibrium in the number of states per each of the six geopolitical zones and the distribution of local government areas, which is a criteria for revenue allocation from the Federation Account.
All these arguments have not dispirited the agitators for more states in the country in their campaign. It should be recalled that one of the recommendations of the 2014 National Constitutional Conference also underlined the necessity for additional states. The demand is also trailing the ongoing effort by the National Assembly to review the existing 1999 Constitution (As amended). The agitation, according to some experts, should be expected because of the aura of power. State creation has always produced another set of power brokers whose influence over state matters can be far-reaching. The system throws up different categories of political elite and business class who will have more than a passing interest in what goes on at the corridors of power and act as kingmakers to others seeking elective and appointive offices. But how much has that comparative advantage of state creation impacted on the citizens in the last 33 years carried out by the regime of Babangida?
Subdued celebration
Generally, the anniversary was low key in most of the states, apparently due to the prevailing economic hardship across the country. In Enugu, the state governor, Peter Mbah, reminded the people that the anniversary should be for a deeper reflection and thoughts on how to fast track the journey of fully achieving the objectives of the creation of the state. He told his audience during a low-key event at Okpara Square, in the state capital, that his administration was committed to upholding the dreams of the founding fathers of the state. Represented by his Deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, the governor said though Enugu State may officially be 33 years old, its rich history stretches much further back. He pledged to honour the enduring legacy of the founding fathers through bold actions aimed at fostering a new socio-economic order that aligns with the original vision for the state.
His Jigawa State counterpart, Mallam Umar Namadi applauded past and present leaders, traditional rulers, civil servants, and the entire citizens of the state for their invaluable contributions. “Each administration has played a key role in placing Jigawa on the path of growth and establishing it as a dynamic and promising state today,” the governor remarked.
In Kogi, Governor Usman Ododo, renewed his social contract with the people of the state, with a promise to implement the promises he made in his manifesto during the electioneering. He, however, called for continued cooperation of the people to achieve these objectives. “No administration can succeed without the support of the people it serves. So, I ask for your continued cooperation, your ideas, and your hands in this noble task. Together, we will shape a Kogi that generations to come will be proud to call home,” he said. Ododo emphasised that the creation of Kogi from the old Kwara and old Benue states ushered in a new beginning, a new partnership for development, a new destiny and a renewed commitment to oil the unity with the fossils of diversity.” On his part, Governor Godwin Obaseki, was optimistic about the future of Edo State because it possessed the potential to become glorious. “I am optimistic about the future of the state, as it has the potential to become a glorious state. Today is a story of hope. We have shown in eight years that it is possible to make a difference,” he said.
However, in Osun, the state government honoured some of the founding fathers of the state with awards of recognition. A total of 10 ‘governors’ have led the state since it was created in 1991. They were either military administrators or elected governors. The list comprised the pioneer military administrator, Colonel Leo Ajiborisha, who was succeeded by an elected governor, the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke; Colonel Anthony Udofia, Colonel Anthony Obi, Colonel Theophilus Adegboye, Governor Bisi Akande, Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Adegboyega Oyetola and incumbent governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
It took more four decades for the dream of having a state called Osun materialised. Multiple sources say the quest to have it began in 1950. Having laid their hands on the plough, the promoters of the cause and agitation did not look back. By the time the efforts paid off on August 27, 1991, there were huge expectations and prospects of a new dawn in the new state due to its vast opportunities and potentialities. Eight years ago, the first civilian governor of the state, Senator Adeleke took stock of the trajectory of the state in its first 25 years. His verdict was that the state was on course. “Osun State, in my profound judgement, has not done badly since its creation. The military administrator did their humble best, while I commend successive civilian administrators. Chief Adebisi Akande was able to put up one of the best Secretariat in Nigeria today; it is in fact second to none. Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola was pragmatic and courageous in establishing a state university, with satellite campuses in different zones of the state. He tried his best under the prevailing circumstances that he found himself. Government is a continuum; each man, his own time,” he stated. However, Adeleke had warned that there was still much work to be done. His words: “In Osun, we still have many hurdles to cross. We should re-discover ourselves and know that, self-help is the best help. We should stop buck passing, and grasp the bull by the horn and move Osun many steps ahead of its peers. At 25, Osun should be a giant, a shining star and a reference point in everything progressive and developmental. Let us learn to love ourselves and continue to shape our destinies and those of generations yet unborn so that, in the next few years, our dear state would be the Dubai of Africa. Yes we can! We should.’ That was seven years ago. One of the founding fathers of Osun, Dr Olu Alabi was among the recipients of the special award initiated by Governor Ademola Adeleke. Dr Alabi challenged the people to sustain the values of diligence, integrity, and resilience that defined them. He noted that the significance of the event was beyond personal achievements but a reflection of the collective dreams, sacrifices, and resilience of all the patriots who championed the creation of the state in 1991. He recalled: “It was not an easy journey. It took vision, commitment, and a deep love for our people. Many nights were spent strategising, many days were devoted to building consensus, and countless sacrifices were made. We stood united with one voice, unwavering in our belief that the creation of Osun State was not just a necessity but a historic responsibility. Today, as we stand together to commemorate the fruits of that labor, I am reminded of the words of the great sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who said: ‘The real test of leadership is not in the easy moments but in the moments of great challenge.’ We faced our challenges, and together, we overcame them. As we celebrate today, let us also reflect on the journey ahead. Thirty-three years is a significant milestone, but the work of building a prosperous Osun State continues. I am inspired by the strides being made under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke, who continues to steer this state towards greater heights with his dynamic and inclusive governance.” While expressing his deep appreciation to the governor and the state government for deeming it fit to recognise the contributions of those founding fathers of the state, he said the award, which celebrates patriotism, doggedness, and selflessness, “is a testament to the enduring spirit of the people deeply rooted in the rich cultural legacy of their forbearers. “This recognition is not for me alone; it belongs to all our forbearers, who started the struggle and fought tirelessly for the actualisation of this feat; some of whom are no longer with us. Among these heroes are: Chief Raji Ayoola Adeleke; the father of the incumbent governor of Osun State, the Balogun of Ede-land, and an elected Senator of Osun State senatorial district II in the Second Republic and others,” he added.
Another prominent indigene and Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, Lere Oyewumi, recalled the selfless and long-suffering efforts of the state’s founding fathers, which he said predated the nation’s independence and only came to fruition in 1991 with Osogbo as the state capital. “The people of the state have every reason to appreciate God for the journey, in spite of the challenges, tribulations, and ugly experiences that bedeviled the state in the past.
“We appreciate the founding fathers of our dear state for their foresight and commitment in ensuring we became a state 33 years ago. The resilience, support, and cooperation of our people have been quite rewarding in our journey to have traveled this far and achieved this much, with more hope for prosperity, although, we had faced some daring challenges that threatened our existence as a state.”
For Governor Adeleke, the creation of Osun was a testament to the power of unity and the unwavering spirit of our people.’ He noted the creation of Osun State in 1991 was not merely a political event, but the fulfillment of the hopes and aspirations of the people. He said in the 33 years, the people and state have faced both triumphs and challenges, but we have also made significant strides. In paying encomiums on the founding fathers, the governor said: “We owe loads of gratitude to our founding royal fathers, politicians and activists such as the late Ooni of ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, late Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Oyewale Matanmi, late Orangun of Ila, Oba William Ayeni, Ariwajoye ii, and other prominent traditional rulers to mention a few that played a significant roles in the creation of the state. The history will not be complete without mentioning some politicians and activists who fought tooth and nails to ensure successful creation of Osun State such as late Chief Bola Ige; late Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa; my father, late Senator Raji Adeleke; Pa Samson Adeola Siyanbola; Chief Kolawole Balogun; Chief Aiyelaagbe Laogun; Professor Olu Aina; Alhaji Rasheed Igbalaye; Chief Bisi Akande; Dr. Olu Alabi; Alhaji Tunde Badmus (TUNS); Chief Gunju Adesakin; Hon. Jonathan O. Awofisayo; General Alani Akinrinade; Engineer Tunde Ponle; the late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke; and other prominent sons and daughters of the state, dead or alive. They are all honoured and remembered. May their good work continue to live after them?
Posers
As the states begin the journey to another anniversary, pertinent questions should agitating minds of all the honest and sincere critical stakeholders. One, have the affairs of those states been managed by wealth creators or rent seekers? Have the states been under the supervision and management of visionary leadership or in the stranglehold of gold diggers? What paradigm shift has taken place at the grassroots due to real interventions by local government administration or have the local councils been ravaged by a swarm of locusts and vampires? What significant and meaningful impact have the individual senators, members of the House of Representatives in particular influenced to their constituencies that they can in honesty point at? Or have those key political gladiators and major beneficiaries of state creation lived like parasites on their localities and states?
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