The agitation for the creation of Igbomina State received a significant boost on Thursday at the Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution held at the Water Crest Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, as Professor (Yeye) Adeola Faleye and Dr. Hezekiah Oyedepo delivered a bold and assertive presentation that captivated the audience and made a compelling case for the cause.
Representing the collective voice of the Igbomina people, Professor Faleye, a respected academic, cultural ambassador, and grassroots advocate, eloquently articulated the historical, constitutional, and socio-political grounds for creating Igbomina State. Her presentation emphasised the shared language, culture, identity, and values of the Igbomina people across Osun and Kwara States, underscoring their marginalisation and the urgent need for political equity.
“We, the Igbomina people, are not strangers to this federation. We are builders of this nation. Yet, we remain administratively fragmented and politically underrepresented. The creation of Igbomina State is not just a request—it is a rightful demand rooted in justice, fairness, and the vision of true federalism,” Professor Faleye stated, drawing sustained applause from the audience.
The presentation came as part of a broader and coordinated effort led by prominent Igbomina sons, including Distinguished Senator Ajagunnla Olubiyi Fadeyi, who represents Osun Central Senatorial District; Honourable Clement Ademola Akanni, a member of the House of Representatives for Ila/Ifedayo/Boluwaduro Federal Constituency and a consistent advocate of Igbomina identity and progress and Hon. Sikiru Bajepade, a member of Osun State House of Assembly, Ila State Constituency.
The drive is further strengthened by the active involvement of the former governor of Osun State and the Asiwaju of Ila-Orangun, Chief (Dr) Adebisi Bamdele Akande, CFR, the Igbomina Traditional Rulers, such as His Royal Majesty, the Orangun of Ila, Alayeluwa Oba Wahab Oyedotun; the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Alayeluwa Oba (Dr) Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin; The Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Barr. Ismail Bolaji Alebiosu; Olupako of Share, Oba Haruna Olawale Suleiman Adegbite; Olomu of Omuaran, Oba AbdulRaheem Oladele Adeoti; Olusin of Isanlu Isin, Oba Dr. Solomon Oloyede; Elese of Igbaja, HRM Oba Hammed Babalola Awuni Arepo; HRM. Elesie of Esie, HRM Oba Yakub Agboola Babalola; Akesin of Ora Igbomina, Oba Samuel Oladoye Idowu; Asaooni of Ora-Igbomina, Oba Johnson Adekanmi Abikoye; Owaloja of Kajola Ajaba. HRM Oba Bisiriyu Adekunle Adeniji; Orangun of Ika, Oba Saka Owolabi Oladimeji; Ejemu of Ila, High Chief Paul Ogunrinade; Elemona of Ila, High Chief R A. Adedapo and other custodians of Igbomina culture, as well as seasoned leaders of thought and elder statesmen from the region.
These promoters have consistently called for the unification and recognition of the Igbomina people through the creation of a distinct state to foster grassroots development, cultural preservation, and administrative efficiency.
Senator Ajagunnla Fadeyi, known for his people-centred politics and fearless representation, has continued to lend both his voice and political weight to the Igbomina State movement. In several public forums, he has reiterated the need for equity and justice for minority ethnic nationalities. Hon. Clement Akanni, equally unwavering, has worked tirelessly behind the scenes and in public advocacy to galvanise support for this constitutional demand.
Social media platforms and community forums have since been abuzz with praise for Professor Adeola Faleye and Dr. Hezekiah Oyedepo’s outstanding presentations. The Igbomina Today Editorial Board wrote, “Thanks to our Professor, Yeye Adeola Faleye, for being assertive during the Zonal Public Hearing. You made a strong case for Igbomina State, and we remain proud of your courage and clarity.”
The call for Igbomina State continues to gain traction nationwide, and with the renewed efforts of these notable promoters—Senator Fadeyi, Hon. Akanni, Igbomina Traditional Rulers, and passionate intellectuals like Omo Ogboye Club of Ila-Orangun—the dream of Igbomina State moves ever closer to becoming a constitutional reality.
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By Omotayo O. Babalola,
Publisher, Igbomina Today Magazine writes from Monroe, Louisiana, LA 71203
