Balkis Adeniji
The Awori Welfare Association of Nigeria (AWAN) has declared its intention to pursue the merger of Awori communities in Lagos and Ogun states, with the long-term goal of creating a new state.
This was disclosed in a statement by AWAN’s Director of Publicity and Communications, Prince Niyi Jafojo, who emphasized that this initiative is not the first attempt at unifying the Aworis in both states.
Jafojo clarified that despite speculations, there is no division among the Awori people regarding the push for a merger, stressing that the movement remains united in its pursuit.
“This proactive action even preceded the later development when the National Assembly’s Committee on Constitutional Review came up with the proposal to create an additional 31 states, including two Lagoon and Ijebu states from Lagos and Ogun States, respectively,” the statement read.
AWAN further noted that an earlier submission to the National Assembly’s Committee had led to consultations among Awori stakeholders.
To avoid presenting multiple proposals, representatives from Awori Obas in both states met at the Obas Complex in Lagos and agreed to harmonize their submissions into a single memorandum, which was submitted before the March 5 deadline.
While it remains uncertain whether the National Assembly will approve the request for new states, AWAN emphasized that its proactive approach is aimed at ensuring the Awori people are not sidelined in any future state creation process.
“These clarifications become necessary to put the record straight, correct the wrong notion and appreciate the efforts of the intelligentsia who worked tirelessly for the cause of Aworis and in the interest of Aworiland,” the statement concluded.
The call for state creation in Nigeria has been a longstanding issue, with various ethnic and regional groups advocating for administrative restructuring to enhance governance and representation.
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