By Dr. James Aduku Odaudu
The demand for the creation of Okura State may appear, at first glance, to be one among the many calls for new states across Nigeria. However, a deeper look reveals that the Okura agitation is not just another political project driven by convenience or ethnic sentiments. It is a historically grounded, administratively sound, economically viable, and constitutionally justifiable call for balance and justice within Nigeria’s federal structure.
Historical Roots and Legitimate Continuity
Unlike most state creation agitations that sprang up in the last two decades, the quest for Okura State is as old as Nigeria’s independence. The people of the proposed Okura State—predominantly the Igala and Bassa-speaking population of the present Kogi East Senatorial District—have a long history of administrative coherence.
Before the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914, and even during the regional era, the Igala Division was a distinct and organized administrative entity in the old Northern Region. The Igala people had their traditional institutions, administrative structures, and cultural systems functioning effectively within defined boundaries. The creation of Okura State is therefore not a new demand, but a continuation of a legitimate historical aspiration to restore an administrative identity that once existed and thrived.
Geographical and Administrative Readiness
A key factor that distinguishes Okura State from other state creation proposals is its clear geographical identity and administrative preparedness. The proposed state comprises nine local government areas—Ankpa, Dekina, Idah, Ibaji, Ofu, Olamaboro, Igalamela-Odolu, Omala, and Bassa—forming a contiguous and coherent territory.
The zone already has a robust administrative structure, with existing government institutions, health and educational facilities, and road networks that can easily serve as take-off infrastructure for a new state capital. In contrast to other agitations that still struggle with internal boundary disputes and capital location controversies, Okura’s internal cohesion and infrastructural readiness make it a practical and low-cost proposition for Nigeria’s next phase of state creation.
Economic Strength and Resource Endowment
One of the strongest arguments for Okura State lies in its economic viability. The proposed state is richly endowed with human and natural resources capable of sustaining its economy.
The area boasts fertile agricultural land for the cultivation of yam, rice, cassava, maize, cashew, oil palm, and other cash crops. In addition, the region is home to vast deposits of solid minerals such as coal, limestone, and crude oil—particularly in Ibaji Local Government Area, which forms part of the Anambra Basin where oil exploration has already been confirmed.
With a vibrant entrepreneurial population, a strong agricultural base, and mineral wealth waiting for organized exploitation, Okura State possesses a diversified economic potential that can ensure sustainability, employment, and self-reliance.
Ethno-Cultural Cohesion and Stability
While most state creation efforts in Nigeria face challenges of ethnic diversity and internal rivalries, the Okura demand stands out for its ethno-cultural homogeneity and unity of purpose.
The Igala-Bassa people share a common language, ancestry, historical and cultural heritage. This unity translates into a common vision for development, governance, and progress. Such cohesion reduces the likelihood of the kind of ethnic tensions or political instability that have marred the effectiveness of some multi-ethnic states.
Okura State, therefore, presents a model of internal peace and cultural harmony, which are critical foundations for effective governance and sustainable development.
Political Maturity and National Contribution
Another unique strength of the Okura agitation is the political maturity of its proponents and the historical contributions of its people to national development. The Igala-Bassa nation has consistently demonstrated loyalty to Nigeria’s unity and stability. From the pre-independence era to the present day, Igalaland has produced prominent leaders, administrators, and technocrats who have served the nation with distinction.
The current demand for Okura State is not a separatist ambition but an appeal for administrative justice, equitable representation, and developmental fairness within the Nigerian federation. It is a peaceful and constitutionally grounded demand aimed at making Nigeria’s federal structure more functional and inclusive.
Correcting Structural and Developmental Imbalance
The creation of Okura State would go a long way in addressing the structural and developmental imbalance that has persisted in the North-Central zone. Presently, Kogi State houses three distinct ethnic nationalities—Igala, Ebira, and Okun—each with legitimate aspirations for self-determination. The Igala, who constitute the largest population and landmass, have remained politically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged despite their contributions to national stability and growth.
The creation of Okura State would therefore restore equity, deepen inclusiveness, and enhance administrative efficiency. It would also help correct the disparity in the distribution of states across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, where the North-Central currently has fewer states compared to others.
A Peaceful, Intellectual, and Constitutional Agitation
What further elevates the Okura movement above others is the peaceful and intellectual approach adopted by its advocates. Over the years, the agitation has been pursued through dialogue, constitutional means, and structured public enlightenment campaigns—without resorting to violence or divisive politics.
From traditional rulers and political leaders to academics and the youth, the proponents of Okura State have maintained a united and disciplined front, emphasizing national cohesion and constitutional order. This approach underscores the maturity and credibility of the demand.
Conclusion
In the ongoing debate about restructuring and state creation, the case for Okura State emerges as one of the most compelling, credible, and constructive. It satisfies the historical, administrative, economic, and political criteria necessary for statehood under Nigeria’s constitution.
More importantly, it embodies the spirit of fairness and balance that Nigeria urgently needs to strengthen her federal system and promote even development across regions.
The creation of Okura State is not merely an ethnic desire—it is an idea whose time has come. It represents an opportunity for Nigeria to reward peaceful agitation, correct structural injustice, and set a new standard for rational, development-oriented state creation.
Dr. James Aduku Odaudu is the Chairman, Advocacy and Publicity Committee of the Okura State Movement. He can be reached at: jamesaduku@gmail.com