Ijaw Diaspora Council Petitions President Tinubu for Creation of Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers States

The Ijaw Diaspora Council (IDC) has formally requested President Bola Tinubu to create two new states, Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers, from existing Ijaw territories. In an open letter dated February 10, 2025, and signed by IDC President, Prof. Sele Mondy Gold, the council emphasized the need for justice and equity for the Ijaw people within Nigeria’s ongoing restructuring process.

The proposed Toru-Ebe State would encompass Ijaw communities in Delta, Edo, and Ondo states, while Oil Rivers State would include Ijaw areas in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. The IDC argues that these new states would consolidate Ijaw political power, allowing them greater control over governance, environmental protection, and development.

The letter highlights the historical contributions of the Ijaw people to Nigeria’s independence and their subsequent marginalization. It stresses that the creation of these states is not simply a request, but a “fair, respectful, and resolute demand.”

The IDC outlines several justifications for the proposed states:

• Political Representation: Toru-Ebe State would address the “political balkanization” of the Ijaw people, who are currently divided and often form minorities in various states. This would enable them to exercise their collective political will.
• Economic Empowerment: Both proposed states are rich in natural resources, including oil and gas, fisheries, and agricultural land. The IDC argues that statehood would allow them to better manage these resources for the benefit of their communities.
• Peace and Stability: The council believes that creating these states would reduce ethnic tensions in the Niger Delta by promoting inclusivity and equitable resource distribution.
• Environmental Justice: The Ijaw homeland has suffered severe environmental damage. Dedicated Ijaw states would be better equipped to implement and enforce environmental protection policies.
• Development and Federal Presence: The IDC argues that the new states would attract greater federal investment and spur development in key sectors. They would also serve as centers for preserving Ijaw culture and language.

The letter urges President Tinubu, the Senate President, and the Speaker of the House to prioritize this demand during the ongoing constitutional review process, recognizing its importance for the future of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.