Akoko Edo Civil Society Group Petitions National Assembly To Split Akoko-Edo Into Three LGAs
The Akoko-Edo Development Association (AEDA), also known as the Akoko-Edo Forum, has formally petitioned the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, seeking the division of the existing Akoko-Edo Local Government Area (LGA) in Edo State into three separate administrative units.
In a detailed proposal submitted to the National Assembly, the association is advocating the creation of Akoko-Edo North, Akoko-Edo South, and Akoko-Edo Central LGAs. The group describes the current Akoko-Edo LGA as one of Nigeria’s oldest yet most underserved in terms of administrative restructuring.
In a cover letter accompanying the proposal and signed by its chairman, Dr. Charles Jagun, AEDA argued that the expansive size and diverse population of the present Akoko-Edo LGA make it administratively unwieldy and ineffective in delivering equitable development across its many communities.
The proposal reads, “Akoko-Edo Local Government Area is one of the largest local government areas in Edo State, Nigeria, with a land area of approximately 1,371 square kilometers, representing about 6.5% of the state’s total landmass. According to the 2006 population census, Akoko-Edo LGA had a population size of 261,567, which is projected to have grown to approximately 465,304 by 2024, based on the Nigeria Population Commission’s annual growth rate of 3.2%.
“This significant population size, coupled with the vast geographical expanse, presents administrative challenges and difficulties in effectively delivering basic amenities and services to the people. Akoko-Edo LGA is a culturally diverse area, comprising forty-two (42) communities with about fourteen (14) sub-ethnic groups and languages. It is bounded in the North-East by Kogi State, in the North-West by Ondo State, in the South-East by both Etsako West
LGA and Etsako East LGA, and in the South-West by Owan East LGA.
“Edo North Senatorial District currently has six (6) local government areas, including Akoko-Edo LGA, Etsako Central LGA, Etsako East LGA, Etsako West LGA, Owan East LGA, and Owan West LGA. The current structure disadvantages Akoko-Edo compared to neighbouring LGAs within Edo North Senatorial District.
“It is noteworthy that Akoko-Edo LGA has a significantly larger population and land mass compared to other local government areas in the same senatorial district. In contrast, the neighboring Ogori/Magongo local government area in Kogi State, which was created from the old Okene local government area, has a combined land area of only 79 square kilometers and a population of 65,845 by current projection.
“To address the administrative challenges and ensure efficient service delivery, we hereby propose to create two additional local government areas within the current Akoko-Edo LGA, resulting in a total of three local government areas: 1. Akoko-Edo Central LGA, 2. Akoko-Edo North LG, 3. Akoko-Edo South LGA.
“The proposed local government areas possess abundant natural resources, particularly mineral deposits, which can contribute significantly to their economic viability and self-sustenance. Akoko-Edo North is rich in granite, limestone, gold, and dolomite, offering significant potential for mining and industrial development.
“Similarly, Akoko-Edo Central boasts extensive deposits of limestone, marble, granite, dolomite, and other minerals, fostering prospects for sustainable economic growth. Meanwhile, Akoko-Edo South possesses substantial reserves of limestone, gold, and granite, promising avenues for investment and job creation.
“The establishment of Akoko-Edo Central, Akoko-Edo North and Akoko-Edo South as distinct local government areas in Edo State is imperative for equitable development, efficient governance, and harnessing the socio-economic potentials embedded within these regions.
“By decentralising administrative functions and optimising resource management, this proposal aims to foster sustainable growth, unlock the economic potential of the region, and elevate the standard of living for residents across Akoko-Edo,” the statement noted.
