₦airaland Forum

An open letter to Okun Development Association (ODA).

The call for the creation of Okun State is not just timely, it is a long-overdue aspiration rooted in fairness, identity, and equitable development. For those familiar with Nigeria’s colonial history, it's evident that most of the old provinces have since evolved into states. In that context, transforming the old Kabba Province into a state of its own is justifiable and a deeply symbolic step towards correcting historical imbalances.

But while the dream is noble, how we pursue it matters. I must say, with the utmost respect, that the recent proposal by the Okun Development Association (ODA) naming Lokoja as the capital of the proposed state is, in my view, a major strategic misstep, one that could do more harm than good to the overall objective.

Yes, Lokoja is a city of great historical importance. As the first administrative capital of modern Nigeria under British rule and a hub at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers, it has drawn people from far and wide. Its history is rich, and its cultural fabric is deeply woven with the presence of five indigenous tribes, the Oworo, Nupe, Ebira, Hausa, and Bassa Nge.

Among these, only the Oworo people are considered part of the broader Okun-Yoruba identity, sharing language and cultural affinity with the rest of Okunland. The other four groups, while indigenous to Lokoja and significant to its historical evolution, do not identify as Okun. This, to me, is where the real issue lies. The Hausa and Nupe section of Lokoja has the Maigari of Lokoja as its traditional ruler. The Ebiras section has the Otokiti village and a traditional head and the Bassa Nge part of Adankolo has their Etsu Bassa.

By proposing Lokoja as the capital of Okun State, we risk walking into a political and cultural minefield. We may be seen, rightly or wrongly, as attempting to impose a predominantly Okun-Yoruba identity on a city whose indigenous makeup is far more diverse. Groups like the Nupe, Ebira, Bassa Nge, and Hausa have deep ancestral ties to Lokoja, complete with traditional institutions, oral histories, and legitimate political interests. To ask them to accept being part of an "Okun State" without full buy-in is not only presumptuous, it's risky.

This could trigger unnecessary resistance. Not just in the court of public opinion, but at the National Assembly where the fate of the state creation bill will ultimately be decided. One can easily imagine counter-petitions, political pushback, and a barrage of ethnic objections that may stall, weaken, or even derail the process entirely.

Even more worrying is the message this sends to observers and policymakers at the federal level. If Okun people, known for their historical roots in towns like Kabba, Mopa, Isanlu, Egbe, Iyara, Ekinrin-Adde and Aiyetoro-Gbede cannot rally behind any of these core towns as the capital of their proposed state, then how united is this cause, really? Are we not inadvertently giving critics ammunition to question our seriousness, cohesion, and readiness for statehood?

Let’s also think about diplomacy and perception. The Oworo, though Okun in identity, are a minority in Lokoja. The city has become home to many, a shared space whose ownership and identity cannot be laid at the feet of one ethnic group. Naming Lokoja as the capital might therefore be seen as an attempt to politically dominate a space that rightly belongs to many, a move that could generate distrust and unnecessary division.

On the other hand, Kabba has long been recognised both historically and culturally as the traditional headquarters of Okunland. It is centrally located, rich in history, and already widely accepted as a unifying symbol for the Okun people. Why, then, should we abandon such a symbolic and uncontroversial option for a choice that brings more heat than light?

In conclusion, I will say let’s not undermine our own dream. The agitation for Okun State represents one of the most compelling and unifying causes in our recent history. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and we cannot afford to squander it over a miscalculated proposal that may fracture rather than unite us.

Lokoja, with all its prestige, does not need to be the capital of Okun State for the state to succeed. And the Okun dream does not need to ride on a decision that alienates others or invites conflict.

Let us keep our eyes on the goal. Let us stand firmly by Kabba, a town that speaks to our history, our identity, and our unity. In doing so, we strengthen our case and present a more solid front, one that honours our past, respects our neighbours, and prepares the ground for a future built on genuine consensus.

After all, if we must build a state of our own, let it rest on a foundation we all truly share.

Dayo Babalola ©️
11 July 2025

I endorse this call.

Let it go to Mopa-Muro, for balancing and help develop there Also in honour of Chief Bolorunduro, the Federal University was initially slated there before things happened.

It should be in Kabba, the biggest Okun town

It was the British who brought the Hausa to Lokoja they were not Indigenous to the place

Temibi:
An open letter to Okun Development Association (ODA).

The call for the creation of Okun State is not just timely, it is a long-overdue aspiration rooted in fairness, identity, and equitable development. For those familiar with Nigeria’s colonial history, it's evident that most of the old provinces have since evolved into states. In that context, transforming the old Kabba Province into a state of its own is justifiable and a deeply symbolic step towards correcting historical imbalances.

But while the dream is noble, how we pursue it matters. I must say, with the utmost respect, that the recent proposal by the Okun Development Association (ODA) naming Lokoja as the capital of the proposed state is, in my view, a major strategic misstep, one that could do more harm than good to the overall objective.

Yes, Lokoja is a city of great historical importance. As the first administrative capital of modern Nigeria under British rule and a hub at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers, it has drawn people from far and wide. Its history is rich, and its cultural fabric is deeply woven with the presence of five indigenous tribes, the Oworo, Nupe, Ebira, Hausa, and Bassa Nge.

Among these, only the Oworo people are considered part of the broader Okun-Yoruba identity, sharing language and cultural affinity with the rest of Okunland. The other four groups, while indigenous to Lokoja and significant to its historical evolution, do not identify as Okun. This, to me, is where the real issue lies. The Hausa and Nupe section of Lokoja has the Maigari of Lokoja as its traditional ruler. The Ebiras section has the Otokiti village and a traditional head and the Bassa Nge part of Adankolo has their Etsu Bassa.

By proposing Lokoja as the capital of Okun State, we risk walking into a political and cultural minefield. We may be seen, rightly or wrongly, as attempting to impose a predominantly Okun-Yoruba identity on a city whose indigenous makeup is far more diverse. Groups like the Nupe, Ebira, Bassa Nge, and Hausa have deep ancestral ties to Lokoja, complete with traditional institutions, oral histories, and legitimate political interests. To ask them to accept being part of an "Okun State" without full buy-in is not only presumptuous, it's risky.

This could trigger unnecessary resistance. Not just in the court of public opinion, but at the National Assembly where the fate of the state creation bill will ultimately be decided. One can easily imagine counter-petitions, political pushback, and a barrage of ethnic objections that may stall, weaken, or even derail the process entirely.

Even more worrying is the message this sends to observers and policymakers at the federal level. If Okun people, known for their historical roots in towns like Kabba, Mopa, Isanlu, Egbe, Iyara, Ekinrin-Adde and Aiyetoro-Gbede cannot rally behind any of these core towns as the capital of their proposed state, then how united is this cause, really? Are we not inadvertently giving critics ammunition to question our seriousness, cohesion, and readiness for statehood?

Let’s also think about diplomacy and perception. The Oworo, though Okun in identity, are a minority in Lokoja. The city has become home to many, a shared space whose ownership and identity cannot be laid at the feet of one ethnic group. Naming Lokoja as the capital might therefore be seen as an attempt to politically dominate a space that rightly belongs to many, a move that could generate distrust and unnecessary division.

On the other hand, Kabba has long been recognised both historically and culturally as the traditional headquarters of Okunland. It is centrally located, rich in history, and already widely accepted as a unifying symbol for the Okun people. Why, then, should we abandon such a symbolic and uncontroversial option for a choice that brings more heat than light?

In conclusion, I will say let’s not undermine our own dream. The agitation for Okun State represents one of the most compelling and unifying causes in our recent history. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and we cannot afford to squander it over a miscalculated proposal that may fracture rather than unite us.

Lokoja, with all its prestige, does not need to be the capital of Okun State for the state to succeed. And the Okun dream does not need to ride on a decision that alienates others or invites conflict.

Let us keep our eyes on the goal. Let us stand firmly by Kabba, a town that speaks to our history, our identity, and our unity. In doing so, we strengthen our case and present a more solid front, one that honours our past, respects our neighbours, and prepares the ground for a future built on genuine consensus.

After all, if we must build a state of our own, let it rest on a foundation we all truly share.

Dayo Babalola ©️
11 July 2025

I understand the point, You are looking at it in a political aspect if not proposing Lokoja as a capital of Okun state is not a bad idea considering the infrastructure, land mass and some other things unlike kabba.
Kogi state needs restructuring for so long because it full of ethnicity. The Yoruba speaking part should have not been joined with the state at the earlier stage. Probably, they should have merged with some states in south west Nigeria

illicit:
It should be in Kabba, the biggest Okun town

oooo
Kabba not even a city self, this is one of the point they are considering in merging them with Lokoja

Instead of Okun State, why not work towards having a State with broader identity? I think the core Yoruba part of Kwara can come with the Okuns and have a State with pure Yoruba identity.

adeoyekay:
oooo
Kabba not even a city self, this is one of the point they are considering in merging them with Lokoja

Haha

Kabba try nah

🫢

adeoyekay:
oooo
Kabba not even a city self, this is one of the point they are considering in merging them with Lokoja

Lenu e! Name your village make we assess

Kdon2:
Lenu e! Name your village make we assess

Kabba is far better than my village, I am a proud Okun

Kabba is more appropriate to be the capital of proposed Okun state. Mopa can also be considered. In the case of Lokoja, though originally Oworo (Okun-Yoruba) town, the heavy influx of other tribes like Ebira, Nupe & Igala has totally diluted their ownership to the extent that Oworos are a minority in Lokoja today. Hausas are completely strangers in Lokoja.

You never even get the state but already fighting about the capital. Mtcheeew

ChiefOloye:
Instead of Okun State, why not work towards having a State with broader identity? I think the core Yoruba part of Kwara can come with the Okuns and have a State with pure Yoruba identity.

It would have been better to have joined Okun people with Ekiti state than lumping them with Kogi state.

Temibi:
An open letter to Okun Development Association (ODA).

The call for the creation of Okun State is not just timely, it is a long-overdue aspiration rooted in fairness, identity, and equitable development. For those familiar with Nigeria’s colonial history, it's evident that most of the old provinces have since evolved into states. In that context, transforming the old Kabba Province into a state of its own is justifiable and a deeply symbolic step towards correcting historical imbalances.

But while the dream is noble, how we pursue it matters. I must say, with the utmost respect, that the recent proposal by the Okun Development Association (ODA) naming Lokoja as the capital of the proposed state is, in my view, a major strategic misstep, one that could do more harm than good to the overall objective.

Yes, Lokoja is a city of great historical importance. As the first administrative capital of modern Nigeria under British rule and a hub at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers, it has drawn people from far and wide. Its history is rich, and its cultural fabric is deeply woven with the presence of five indigenous tribes, the Oworo, Nupe, Ebira, Hausa, and Bassa Nge.

Among these, only the Oworo people are considered part of the broader Okun-Yoruba identity, sharing language and cultural affinity with the rest of Okunland. The other four groups, while indigenous to Lokoja and significant to its historical evolution, do not identify as Okun. This, to me, is where the real issue lies. The Hausa and Nupe section of Lokoja has the Maigari of Lokoja as its traditional ruler. The Ebiras section has the Otokiti village and a traditional head and the Bassa Nge part of Adankolo has their Etsu Bassa.

By proposing Lokoja as the capital of Okun State, we risk walking into a political and cultural minefield. We may be seen, rightly or wrongly, as attempting to impose a predominantly Okun-Yoruba identity on a city whose indigenous makeup is far more diverse. Groups like the Nupe, Ebira, Bassa Nge, and Hausa have deep ancestral ties to Lokoja, complete with traditional institutions, oral histories, and legitimate political interests. To ask them to accept being part of an "Okun State" without full buy-in is not only presumptuous, it's risky.

This could trigger unnecessary resistance. Not just in the court of public opinion, but at the National Assembly where the fate of the state creation bill will ultimately be decided. One can easily imagine counter-petitions, political pushback, and a barrage of ethnic objections that may stall, weaken, or even derail the process entirely.

Even more worrying is the message this sends to observers and policymakers at the federal level. If Okun people, known for their historical roots in towns like Kabba, Mopa, Isanlu, Egbe, Iyara, Ekinrin-Adde and Aiyetoro-Gbede cannot rally behind any of these core towns as the capital of their proposed state, then how united is this cause, really? Are we not inadvertently giving critics ammunition to question our seriousness, cohesion, and readiness for statehood?

Let’s also think about diplomacy and perception. The Oworo, though Okun in identity, are a minority in Lokoja. The city has become home to many, a shared space whose ownership and identity cannot be laid at the feet of one ethnic group. Naming Lokoja as the capital might therefore be seen as an attempt to politically dominate a space that rightly belongs to many, a move that could generate distrust and unnecessary division.

On the other hand, Kabba has long been recognised both historically and culturally as the traditional headquarters of Okunland. It is centrally located, rich in history, and already widely accepted as a unifying symbol for the Okun people. Why, then, should we abandon such a symbolic and uncontroversial option for a choice that brings more heat than light?

In conclusion, I will say let’s not undermine our own dream. The agitation for Okun State represents one of the most compelling and unifying causes in our recent history. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and we cannot afford to squander it over a miscalculated proposal that may fracture rather than unite us.

Lokoja, with all its prestige, does not need to be the capital of Okun State for the state to succeed. And the Okun dream does not need to ride on a decision that alienates others or invites conflict.

Let us keep our eyes on the goal. Let us stand firmly by Kabba, a town that speaks to our history, our identity, and our unity. In doing so, we strengthen our case and present a more solid front, one that honours our past, respects our neighbours, and prepares the ground for a future built on genuine consensus.

After all, if we must build a state of our own, let it rest on a foundation we all truly share.

Dayo Babalola ©️
11 July 2025

the writer forgot to point to historical fact that Lokoja itself is part of igala land and controlled by the then Attah igala...igala dominion stretch upto Abaji in the current FCT and down to the Northern Igbo land, places like Onitsha and other igbo territories now and parts of present delta state have igala influence and people still living there till date..
Igalas themselves of Kogi East extraction are also looking for their own state as well.

Raf4:
It would have been better to have joined Okun people with Ekiti state than lumping them with Kogi state.

God bless you sir, this is my point exactly, okun should have been merged with one of the south west state especially Ekiti state