By DADA AYOKHAI
The member representing Etsako Federal Constituency in the Hon. Anamero Dekeri, has proposed creating two new local governments to be carved out of Edo North district.
Hon. Anamero Dekeri is leveraging the ongoing constitutional amendment process at the National Assembly to propose the creation of the two new local governments, Agbelor East and Agbelor West Local government Areas.
Hon. Dekeri is reaching out to Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Minister Abubakar Momoh, and other prominent leaders for their support in actualizing his proposal to create the two local governments .
The proposed Agbelor East Local Government would consist of three communities: Okpekpe, Three Ibies, and Okpella., while, Agbelor West Local Government would comprise seven communities: Atte, Ososo, Ewan, Ikpeshi, Sasaro, Egbigere, and Agor.
Hon. Anamero justified the proposal for new local governments by arguing that the existing ones, established during the military era, have resulted in cultural imbalance,.
According to Hon. Anamero, the current local government structure has created cultural imbalance, particularly in Etsako East, Akoko-Edo, and Owan East, where homogeneous communities are fragmented and distributed across multiple local governments. This has led to cultural cohesion issues and even separated families.
The proposed creation of Agbelor East and Agbelor West local governments aims to rectify historical anomalies, promote unity, and restore cultural identity by grouping homogeneous communities together and addressing the fragmentation issues.
The Akoko Edo people, led Otunba (Hon.) Oladele Bankole-Balogun
Otenete of Igarra, Chairman, Edo State Board of Internal Revenue Service
have raised objections to the proposed creation of the local government.
In a letter addressed to Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Hon Dekeri,
They suggest:
- Inclusive town hall meetings across Edo North to gather community views and alternatives.
- An independent, data-driven impact assessment to evaluate demographic, economic, cultural, and social consequences.
- Consideration for subdividing Akoko-Edo into two administrative councils (North/Central and South) due to its geography, population, and socio-cultural diversity.
Chief Balogun’s proposals aim to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and careful consideration in the decision-making process.
