Ijesa vs Nigeria: A Case for Fair Political Representation
The Ijesa kingdom dates back over a thousand years and once spanned beyond present-day Ede, Osogbo and even Akure. Its monarchial heritage remains strong, now on its 48th ruler. Many modern towns like Ede and Osogbo have roots in Ijesa land, established through historic alliances and conflicts. Today roughly three million people live in Ijesa areas, making up about one percent of Nigeria’s population. Despite this, Ijesa land has just one senator (shared with Ife) and two House of Representatives seats. By proportion, the region could argue for at least two senators and up to four representatives. Ilesa is the traditional capital, supported by secondary centers at Ibokun, Ijebu Ijesa and Ipetu Ijesa, plus many villages and townships. The area hosts the fast-growing University of Ilesa, a church-run university in Ikeji Arakeji, and polytechnics in Esa Oke and Ijebu Jesa. Ijesa people have driven Nigeria’s cocoa and kolanut trade, contributed founders of major banks and manufacturers, and pioneered hire-purchase systems. They led the fight for self-determination in the 19th century but today lack proportional political power. Is this distribution of power fair to the Ijesa community?
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