Akoko-Edo Development Association (AEDA) has reacted to the meddlesome proposal of Hon. Anamero Dekeri, Member representing Etsako Federal Constituency, seeking support for the creation of two new local governments, Agbelor East and Agbelor West, purportedly to be carved out from portions of Akoko-Edo and other areas in Edo North.
In a strongly worded reaction disowning the said proposal and its author the association said “Let it be made categorically clear that Rep. Anamero Dekeri is neither the representative of Akoko-Edo nor does he possess the mandate to speak on behalf of its people. His unsolicited proposal to fragment our Local Government under a contraption called “Agbelo LGA” is not only inappropriate and misleading, but it is also an affront to the autonomy and aspirations of the Akoko-Edo people.’’
‘’Akoko-Edo dissociates completely from the so-called Agbelo East and West proposal. The attempt by a non-representative to redraw our boundaries without engagement, consultation, or consent is an abuse of legislative privilege and a threat to democratic inclusion. No individual, no matter how highly placed, can unilaterally decide the administrative future of Akoko-Edo without recourse to its people.’’
In the statement signed by its Secreatry Barr (Mrs) Mary Opi the association noted that that the people of the local government area had through extensive consultations with community-based organisations, traditional institutions, youth associations, and civil society groups, already submitted a legitimate, well-researched, and widely supported proposal to the National Assembly and the Constitution Review Committee for creation of three distinct LGAs rooted in their history, culture, landmass, and administrative needs
She identified the requested local goverments areas as Akoko-Edo North LGA Akoko-Edo South LGA and Akoko-Edo Central LGA.
These requests she pointed out reflected the collective will and historical integrity of the people , unlike the vague, externally imposed “Agbelo” proposal that lacked clarity, legitimacy, and community input.
Since its creation in 1963, Akoko-Edo has remained one of the only LGA in the country and the only LGA in Edo State that has not been subdivided, despite having one of the largest landmasses, diverse ethnic groupings, and an ever-growing population.
Other LGAs in the state have enjoyed subdivisions to enhance governance and service delivery, but Akoko-Edo continues to bear the burden of underrepresentation and neglect the statement lamented
‘’The Dekeri proposal does not address this injustice; in fact, it seeks to deepen it. His suggested realignment attempts to subsume distinct Akoko-Edo communities into a structure that does not reflect their identity, aspirations, or developmental priorities. The so-called Agbelo LGAs are a deliberate attempt to hijack and dilute the genuine efforts of the Akoko-Edo people. It is an imposition, not inclusion. It seeks to rewrite our administrative destiny without our voice. It must be rejected in totality.’’
The Statement urged the National Assembly, the Constitution Review Committee, and all relevant authorities to disregard any document or submission that links Akoko-Edo to the Agbelo LGA proposal.
It also called on the Senator representing Edo North, Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, and other decision makers to respect the authentic voice of Akoko-Edo people as expressed through their coordinated and legitimate request for Akoko-Edo North, South, and Central LGAs.
The association said it remain committed to peaceful coexistence and meaningful development within Edo North but will not accept backdoor arrangements that sideline her people.
‘’Governance and local restructuring must be founded on transparency, inclusivity, and respect for history, not political convenience or territorial ambition. Let it be on record that Akoko-Edo is not for sale, merger, or manipulation. Our heritage will not be compromised.’’ it warned.
