The Akoko-Edo Development Association (AEDA), also known as the Akoko-Edo Forum, has called for the division of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area into three separate councils. The group submitted this proposal to the ongoing Constitution Review Committee, currently gathering inputs from stakeholders across Nigeria.
According to the proposal, the new councils would be named Akoko-Edo North, Akoko-Edo South, and Akoko-Edo Central. In a letter signed by its chairman, Dr. Charles Jagun, AEDA argued that the current size and population of Akoko-Edo LGA make effective governance difficult. The group believes that splitting the area will lead to better administration and ensure balanced development.
The documents submitted recall that in May 1983, the government of late Professor Ambrose Alli attempted to create the three councils under the old Bendel State. However, this move was not implemented by successive administrations, including that of Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, who served a short democratic term later that year.
AEDA pointed out that while other divisions in present-day Edo State, such as Esan, Benin, and Afemai, have been split into multiple local government areas over time, Akoko-Edo has remained one large council since its creation in 1963. They described this as an imbalance that continues to hinder progress and equal representation.
The group insists that the proposed division will unlock the region’s full social and economic potential. They expressed readiness to engage further with the review committee and answer any questions that may arise from their submission.
