The journey to establishing Ajaokuta Steel Company began in 1971 during the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon. The late Abdulazeez Atta, who served as Secretary to the Federal Government, played a crucial role in ensuring that the steel company was not relocated from Ebiraland. Construction of the company commenced under the civilian administration of President Shehu Shagari when Ebiraland was still part of the then Kwara State. At that time, Ajaokuta and Ogori-Magongo were under Okene Local Government. However, following the creation of Kogi State in 1991, Ajaokuta Local Government was carved out, and in 1996, Ogori-Magongo also became a separate local government area.
THE CONTROVERSIAL CLAIM OVER AJAOKUTA LAND
In 1996, when the Igala people of Kogi East Senatorial District agitated for the creation of Okura State, the proposed map of Okura State did not include Ajaokuta land. However, in subsequent agitations, Igala leaders have attempted to include Ajaokuta as part of their territory—an action that remains questionable and a direct challenge to the historical and territorial integrity of the Ebira Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited belong to Federal Government and the people of Kogi Central are entitled to be receiving royalty tax payment from Federal Government, our fight are to benefits from the entitlements,and collectively fight legally for Ajaokuta land to remain in Kogi Central and not to be included in the propose Okura map.
A major turning point came in 2020 when the late Attah Igala, HRM Idakwo Ameh Oboni, alongside other Igala stakeholders, filed a lawsuit challenging the ownership of Ajaokuta land. The High Court in Lokoja ruled in their favor, tentatively placing Ajaokuta, Lokoja, and Koton Karfi under Igala ownership. While it has been reported that the case is under appeal, Ebira youths, elders, and stakeholders demand transparency and accountability from our leaders. What is the current status of the appeal? Why is there silence on such a critical matter? Are we going to stand by and allow this legal setback to define our future?
THE LEGAL PRECEDENT AND CALL for ACTION
It is important to recall that our late monarch, Alhaji Dr. Abdulrahman Ibrahim Adogu, successfully defended the ownership of Ajaokuta land in previous legal battles. He consistently presented legal documents that reaffirmed Ebira ownership of the land, securing victories in court. Where are these documents today? Why are they not being utilized in the ongoing appeal?
This is a wake-up call for all Anebira, both at home and in the diaspora. We must unite and take legal action to reclaim Ajaokuta land. This is not just about land; it is about the future of our people, our economic resources, and the generations yet unborn.
URGENT STEPS TO TAKE
1. Mobilization of Funds for Legal Battle – We must collectively contribute to financing the legal fight to overturn the High Court judgment.
2. Political Engagement – Our political leaders in Kogi State must leverage their positions to defend the territorial integrity of Ebiraland.
3. Engagement with the National Boundary Commission – The boundary between Igalaland and Ebiraland must be officially demarcated. Nature itself has already set River Niger as a boundary, yet some villages in Ajaokuta have been tactically renamed in Igala and Bassa languages, creating confusion.
4. Strong Legal Representation – We need competent legal experts to present counter-evidence at the Appeal Court and ensure a favorable ruling.
THE ECONOMIC IMPLICATION
Ajaokuta Local Government consists of 14 wards, with four wards housing major national and international companies, including:
Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited
Geregu Power Plant (Phases One and Two)
West African Ceramic Company
B.C. Ceramic Company
Aboki Quarry
Golden Quarry
Salem University
Prime Polytechnic
Super Tech Company
BCS Company
Losing these vital assets to another ethnic group due to negligence or lack of legal action would be an irreversible disaster.
A CALL TO UNITY AND IMMEDIATE ACTION
This is not the time to be distracted by issues such as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland dispute. Ajaokuta is an existential matter that affects our land, resources, and future prosperity. If we fail to act now, history will not forgive us.
Ebira youths are resilient, determined, and ready to pursue this cause. The time is now!
Long live Ebiraland!
HON. MOMOH SANNI OMONORI
WRITING FROM LAGOS STATE.
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