Egun community demands own state

The ethnic group lamented its underdevelopment

The Egun Community of the South-West of Nigeria on Thursday appealed for their own state. They complained that being a minority ethnic group in the region had contributed to their under-development.

The Egun, mainly found in Lagos and Ogun States, made this known at a press conference held at Iwe-Iroyin Press Centre, Abeokuta, in preparation for the maiden celebration of its Ogu Day.

The Chairman, Main Organising Committee, Abayomi Hunye, noted that the name Egun was not the correct pronunciation nor spelling but Ogu.

He said the ethnic group’s failure to develop was because they were a minority group both in Lagos and Ogun. He said the story would be different if they all lived in one state.

“The division of the ethnic group into two states in Nigeria has been a major setback in the development of the people as they are often seen as a minority in the present arrangement. We believe the story would have been different if they were together in a state,” he said.

Mr. Hunye said the separation of the group into two states had also affected their unity.

“Therefore, this is an avenue for all Ogus, irrespective of their geographical location, to come together under one umbrella for the betterment of the people; hence why the Ogu Nation Forum was formed. The main aim of this forum is to foster unity among all Ogus in Nigeria. Membership is open to all Ogu descendants.”

He stressed that the forum was not a nationalist movement and that the Ogus were committed to contributing their quota to the development of the different states they belonged to.

“However, like any other ethnic group, we would appreciate more recognition as a people both at the state and national levels,” he said.