Oludairo Johnson Daniel
BoldNEWS Africa
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Efforts to create a new state out of Ogun State gained renewed momentum as stakeholders from Ijebu and Remo gathered at the palace of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, on December 19, 2024. The meeting, attended by traditional rulers, political leaders, and other dignitaries, saw the presentation of a memorandum supporting the creation of Ijebu State, a proposal to carve out the old Ijebu Province from the present Ogun State.
The Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Gbenga Daniel, spearheaded the initiative by presenting the justification for the proposed state. In his remarks, Daniel expressed his readiness to act on further directives from stakeholders and called for unity among the people of Ijebu and Remo.
Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, emphasized the historical importance of the proposal, noting that Ijebu Province remains the only one among the 20 provinces created in 1923 yet to attain statehood. He lamented that past efforts were derailed by disunity but expressed optimism that the current initiative, led by Senator Daniel, could succeed if stakeholders remain united.
“It is unfortunate that while other provinces, such as Kano, Sokoto, and Ibadan, have been subdivided into multiple states, the old Ijebu Province remains unrecognized. This time, we must not allow disunity to rob us of this opportunity,” the Awujale said.
Oba Adetona urged the people of Ijebu and Remo to set aside political differences and embrace their shared heritage. “Ijebu and Remo people are one. When politics comes into play, people sometimes forget the bond that binds us. However, I am encouraged by the unity of purpose demonstrated so far,” he said.
The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, represented by the Elepe of Epe, Sagamu, Oba Adewale Osiberu, echoed similar sentiments. He called for a united front to ensure the proposal is successful, assuring stakeholders of Remo’s full support for the initiative.
The Awujale highlighted the economic potential of the proposed Ijebu State, citing its abundant natural resources, industrial estates, and existing infrastructure, including the international airport situated between Ilisan and Iperu Remo.
“Everything required to make Ijebu State viable is already in place, from our population to our economic, human, and material resources. This state will start on a strong footing whenever it is created,” he said.
Senator Daniel reinforced this point, noting that the region’s resources, coupled with its industrial and agricultural assets, make the proposed state economically sustainable. He stressed the importance of overcoming disagreements on naming and the location of the state capital, which have previously hindered progress.
The meeting was attended by prominent figures, including former Ogun State Deputy Governors Senator Gbenga Kaka and Chief Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, as well as immediate past Ogun East Senator Lekan Mustapha and Hon. Adesegun Adekoya, former Deputy Minority Whip of the House of Representatives. Members of the Ogun State House of Assembly, religious leaders, and traditional rulers from Ijebu and Remo also participated.
In a show of solidarity, the Elepe of Epe and the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Kayode Adefiwape, jointly read a communiqué at the end of the meeting. The communiqué emphasized the economic viability of Ijebu State and listed key assets, including industrial estates, educational institutions, sports stadiums, and mineral resources like tar sands.
The communiqué also called on members of the National and State Assemblies and other stakeholders to rally behind the proposal. Committees were tasked with resolving any lingering issues, conducting advocacy, and mobilizing resources to ensure the success of the initiative.
“The meeting appreciates the efforts of our royal fathers, particularly the Awujale of Ijebuland and the Akarigbo of Remoland, for their leadership. We urge all stakeholders to expedite their work to achieve this long-held dream,” the communiqué concluded.
source BoldNEWS Africa \ NUJ Ogun East Chapel
