Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East Senatorial District, on Friday urged the people of Remo and Ijebu to work together to achieve the creation of a new state from the old Ijebu Province, which encompasses the Remo and Ijebu divisions of Ogun State.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the palace of the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, Daniel called for unity and the avoidance of divisive tendencies that could derail the state creation process.
The meeting, which follows an earlier gathering at the palace of the Awujale of Ijebuland in December 2024, led to the establishment of a 14-member Harmonisation Committee. The committee, comprising seven members each from Remo and Ijebu, is tasked with addressing all concerns and presenting a unified position to advance the state creation process.
Dignitaries, royal fathers, and a representative of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, attended the meeting, where stakeholders expressed that the creation of a state from the colonial Ijebu Province is overdue.
Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State, urged leaders to avoid past mistakes and acrimony that had hindered similar efforts, emphasising that state creation under the Nigerian Constitution is achievable with determination.
“There have, however, been some agitations about the naming of the proposed state and the location of its capital. Many stakeholders in Remo, especially the youths, are alleging that the proposal, as it stands, tends to subsume the history and interests of the Remo people under their Ijebu neighbours,” Daniel noted.
The Senator likened the current challenges to those faced by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who often chose conviction over convenience.
“Our late Sage, Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, had his own fair share of experience while at the crossroads of choosing between what he considered right and doing nothing,” Daniel said.
He recounted how Awolowo’s initiatives, such as introducing pipe-borne water in Ikenne and implementing free education, were initially met with resistance but later proved to be visionary policies.
“Decades later, the free education policy has proven to be the most futuristic development policy ever embarked upon by any political leader or administration, not only in Nigeria but arguably in the whole of Africa,” Daniel added.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for taking bold economic decisions despite criticisms.
As someone with familial ties to both Remoland and Ijebuland, Daniel pledged to act as a bridge builder for the shared prosperity of all.
In his address, the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, commended the Awujale of Ijebuland for his unwavering commitment to the state creation effort. He called for unity, urging the people to “let bygones be bygones” and start afresh with a spirit of brotherhood.
“There is a need to let bygones be bygones. Let us start afresh in an atmosphere of conviviality and brotherhood. We will achieve more together,” Oba Ajayi said.
He proposed that the 14-member committee work directly with the paramount rulers of Remoland and Ijebuland to address outstanding issues.
Oba Ajayi emphasised the shared heritage of the Ijebu and Remo people, stating, “We have so many things in common than what separates us.”
The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, represented by the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo, Oba Lawrence Adebajo, echoed this sentiment, calling for unity to achieve the vision of a new state.
“We must do this together. We must agree we are going together to get this vision of a new state realised,” Oba Adetona said.
While commending Senator Daniel for sponsoring the bill on state creation, Oba Ajayi appealed for fairness in representing the interests of both Ijebu and Remo divisions.
“Our Senator is representing both Ijebu and Remo. While it may be difficult to seek balance, the duty imposed on our Senator is fairness to both parties,” Oba Ajayi added.
The stakeholders agreed to intensify efforts to address contentious issues and advance the creation of a new state, which they see as a step towards shared prosperity and progress.