The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, and the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, have reaffirmed their commitment to working together to actualize the creation of the proposed Ijebu State.
The paramount rulers made this declaration during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Awujale Palace in Ijebu Ode, aimed at advancing the campaign for carving a new state out of the old Ijebu Province in Ogun State.
The meeting, attended by traditional rulers, industrialists, politicians, religious leaders, and other stakeholders from Ogun East Senatorial District, underscored the importance of unity between Ijebu and Remo people in pursuing their long-held aspiration for statehood.
Oba Adetona: Time to Resolve Political Differences
Speaking at the event, Oba Adetona described the meeting as a significant step toward achieving the long-overdue creation of Ijebu State.
He recalled past efforts thwarted by political misunderstandings and emphasized the need for stakeholders to address lingering issues and present a united front.
“Ijebu and Remo people are one,” he said. “We started this journey for the creation of Ijebu State, but it could not fly due to misunderstanding fueled by politics. Now, we are ready to work together as brothers to realize our dream.”
The Awujale praised the National Assembly for reopening discussions on state creation and commended Senator Gbenga Daniel for presenting a comprehensive memorandum on the Ijebu State proposal to the Senate.
“I thank the National Assembly for reawakening the discourse on state creation. I also laud Senator Gbenga Daniel for championing this cause through his well-researched and robust memorandum,” Oba Adetona added.
Oba Ajayi: Remo Ready to Collaborate
Represented by the Elepe of Epe, Oba Adewale Osiberu, the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, assured the readiness of the Remo people to collaborate with their Ijebu counterparts.
He applauded the Awujale’s persistence in pursuing the creation of the proposed state and emphasized the importance of unity in achieving the goal.
Senator Daniel Highlights Ijebu State’s Viability
In his remarks, Senator Gbenga Daniel noted that the Ijebu Province remains the only one among the old 24 provinces yet to be made a state.
He emphasized that the region has all the resources—human, natural, and economic—needed to thrive independently of federal allocations.
“Ijebu Province, comprising Ogun East Senatorial District, has everything required for a state.
It has the population, industrial estates, mineral resources, and agricultural estates. If created, Ijebu State will be economically viable and self-sufficient,” he said.
Daniel called for a unified approach, urging stakeholders to work together and harmonize any differences.
He announced that the monarchs would constitute a committee to address areas requiring alignment.
Communiqué Issued
At the end of the meeting, the stakeholders issued a communiqué affirming the economic viability of the proposed Ijebu State.
They highlighted existing infrastructure, including the Flower Gate Industrial Estate, an international airport, two international sports stadiums, and deposits of tar sands and other minerals.
The communiqué appealed to members of the National and State Assemblies, as well as other stakeholders, to rally behind the creation of Ijebu State.
It also lauded the monarchs for their efforts and urged the technical committee to expedite its work and conduct necessary advocacy.
The technical committee, comprising eminent personalities from Ijebu and Remo, was formally unveiled at the meeting to steer the advocacy efforts toward the realization of Ijebu State.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate