2023: Pro-Ijebu Group Emerges

Ahead of the 2023 general election, a socio-political pressure group known as Ijebu Solidarity Movement (ISM) has been formed.

The group, which held its inaugural meeting at the weekend in Ijebu Ode, the headquarters of the old Ijebu Province, with representatives from the six local government areas that make up Ijebuland, said it was imperative for all sons and daughters of Ijebu land to be united.

This, it said, will help the group to create the much-needed political engagement and awareness across the state.

The group said it was committed to ensuring that the best among Ijebu sons and daughters are put forward to represent Ijebuland at various political fora and government offices.

Addressing the group at the weekend, the Protem Chairman, Otunba Remi Onasanya, who stood in for the Chairman, Pa... Banjo, recalled that the last time an Ijebu man was at the helm of affairs in Ogun State was in 1984 during the civilian administration of the late Chief Bisi Onabanjo.

"In the light of the above, one can safely say since then our people in Ijebu have not enjoyed what it means to be in government in terms of infrastructure and human capital development. This is in spite of our size, population and contributions to the development of our dear Ogun State," he said.

The group expressed its readiness to identify and work with Ijebu professionals various fields to arrive at a workable and sustainable development plan for Ijebuland and the state at large.

It advised political parties to instill discipline and party supremacy within their folds.

The group recalled the days "oba mewa" when the wise counsel of the elders and leaders were strictly adhered to, in the overall interest of Ijebuland.

It feared that if an Ijebu man does not become the governor of Ogun State in 2023, it might take another 20 years before it would happen.

The group added that if the above scenario plays out, it would be against the principles of equity, justice and good brotherliness bequeathed by the founding fathers of the state.

The stakeholders who attended the meeting from the various local government areas in Ogun State are Alhaji Bashiru Anibi (Ijebu Ode), Engr. Bayo Awosanya and Mrs Abolaji Adesanya (Ijebu North East), Alhaji Yinusa Olatoye and Hon Adefisan Adesola (Ijebu North), Hon Ogunfadebo Olaniyi and Chief S. A. Adebanjo (Ijebu East).

The duo of Chief Gbenga Adeodun and Alhaji Abdulwaheed Bolodeoku from Ogun Waterside and Odogbolu local government areas respectively sent their apologies but assured of their presence at the next meeting of the group.

Swears, I'm sure we Ijebu will manage the state effectively.

All those egba governors just dey do rubbish

Destroying Ogun each and every day