₦airaland Forum

The quest for the creation of a new state from Ogun East Senatorial District has taken a fresh turn as Otunba Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State, and senator representing Ogun East has positioned himself as a neutral arbiter, calling for unity between the Ijebu and Remo people while affirming their collective right to self-determination.

Speaking at a high-profile briefing held at the private residence of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Daniel emphasised that while democracy ultimately favours the majority, the minority must also have their say.

The event, organised by the Implementation Committee on the Creation of Ijebu State, brought together key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, former lawmakers, academics, and political leaders.

Among them were Chief Chris Okunowo, Chairman of the Implementation Committee; former Deputy Governor Sen. Adegbenga Kaka; Prof. Segun Awonusi, ex-Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education; and Chief Abdulateef Owoyemi, former ICAN chairman.

Over the years, political intrigues, internal divisions, and federal bottlenecks have stalled the dream for self-determination of the Ogun East people.

However, renewed agitation has gained momentum, with the Awujale of Ijebu land, Ọba Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna and the Akarigbo of Remo, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, presenting a rare united front in their petition to the National Assembly.

Yet, beneath this show of unity lies a simmering debate—what should the new state be called, and where should its capital be located?

Daniel’s neutrality is strategic. As a former governor and now a senator representing the entire Ogun East, he must balance ethnic loyalty with political pragmatism.

His statement—“We might be lucky to get two states, but if not, we will always find ways to unite ourselves across all divides for the betterment of the country”—hints at the possibility of a negotiated settlement.

Though some critics have accused Daniel of tacitly supporting the Ijebu position, his insistence on due process and democratic principles shields him from outright bias.

His role as a mediator aligns with his reputation as a bridge-builder, a skill honed during his tenure as governor.

As the National Assembly deliberates on state creation requests, the unity of the Ijebu and Remo traditional institutions will be crucial.

If both factions present a harmonized proposal, their chances improve.

But if divisions persist, external forces could exploit the rift to delay or dismiss their demand. Wisdom, they say is profitable to direct!

The creation of a new state is never just about geography—it’s about identity, resource control, and political autonomy.

For the Ijebu and Remo people, this moment is historic. The question is: Will they allow semantics to divide them, or will they unite to claim what history owes them?

As Daniel wisely noted, “Let the music play.” But for the tune to be sweet, both Ijebu and Remo must sing in harmony.

I don't know much history of the Remo people. But I think it's irritating for historians to come up with rubbish due to royal dispute and disparities.
Because the throne in ijebu-ode says the migration wave originated from Sudan and the throne in Remo says they originated from Ife doesn't mean the people are not one.
The akarigbo of Remo land is trying to create a confusion due to supremacy battle.
The indigenous people of Remo land identify themselves as ijebu.. some ignorant people come online to say things they speak a variant ijebu dialect. Who ever speaks some form of ijebu tongue and practice ijebu culture be it Igbo or Hausa origin is now an ijebu person
Throughout my stay in Remo. I've never for once heard the people say they're not ijebu.
I hardly speak Yoruba language when I was in Remo and once the people got to find out that I'm from Epe, they'll say "so I'm ijebu like them! So why don't I speak Yoruba".
It's only online and historical bulshit I see that Remo and ijebu are two different thing entirely. If there should be an ijebu state as Lagos ijebu natives I think that is the best thing so far.
Ijebu State is long overdue

Creating a state comes with political, economic and cultural affiliations. The bone of contention l think is not the appellation. The state can be ljebu state and the capital can be in shagamu. The controversy I assume is ljebu state and the capital is ijebu ode.

You dey craze. China that is the size of west africa has 27 provinces. America that one of its states is bigger than Nigeria, has 50 states.

Abloh:
You dey craze. China that is the size of west africa has 27 provinces. America that one of its states is bigger than Nigeria, has 50 states.

Which of the USA state is bigger than Nigeria?

samomoli:
Creating a state comes with political, economic and cultural affiliations. The bone of contention l think is not the appellation. The state can be ljebu state and the capital can be in shagamu. The controversy I assume is ljebu state and the capital is ijebu ode.

Yes I think this is a better resolution. As a pro ijebu-ode person I would say the capital should be in shagamu to further enhance the strong bond between Remo and the other ijebu axis.
We Lagos ijebu are rooting for this ijebu state even if we're not part of it.

tollyboy5:
Which of the USA state is bigger than Nigeria?

texas