February 8, 2025

Remo Traditional Council Holds Stakeholders Meeting on New State Creation

 

 

By: Ogunleye Oluwapelumi

 

The Remo Traditional Council held a stakeholders meeting today Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Aafin of the Akarigbo of Remoland in Sagamu, to discuss the creation of a new state from the old Ijebu Province in present-day Ogun State. The meeting, hosted by Oba Dr. Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, aimed to actualize a long-standing dream of state creation.

In his opening address, Oba Ajayi emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among stakeholders, stating: “We are all gathered here today for a common cause which is to actualize a long-standing dream of a state to be created out of the old ijebu province and hence from the present ogun state. Today presents another opportunity following the meeting of the 19th December 2024 to lay down concrete steps to be taken in actualizing the dream.

 

“The history of ijebu and Remo is no doubt long and checkered, but I have said repeatedly that we have so much in common than what separates us.

 

“The last few days have been painful for me because of insinuations that have been going around. I do not intend to send the meeting backwards, I desire for us to make progress. In recent days some documents purportedly signed by akarigbo have been seen around. I confirm that I endorsed a document for Kabiyesi Awujale on the creation of exhibit A, so many reasons including expediency warranted it. There was no reason not to have signed such.

 

“The bottle necks and stumbling blocks in creating a state are too striking for us to risk our fledgling relationship. It is however also true that pursuant to Exhibit A ; Exhibit B was signed by me which represented the position of Remo stakeholders at the time. If anyone shows you Exhibit A,ask him for Exhibit B because from Remo perspective that is what constitutes a complete document.

 

“Today’s meeting should set out in detailed the terms of reference for the committee and also set its expiration date. There is the need to let bygones be bygones. Let us start afresh in an atmosphere of conviviality and brotherhood. We will achieve more together. We are determined to have shared prosperity based on equity, fairness and justice.” Akarigbo stated.

 

The meeting was attended by Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo, the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, who represented the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona. Other Royal Fathers and Kings from Ijebu were also present.

 

Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, presented a paper titled “Together We Succeed,” highlighting the significance of the new state creation for the future of the upcoming generation and the preservation of history. He stated: “The creation should have been done twenty-eight years ago, but because agreement couldn’t be reached on some things, the chance was lost, and we intend not to make a similar mistake; hence we must agree to work together on this and achieve success. Nothing is impossible.”

 

The senator also lauded the effort of President Tinubu on the southwest development commission bill, stating that it will further help or assist in the new state creation.

 

Senator Gbenga Daniel carefully outlined the steps and procedures to be followed in the quest, affirming that it takes processes, but concluded by saying: “Nothing is Impossible, and this is not only for of Ijebu, but for everyone involved.”

 

Otunba Gbenga Daniel clarified that he has no intention of becoming the Governor of the proposed new state, urging “all nay Sayers” to take note of his position. This reassurance was part of his presentation at the stakeholder’s meeting, where he emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving the goal of state creation.

On a somber note, the meeting also observed a minute of silence in honor of the late Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga (Ijaya), whose passing was deeply felt by all in attendance.

 

A committee consisting of seven executive members each from Remo and Ijebu as formed has been charged to consider a name for the proposed state, capital location, local government distribution, and other matters. The committee is expected to reconvene in seven days and present a comprehensive report to the Akarigbo and Awujale within a month.

 

Other dignitaries in attendance included kings and members of the Remo Council of Obas, Royal Fathers from Ijebu, Otunba Tunji Lawal Solarin, Asiwaju Sk Onafowokan, Aare Adetola Emmanuel-King, Executive Members of The Collectives Club, Executive Members of RemoGDF, Political Personalities, Bamofin of Remoland, Akarigbo chief of staff, Executive Members of Sagamu youth Association, Business Tycoons, and respected Stakeholders.

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