Daud Olatunji
The clamour for the creation of Ijebu State from the current Ogun State may have hit a major snag, following rising tensions between stakeholders over the proposed location of the state capital and a brewing political rivalry between Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Governor Gbenga Daniel.
Less than two weeks after a meeting at the palace of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, brought together stakeholders from the Ijebu and Remo regions to advance the push for statehood, the initiative has been overshadowed by allegations, political intrigues, and growing discontent among Remo representatives.
A source familiar with the matter disclosed that tensions have deepened over the proposed state capital and the distribution of local government areas, further complicating efforts to achieve consensus.
“The reality is that Remo is saying they are not Ijebu, and we are just realizing it now,” the source said.
“They claim the creation of the Ijebu Province by colonial administrators severely injured their identity.
“If we end up creating an Ijebu State with Ijebu-Ode as the capital, what happens to Remo?”
PLATFORM TIMES further investigation showed that several proposals have been floated to address the concerns of the Remo people.
Among them is the suggestion to name the state “Ijebu State” but place the capital in a Remo town or adopt a neutral name inspired by the Mayan River, a natural boundary between the two regions. Another proposal calls for the state to be named “Ijebu-Remo State,” with Ijebu-Ode as the capital.
PLATFORM TIMES also gathered that the Remo leaders have also made a case for local government allocations, insisting on a fair distribution.
“If local governments are to be named, Remo must not be overrun. They are demanding a minimum of seven local governments, with the remaining distributed fairly across other areas,” the source explained.
The rift is rooted in historical grievances, with Remo leaders alleging that towns such as Aiyepe and Odogbolu were wrongfully taken from Remo and integrated into Ijebu territory.
Additionally, the perception of political marginalization has fueled distrust.
“During the creation of Ogun State, a lack of unity among Remo leaders allowed Abeokuta to claim the capital. Now, history seems to be repeating itself,” the source added.
To consolidate their demands, Remo leaders have formed a Strategic Implementation and Advocacy Committee tasked with lobbying for their inclusion.
Efforts include collecting one million signatures from stakeholders across religious, traditional, and civic groups.
“All chairmen, House of Assembly members, and paramount rulers have signed.
The register is now with community leaders and religious institutions to gather more signatures. Once complete, it will be submitted to the National Assembly,” the source revealed.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the economic implications of the proposed state are another flashpoint.
Critics argue that Ogun East, which houses most of the state’s economic drivers, would dominate economic activities in the new state, sidelining other regions.
…. The Meeting that Sparked Controversy
On December 20, 2024, stakeholders gathered in Ijebu-Ode to deliberate on the proposed state creation.
The meeting, chaired by Oba Adetona and attended by political heavyweights including Senator Gbenga Daniel, was expected to solidify unity between the Ijebu and Remo people.
However, sources revealed that tensions erupted over the alleged plan to make Ijebu-Ode the capital of the proposed state.
The Remo delegation, led by the Elepe of Epe, Oba Adewale Osiberu, faced accusations from their constituents of “selling out” Remo interests.
This sentiment, fueled by social media outcry and local grievances, has exacerbated divisions, with many in Remo questioning the fairness of the process.
… Political Rivalry Deepens the Divide
The absence of Governor Dapo Abiodun at the meeting further stoked tensions.
Analysts believe that Abiodun’s decision to skip the event was influenced by his strained relationship with Gbenga Daniel, a key proponent of the Ijebu State agenda.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that there are rumours the state government, under Abiodun’s leadership, is considering hijacking the process may push the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, as the leader of the state creation committee.
Observers argue that Daniel, who currently represents Ogun East in the Senate, has strategically used the state creation agenda to consolidate his political clout in Ijebu and Remo.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that at the core of the discord are fundamental disagreements over key issues, including the location of the state capital, the sharing formula for political offices, and the naming of the state.
Remo representatives, PLATFORM TIMES’s investigation revealed, insist on a more equitable distribution of resources and decision-making, while some Ijebu stakeholders argue for historical and demographic considerations to take precedence.
In a Facebook post addressing the controversy, Oba Osiberu’s write up, clarified that the December meeting was merely a platform for dialogue and not a final resolution.
He emphasized the need for mutual understanding and compromise to avoid jeopardizing the state creation bid.
The proposed state capital has become a lightning rod for public debate.
While some stakeholders, including prominent academics and traditional leaders, have called for transparent consultations to achieve consensus, others warn that ongoing disagreements could derail the entire process.
Adebayo Babatunde, quoting Dr. Banjoko Olumuyiwa, noted the importance of inclusivity and fairness in determining the state capital, warning that unilateral decisions could fracture the delicate unity between Ijebu and Remo.
Similarly, social media discussions revealed fears that unresolved tensions might give opposing factions ammunition to thwart the state creation effort at the National Assembly.
… Historical Context and Urgency
The Awujale, in his address at the meeting, reminded stakeholders of the historical significance of Ijebu Province, one of the 20 provinces created in 1923, and lamented its failure to achieve statehood.
He urged both regions to set aside political and ethnic differences to seize the current opportunity.
“Ijebu and Remo people are one,” Oba Adetona said. “But when politics comes into play, the bond that binds us together is often ignored. We must recognize our shared history and work as a team to achieve this goal.”
A seven-member committee comprising representatives from both regions has been set up to harmonize positions on contentious issues.
Both Remo and Ijebu nominees have been announced.
As discussions continue, many hope for a compromise that balances equity with the aspirations of both regions.
The fate of Ijebu State now hangs in the balance, with stakeholders urged to prioritize unity and dialogue over personal and political rivalries.
Whether this long-standing dream will be realized or once again consigned to history depends on the ability of Ijebu and Remo leaders to find common ground in the face of mounting challenges.
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