…as Ex-Governor calls for unity between Ijebu and Remo over state creation

It was a double gathering of youths and community stakeholders in Ijebuland on Sunday as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Ijebu Youth Development Advocate (IYDA), and the Ikangba Housing Estate Community Residents’ Association (IHECRA) met with the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, to discuss community development initiatives.

The event, held at Obalofin Hall, GRA Ijebu-Ode, was themed “Reclaiming Our Identity: Ijebu-Remo as a Catalyst for Balanced Development in Ogun East.” It featured the inauguration of new executives of the Ikangba Housing Estate Development Association, presentation of awards, and a series of welfare programmes supported by the Gateway Front Foundation, including free medical tests, eye screening, distribution of eyeglasses, and support for widows and the elderly.

In his remarks, Senator Daniel reaffirmed his commitment to the creation of Ijebu-Remo State, describing the process as “a long but achievable journey” that requires unity between the Ijebu and Remo people.

“Creating a state out of the existing one is not a day’s dream. All hands must be on deck to deliberate more. Ijebus and Remos must unite with one voice to achieve this dream,” Daniel said.

He emphasized that unlike the military era, state creation in a democratic setting requires wide consultations, discussions, and legislative processes.

“We have competitors who share similar aspirations. We were all at Ibadan during the inauguration of Oba Rasheed Adewolu, where the monarch congratulated the President in anticipation of a new state. This shows others are already making moves. Ijebus and Remos must therefore stand together to ensure our dream is not hijacked,” he added.

Daniel further explained that any bill for state creation must go through debates and arguments before approval, reiterating that Ijebu remains the only old province yet to be granted statehood.

“The Ijebu-Remo area comprises nine local governments, not six as often assumed. Hence, both zones must collaborate to make the Ijebu-Remo State dream a reality,” he said.

Speaking with journalists, Mr. Daniyan Adetayo, Convener of the Ijebu Youth Development Advocate (IYDA), said the gathering aimed to sensitize people on the need for unity in the agitation for Ijebu-Remo State.

“We are here to remind our people not to let politics derail our long-standing vision. Unity will bring faster development if the state is created. We are consulting market women, royal fathers, and religious leaders to ensure a common voice,” Adetayo stated.

During his visit to the Ikangba Housing Estate, Senator Daniel also addressed the community’s request for road construction. He urged them to first engage the Ministry of Town Planning and Housing Corporation for necessary approvals before seeking his legislative intervention.

“Once proper approvals are obtained, we can incorporate the project into our constituency development plans,” Daniel assured.

The senator also awarded scholarships to two children from the community and donated N2 million towards the estate’s development. Several elderly residents also benefited from free eyeglasses and medical gifts.

In his report, the Association’s General Secretary, Mr. Daniyan Adetayo, highlighted key achievements of the outgoing executive committee, including improvements in electricity supply, installation of meters, enhanced security, construction of gates and fences, maintenance of roads and drainages, clearing of bushes, and installation of streetlights.

He expressed confidence that the lessons learned over the past four years would guide the new leadership toward even greater progress.

The well attended event had in attendance Oba Adesanya, the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Hon. Olufemi Ogunbanwo who was represented at the event, Hon. Lukman Adeleye, Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly also supported the community with the sum of N250,000 and several other dignitaries and community leaders were at the event.

- Story from NUJ Ogun-East Independent Chapel