The creation of Ijebu State remains a paramount issue in the Nigerian Senate, as the proposal initiated by former Ogun State Governor and now Senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has already passed second reading. However, the main contention between the Ijebu and Remo people revolves around two key issues: the name of the proposed state and the location of its capital.
To address these concerns, the Awujale of Ijebu and the Akarigbo of Remo have each appointed committees to deliberate on critical aspects of the state creation process, including naming and capital selection.
Amid this ongoing debate, Gbolahan Adetayo, a well-known journalist, actor, and farmer from Ipara Remo, Ogun State, has proposed a practical resolution that could bring both sides to an agreement.
Adetayo suggests that if the name of the proposed state is a sticking point, both monarchs should agree on calling it “Ijebu-Remo State.”This, he believes, would reflect the shared heritage of the two regions and foster unity and inclusivity.
Regarding the speculated capital location dispute, Adetayo recommends that if the Awujale of Ijebu insists on locating the capital in Ijebu-Ode, the Akarigbo of Remo should push for a legally binding agreement ensuring that the commercial hub of the new state is located in Remo land, specifically Sagamu, Iperu, Ogere, Ode-Remo, or Ipara Remo.
While Ijebu-Ode has historical significance, Adetayo argues that Sagamu is more centrally located and boasts better infrastructure, making it a more viable choice as the state capital. Given its economic strength and proximity to both Ijebu and Remo communities, Sagamu could serve as a unifying and strategic choice for governance and commerce.
As the Senate continues deliberations on the proposed state, it remains to be seen whether Adetayo’s suggestions will be considered in resolving the dispute. However, stakeholders agree that finding a balanced and fair solution is crucial to securing the creation of Ijebu-Remo State without further delays or conflicts.
The coming weeks will be critical as the appointed committees from both Ijebu and Remo finalizes their recommendations to the monarchs and other key decision-makers.
