In a passionate open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and key stakeholders, the Remo Matters Diaspora Coalition (RMDC), a group comprising concerned Remo indigenes living abroad, has called for the creation of Ijebu State with a state capital in Ikenne, the hometown of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a revered Nigerian statesman.
The group also recommended the renaming of the proposed state to “Ijebu-Remo” and advocated the creation of more local government areas (LGAs) within Remoland.
The letter, titled Advocacy for Equity, Inclusivity, and Collaborative Efforts in the Creation of the Proposed New State, was signed by Abdul Musediq, acting committee chairperson, and Moses Bamigbelu, acting committee secretary, and addressed to several key figures, including Tinubu, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, former Governor Gbenga Daniel, and the Akarigbo of Remo, Oba Babatunde Ajayi.
The RMDC’s position underscores a crucial message: the inclusion of Remo’s identity and cultural heritage must be central to the creation of the new state.
While acknowledging the push by Ijebu leaders for the new state to be named “Ijebu State,” the coalition argues that such an arrangement would marginalize Remo and threaten the rich historical and cultural significance of the region.
At the heart of the RMDC’s advocacy is the recommendation for Ikenne to serve as the capital of the proposed Ijebu-Remo State.
The group argues that Ikenne, not only being the birthplace of Awolowo, is geographically positioned to serve as a unifying point for both Ijebu and Remo lands.
“Ikenne is strategically located at the intersection of both Ijebu and Remo territories, bordered by Odogbolu and Aiyepe in Ijebu, and Ilisan and Sagamu in Remo.
“This unique geographical location ensures that economic and infrastructural development would reach both regions without compromising their distinct identities,” the RMDC noted in the letter.
The coalition further emphasized that naming Ikenne the state capital would be a fitting tribute to the contributions of Awolowo, the first Premier of the Western Region, whose legacy is deeply entrenched in Nigeria’s political history.
The coalition also proposed renaming the state to “Ijebu-Remo,” asserting that this would preserve the cultural heritage of both the Ijebu and Remo people.
By doing so, they argue that both regions would be equally represented in the new state, avoiding potential tensions and ensuring the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
The group warned against the potential risks of excluding Remo from the state’s name and capital, highlighting that such a move could lead to infighting and instability.
The RMDC stresses that a balanced approach, where both Ijebu and Remo feel equally represented, is vital for the success of the new state.
In their letter, the RMDC called for the creation of additional Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Remo to ensure political stability and fair representation. They proposed splitting existing LGAs, such as Sagamu, Remo North, and Ikenne, to form smaller administrative units.
Specifically, they suggested that Sagamu LGA be subdivided into six new LGAs, Ikenne into three, and Remo North into three more.
These changes, they argue, would ensure that Remo communities receive stronger representation and better access to government resources, crucial for sustaining economic growth and public services.
The coalition also called for the establishment of a rotational leadership framework, ensuring that key political positions, such as the Governor and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, rotate between Ijebu and Remo.
This approach, they argue, would foster unity and prevent any one group from feeling marginalized.
The RMDC advocates a cultural framework that integrates the festivals, traditions, and symbols of both Ijebu and Remo peoples to create a state identity that reflects the diversity of its people.
The coalition concluded their letter by urging all stakeholders, including Senator Gbenga Daniel, to champion these recommendations at the national level.
They stressed the importance of unity in the state creation process, emphasizing that the goal should be to honor the sacrifices and aspirations of both Ijebu and Remo communities.
“We trust that our recommendations will be given the attention they deserve, and we remain steadfast in supporting this cause in every possible way,” the RMDC wrote, expressing their commitment to seeing the creation of Ijebu-Remo State as a legacy for future generations.
The RMDC’s call to action is clear: only through inclusivity, fairness, and collaboration can the vision for a new, united state become a reality.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
