The quest for the creation of a new state from Ogun East Senatorial District has taken a fresh turn as Otunba Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State, and senator representing Ogun East has positioned himself as a neutral arbiter, calling for unity between the Ijebu and Remo people while affirming their collective right to self-determination.
Speaking at a high-profile briefing held at the private residence of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Daniel emphasised that while democracy ultimately favours the majority, the minority must also have their say.
The event, organised by the Implementation Committee on the Creation of Ijebu State, brought together key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, former lawmakers, academics, and political leaders.
Among them were Chief Chris Okunowo, Chairman of the Implementation Committee; former Deputy Governor Sen. Adegbenga Kaka; Prof. Segun Awonusi, ex-Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education; and Chief Abdulateef Owoyemi, former ICAN chairman.
Over the years, political intrigues, internal divisions, and federal bottlenecks have stalled the Ogun East people’s dream of self-determination.
However, renewed agitation has gained momentum, with the Awujale of Ijebu land, Ọba Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna and the Akarigbo of Remo, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, presenting a rare united front in their petition to the National Assembly.
Yet, beneath this show of unity lies a simmering debate—what should the new state be called, and where should its capital be located?
Daniel’s neutrality is strategic. As a former governor and now a senator representing Ogun East, he must balance ethnic loyalty with political pragmatism.
His statement—“We might be lucky to get two states, but if not, we will always find ways to unite ourselves across all divides for the betterment of the country”—hints at the possibility of a negotiated settlement.
Though some critics have accused Daniel of tacitly supporting the Ijebu position, his insistence on due process and democratic principles shields him from outright bias.
His role as a mediator aligns with his reputation as a bridge-builder, a skill honed during his tenure as governor.
As the National Assembly deliberates on state creation requests, the unity of the Ijebu and Remo traditional institutions will be crucial.
If both factions present a harmonised proposal, their chances improve.
But if divisions persist, external forces could exploit the rift to delay or dismiss their demand. Wisdom, they say, is profitable to direct!
The creation of a new state is never just about geography—it’s about identity, resource control, and political autonomy.
For the Ijebu and Remo people, this moment is historic. The question is: Will they allow semantics to divide them, or will they unite to claim what history owes them?
As Daniel wisely noted, “Let the music play.” But for the tune to be sweet, both Ijebu and Remo must sing in harmony.
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.
