The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, has called for unity among the people of Ijebu and Remoland in their quest for the creation of Ijebu State.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at his palace Thursday 19th Dec. 2024 
Oba Adetona lamented that despite being one of the 20 provinces created in 1923, Ijebu Province remains the only one yet to be granted state status.
The Paramount Ruler attributed past failures to achieve statehood to disunity among the people. However, with the introduction of a bill for the creation of Ijebu State by Senator Gbenga Daniel, Oba Adetona urged the people to close ranks and ensure the opportunity is not lost again.
The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Adewale Babatunde Ajayi, represented by the Elepe of Epe, Sagamu, Oba Adewale Osiberu, also called for unity of purpose to achieve the creation of the new state.
Senator Daniel explained that he proposed the bill based on his research on past documents, highlighting that the economic viability of the proposed state is not in doubt. He urged the people of Ijebu and Remoland to strengthen their bond and unity towards achieving the dream of state creation, explaining that with the ongoing current initiatives and legislative advocacy of all members of the national Assemblies from the Ogun East Senatorial District and with due support of the present Governor of Ogun State Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON the road is now clearer for full mobilization of all indigene and residents towards achieving composite success this time.
The Senator emphasized the economic viability of the proposed state, citing its abundant human, natural resources, and economic endowment. He also highlighted the presence of infrastructure such as an international airport, industrial estates, and educational institutions.
He however stressed that the distance between the towns within the province will soon be overtaken with development if allowed through the creation of state and so, the agitation for the new state being named this or that and the capital being in this place or that should be put to rest.
Bringing his presentation to a conclusion, the senator hopes that the matter be put to rest so that accenssions can be made to “Creation of A new State of Ijebu Province, out of the present Ogun State, with Ijebu-Ode as the Administrative/ Government Business Capital and Sagamu as the Commercial capital”
The meeting ended with a communique read by the Elepe of Epe stating in part:
1. The meeting deliberated on the desirability of creating a new state out of the old province, this province being the only one from all the provinces created during the colonial era that has not been created as an autonomous state.
2. The meeting further noted that some of the old province have been created into many states, for example; from Sokoto province, three states has been created, similarly, from the old Oyo province have emerged Oyo State and Osun State etc.
3. The meeting also concluded the the said Ijebu province is economically viable and already have all the infrastructural facilities that can sustain the state such include the flower-gate industrial estate, fastest growing industrial estate in Nigeria, the international Airport with potentials for a deep see port two international sports stadia in Ijebuode and Sagamu, sufficient educational institutions and sufficient natural minerals including large deposits of Tar sand (solid crude oil) among other mineral resources, Agricultural estates leading to self sufficiency in food production and a large population.
4. The meeting subsequently appeal to all concerned members of National and State Assembly and all stakeholders to rally support for the creation of this new state from the old Ijebu province.
5. The Meeting further appreciate the untiring efforts of His royal Majesty, Oba Dr. S. K. Adetona, Awujale of Ijebu land and His Royal Majesty Oba Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo of Remoland and all Royal fathers for their efforts in particular and all the members of the committees set up to harmonize all grey areas if any and urged the committees to expedite their works including required advocacy, mobilization of resources and ground work necessary to achieve the objectives.
6. The meeting also empowered the committee to harmonize the views and reach a consensus of the issues of nomenclatures: names capitals and other related issues
7. The meeting concluded by by appreciating the efforts of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahamed Tinubu GCFR to restructure the polity and enjoin all citizen to continue to support the administration.
Signed… selected signatures present at the meeting.
The communique was supported and confirmed by Dagbuwere of Idowa, Oba Kayode Adefuwape.
Other dignitaries in attendance were the former Governor of the State and former deputy Governors of the State, Senator Gbenga Kaka and Chief Mrs Yetunde Onanuga; Sen Lekan Mustapha, immediate past Senator representing Ogun East, Hon Adesegun Adekoya, immediate past Deputy Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, members of Ogun State House of Assembly, religious leaders among others
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