The Sagamu Youths Association, under the leadership of Comrade Olugbenga Lawal, popularly known as ‘Ambassador Easy,’ has expressed its stance on the ongoing deliberations between the Ijebu and Remo people regarding the naming and location of the capital for the proposed state to be carved out of Ogun State.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Sagamu Town Hall, Comrade Lawal articulated the collective position of Sagamu youths, emphasizing the importance of a name that reflects the shared heritage and identity of both the Remo and Ijebu people. He stated that adopting a fair and inclusive name such as Remo-Ijebu State would ensure that no group feels sidelined in the process.
However, he noted that if the final decision favors the name Ijebu State, there must be clear and just arrangements to guarantee Remoland’s political and economic representation. In this case, he strongly advocated for Sagamu to be designated as the state capital, citing its strategic location, infrastructural development, and historical importance as key reasons why it is the most suitable choice.
Additionally, Comrade Lawal called for a fair distribution of Local Government Areas (LGAs) within the proposed state. He suggested that 55% of the LGAs be allocated to Ijebu and 45% to Remo to ensure balanced governance and equitable resource distribution.
Backing the Report of the Remo Committee on State Creation
The demands of the Sagamu Youths Association align with a recent report submitted by the Remo Committee on State Creation, a body established by the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, CON. This report proposed the name Remo-Ijebu State and recommended Sagamu as the state capital. The association’s position, therefore, serves as a strong reinforcement of the report’s recommendations.
Comrade Lawal commended the relentless efforts of various stakeholders in advancing the push for the new state. He specifically appreciated the contributions of Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and other representatives in the Federal House of Representatives. Furthermore, he acknowledged the pivotal roles played by His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, and His Royal Majesty, Oba Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo of Remoland, in advocating for the growth and development of their respective regions.
Setting the Record Straight: The Voice of Sagamu Youths
When asked by reporters why the Sagamu Youths Association remained insistent on Remo-Ijebu State, even after learning that the proposal for state creation had successfully passed the first and second readings in the National Assembly and was now at its final stage, as explained by Senator Gbenga Daniel, comrade Lawal emphasized the need to set the record straight for future generations.
“Well, it is to set the record straight. Our fathers have done their best, but as youths, we feel there is a need to air our views, to make our intentions known. What we have said here today will not just end in words—we will draft a communique and send it to the appropriate authorities. This is the voice of the youths of Sagamu Local Government and, by extension, Remoland,” he concluded.
With this declaration, the Sagamu youths reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the new state’s creation reflects equity, fairness, and proper representation for all stakeholders involved.
He then call on fellow Remo sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora to lend their voices to this cause and support their traditional institutions as they negotiate their future.
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