State creation: Sagamu youths support Remo-Ijebu State, call for justice, equity and fairness

 State creation: Sagamu youths support Remo-Ijebu State, call for justice, equity and fairness

By Sesan Akinbowale

The Sagamu Youths Association, SYA, on Tuesday made advocacy for the creation of Remo Ijebu State, out of the present Ogun State, saying the name would reflect the shared heritage and identity of both the Remo and Ijebu people.

Speaking during a press conference inside the Sagamu Town Hall premises, the President of the SYA, Comrade Olugbenga Lawal, popularly known as ‘Ambassador Easy’, told members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ogun East Independent Chapel, that the demand for creation of a State from the defunct Ijebu Province, out of the present Ogun State is long overdue.

This press conference barely a week after the Remo Committee on State Creation, submitted its report to the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, in which the committee proposed the name “Remo-Ijebu State,” with Sagamu as the state capital.

The SYA, according to its President also proposed Sagamu as the state capital, "to maintain fairness and prevent undue dominance", saying:

“We propose a name that reflects the shared heritage and identity of both the Remo and Ijebu people. A fair and inclusive name, such as Remo-Ijebu State, will ensure that no group is marginalized.

“If the name Ijebu State is chosen, we categorically state without mincing words that it must come with clear and just arrangements for Remoland’s political and economic representation.

“It is imperative that the capital of the new state reflects a balance of interests. To maintain fairness and prevent undue dominance, we propose Sagamu, Remo, as the capital due to its strategic location, infrastructural development, and historical significance." The President added.

The Association also noted that to ensure equity, "we propose a fair and balanced allocation of Local Government Areas (LGAs), with 55% allocated to Ijebu and 45% to Remo. This will guarantee adequate representation in governance and resource distribution." He explained.

 Comrade Lawal however stated that this issue is not just about political restructuring but also about identity, fairness, and justice. He stressed the need for a state structure that genuinely represents the interests of both the Remo and Ijebu people.

He acknowledged the efforts of their leaders and royal fathers in championing the creation of the proposed State and extended gratitude to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and all members of the Federal House of Representatives for their contributions.

He also appreciated the efforts of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, for his wisdom and foresight in guiding the Ijebu people, and His Royal Majesty, Oba Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo of Remoland, for his unwavering commitment to the progress of the Remo people.

According to him, "For years, there have been continuous debates about the status and contributions of Remoland and Ijebuland within Ogun State, we take pride in our significant contributions to the state’s economic and political development.

“The path ahead requires unity, strategic engagement, and unwavering commitment. We cannot afford to be divided or distracted by political sentiments that do not serve our collective interests,” Comrade Lawal concluded.