The demand for state creation out of Ogun State has taken a new turn as the Remo Committee on State Creation, backed by the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, has submitted a separate memorandum to the National Assembly asserting its resolve to maintain Remo’s distinct identity.
The committee, led by Aare Kola Oyefeso and Secretary Wole Awe, rejected any arrangement that would erase Remo’s historical and cultural significance under the guise of state creation. In a statement made available on Monday, the group opposed the proposal by the Ijebu division, which seeks the creation of “Ijebu State” with Ijebu-Ode as its capital, stressing that such a move would marginalize Remo’s identity and interests.
Historically, efforts to create a new state from Ogun have been derailed due to disagreements between the Ijebu and Remo divisions. The Remo committee emphasized that any new state must reflect the identity of all major stakeholders. Drawing parallels with past state creations, the committee cited examples such as Oyo, Ondo, and Osun, which considered the ethnic and regional identities of their populations in naming and capital siting decisions.
“The state was not named Abeokuta or Egba State when Ogun was created. It was called Ogun State to avoid ethnic dominance,” the committee noted, insisting that the same principle should apply in this case.
In its own submission, the Remo group proposed “Remo-Ijebu State” with Sagamu as the capital. The committee defended its choice, saying it reflects the inclusive identity of the two divisions and offers strategic advantages. Sagamu, they argued, has experienced exponential growth in recent decades due to its industrial expansion and close proximity to Lagos.
“Without sounding immodest, no town in Ogun East rivals Sagamu in terms of infrastructure and readiness to serve as a state capital,” the document stated. “From its growing industrial base to excellent road networks and access to an international airport in Remo Central, Sagamu offers both symbolic and functional advantages.”
Remo’s proposal also underscores its financial readiness. According to the committee, Remo is a top contributor to Ogun State’s internally generated revenue and would likely sustain itself without overreliance on federal allocations if granted statehood.
Additionally, the presence of a newly established airport in the region would enhance connectivity, positioning Remo as a viable economic hub for the proposed state and its neighboring regions.
The committee reminded the National Assembly that Remo’s distinct identity had been formally recognized as far back as 1937 during the Martindale Enquiry. They further emphasized that the Remo people trace their origins to the Iremo Quarters of Ile-Ife and maintain strong ancestral and cultural ties with their roots.
“This identity cannot be toyed with,” the committee stated. “Remo was once wrongly lumped with the Ijebus, and we cannot allow such historical inaccuracies to repeat themselves.”
Despite their strong stance, the committee reaffirmed its respect for the Ijebu people and their traditional leader, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona. They expressed hopes for continued unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing that the state creation bid should not create division among the people.
“We wish the Ijebus Godspeed in their quest for state creation without Remo-Land,” the committee noted. “However, Remo SHALL not be part of any arrangement where our identity will be subsumed or sacrificed.”
As Nigeria continues to review proposals for new states, the Remo-Ijebu standoff highlights the complexities of ethnic representation and political equity in federal restructuring. The outcome of this demand may redefine not only boundaries but also the balance of cultural identity within Nigeria’s evolving federal landscape.