The call for the creation of Ijebu State has gained significant momentum with a joint stakeholders’ meeting held by two prominent traditional rulers in Ogun East Senatorial District.
The Awujale of Ijebuland, Kabiyesi Alayeluwa Oba S. K. Adetona, and the Akarigbo of Remoland, Kabiyesi Alayeluwa Oba Babatunde Ajayi, led the high-profile gathering, which took place on Thursday at the Aafin Awujale in Ijebu Ode.
This meeting is part of the continued effort to push for the establishment of a new state from the current Ogun State, a cause that has been championed by the people of the Old Ijebu Province, now known as the Ogun East Senatorial District.
According to a statement issued on behalf of the Aafin Awujale and signed by the Onigegewura Akile Ijebu, Tunde Oladunjoye, the forum was intended to bring together accredited representatives from across the region. The statement outlined that the meeting was a significant move to discuss the proposed creation of Ijebu State, a long-standing desire of the people of the area.
The stakeholders’ forum saw a diverse range of participants, including traditional rulers, members of the National and State Assemblies from Ogun East, Local Government Council Chairmen from the region, opinion leaders, businessmen and women, market leaders, as well as members of religious and community organizations.
The event was scheduled to begin at 10.00 am, marking a day of crucial discussions on the future of the Ijebu people.
Speaking on the significance of the gathering, Aremo Tunde Oladunjoye, the Onigegewura Akile Ijebu, emphasized that this meeting was a vital step in uniting the people of Ijebuland towards a common goal of state creation.
“The time has come for us to move forward with our efforts to ensure the creation of Ijebu State,” Oladunjoye remarked. “Our people have waited long enough, and now we are coming together to push for this goal in a structured and organized manner.”
The proposed Ijebu State would encompass areas that are presently part of Ogun East, which include the Ijebu, Remo, and Yewa regions. The push for the creation of the state has been growing over the years, with local politicians and community leaders frequently advocating for a new state that they believe will bring development and greater autonomy to the region.
The decision to hold the meeting is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the case for Ijebu State ahead of future legislative and political deliberations. It comes after several years of agitation by the people of Ijebuland, who feel that their historical, cultural, and economic significance warrants the creation of a separate state within the Nigerian federation.
The event also highlights the deep political and social networks that exist within the Ogun East Senatorial District, with participation from various sectors of society, including political leaders, businesspeople, and religious groups.
In recent years, there has been a growing national debate on the creation of new states in Nigeria. Proponents of state creation argue that it could lead to better representation, more targeted development policies, and greater control over local resources. However, critics have raised concerns about the financial and administrative burdens of establishing new states and the potential for increased political fragmentation.
For the people of Ijebuland, the creation of a state has always been seen as a means to address perceived neglect by the state and federal governments. They argue that the region, rich in culture and resources, has the potential to flourish with more local control.
At the meeting, several speakers echoed these sentiments, stressing the economic and cultural importance of Ijebuland. They pointed out that the region is home to some of Nigeria’s most thriving markets, tourist attractions, and agricultural resources, which could benefit from better governance and tailored development strategies.
“We believe that Ijebu State will not only boost the economic potential of our region but will also serve as a unifying force for the people who share a common heritage and history,” said a prominent businessman from the region.
The role of traditional rulers like the Awujale and Akarigbo is crucial in the movement for state creation, as they are seen as symbols of the region’s identity and custodians of its cultural values. Their support adds weight to the call for Ijebu State, especially in a society where traditional institutions still wield considerable influence.
The Awujale of Ijebuland, a highly respected monarch, has long been at the forefront of this campaign. His leadership in the stakeholders’ meeting further solidifies his position as a key figure in the quest for statehood.
In his address, the Awujale underscored the importance of unity among the people of Ijebuland in achieving the goal. “We must remain steadfast and work together, for the creation of Ijebu State is not just a dream; it is a reality within our reach,” he stated.
The Akarigbo of Remoland, who also voiced strong support for the cause, added that the region’s people must continue to engage in peaceful and constructive dialogue with the relevant authorities to push for their demands.
While the stakeholders’ forum was seen as a positive step, the journey toward creating Ijebu State is far from over. The proposal will need to undergo several legislative processes, including the approval of the National Assembly, before it can become a reality.
As the meeting concluded, attendees expressed optimism about the future. Many believe that with the growing support from key leaders, both traditional and political, the creation of Ijebu State is an achievable goal.
The quest for Ijebu State continues to gain support from various quarters, and with the joint efforts of leaders like the Awujale and Akarigbo, it is clear that the movement is gathering strength.
As the stakeholders’ meeting ended, the call for action echoed through the region. The people of Ijebuland are united in their desire for a new state that will ensure their cultural identity is preserved and their economic potential is fully realized.
