The long-standing agitation for the creation of a new state from the old Ijebu Province has entered a decisive phase, and pressure is now mounting on Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to publicly declare his stance on the matter.
Following a comprehensive fact-check and historical breakdown by political professional Akogun Kola Onadipe, questions are being raised about why the Ogun State Government has remained largely silent, even as lawmakers at the National Assembly move closer to determining the only additional state to be created in the South-West.
The agitation for a new state, whether named Ijebu State, Remo State, or the more strategic Ijebu-Remo State, has reached a level where silence from the state’s chief executive is no longer acceptable.
Governor Abiodun governs over both the Ijebu and Remo blocs. Yet, at a time when: history is favouring the old Ijebu Province, lawmakers are reviewing all submissions, and unity is urgently needed to secure the South-West slot, the Governor has not issued any public stance, statement, or policy direction regarding the proposed new state.
Stakeholders argue that his silence is becoming an obstacle to consensus-building.
Onadipe’s submissions highlighted that:
The colonial Ijebu Province of 1923 remains the only one of the 22 provinces yet to become a standalone state.
All state creations in Nigeria’s history succeeded only under military rule.
In a democratic era, near-total consensus is required and that begins with leadership from the sitting governor.
With the National Assembly confirming that only one new South-West state will be approved, the stakes have never been higher.
Multiple Applications, No Unified Voice
The official applications before the National Assembly include:
Ijebu State (two versions)
Remo State
Ijebu-Remo State
Lagoon State
Torumbe State
Ibadan State
Oke Ogun/Ijesha State
The disunity between Ijebus and Remos over naming and capital location has been identified as a major reason for past failures. Remos are now reportedly willing to adopt Ijebu Remo State, with its capital in Ijebu-Ode.
Now, all eyes turn to Ijebu leaders and most importantly, the Governor.
Stakeholders across the old Ijebu Province are now calling out Governor Abiodun to:
1. State clearly whether he supports the creation of a new state out of Ogun.
2. Declare whether he supports the Ijebu-Remo option, which combines both divisions.
3. Initiate dialogue among traditional rulers, political elders, and elected representatives.
4. Stop hiding behind neutrality, especially when the political future of nearly half the state depends on this.
The silence, many argue, is fueling division and weakening the region’s chances before the National Assembly Committee on Constitution Review.
This is not the time for ambiguity.
Not when Ibadan stakeholders are pushing aggressively.
Not when Oke-Ogun and Lagoon advocates are mobilising.
Not when history has presented Ijebu and Remo with a rare opportunity.
If Governor Dapo Abiodun believes in fairness, equity, and development, he must step forward and tell the people his position openly and boldly.
The people of old Ijebu Province have waited since 1923. They cannot afford another failure caused by political silence.
We will continue to monitor and report every development as this critical agitation unfolds.
By Ayo Mojoyi
