The campaign for Ijebu-Remo State creation, spearheaded by Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East Senatorial District, has reached a significant milestone after the proposal secured the support of 75 senators, exceeding the constitutional requirement needed to move the initiative to the next stage.
The latest endorsements came from Senator Joseph Ikpea of Edo North, Senator Francis Faduyile of Ondo South and Senator Danladi Halilu of Nasarawa North, raising the number of supporting senators to 75.
Also read: Ijebu-Remo State: On aspiration, accountability, and the pursuit of regional progress
The Constitution requires the backing of at least two-thirds of the Senate, equivalent to 73 senators, before a state creation proposal can proceed through the constitutional amendment process.
The development marks the strongest legislative backing yet for the long-standing campaign to create a new state from the historic Ijebu and Remo divisions of Ogun State.
Senator Daniel, who sponsored the proposal, has consistently argued that the demand is driven by historical justice, equitable representation, administrative efficiency and the need to bring governance closer to the people.
“The demand is rooted in historical justice, equity, administrative efficiency, economic viability and the need to bring governance closer to the people,” Senator Daniel has maintained during engagements on the proposal.
Beyond introducing the bill, the former Ogun State governor has undertaken extensive consultations with lawmakers across party lines in an effort to build national consensus around the initiative.
Those engagements have helped position the proposal among the most advanced state creation requests currently before the National Assembly.
Although the Senate backing represents a major breakthrough, the proposal must still complete several constitutional stages before becoming law.
The bill will require consideration and approval by the House of Representatives, endorsement by at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly across the federation and, ultimately, presidential assent.
State creation has remained one of the most complex constitutional processes in Nigeria since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
Several proposals have been introduced over the years, but only a handful have progressed beyond the early legislative stages because of the rigorous constitutional requirements.
For many residents of Ijebuland and Remoland, the Senate milestone has renewed optimism that a decades-long aspiration could be edging closer to reality.
Supporters believe a separate state would improve governance, accelerate infrastructure development and strengthen economic opportunities across the region.
Also read: Ijebu-Remo State: On aspiration, accountability, and the pursuit of regional progress
The latest development also underscores Senator Daniel’s continued role in constitutional reform debates and reflects growing bipartisan support for the Ijebu-Remo State creation proposal as it moves towards its next legislative hurdles.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
