Ijebu Remo state creation proposal gains momentum as calls for fairness and constitutional justice at National Assembly hearing

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]jebu Remo state creation has received renewed attention at the National Assembly as Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel made a passionate case during the Constitution Alterations Bills public hearing held on Friday, 4 July 2025.

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Addressing fellow lawmakers, stakeholders and citizens, Senator Daniel thanked the leadership of the National Assembly and the joint constitutional review committee for their dedication.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting a legacy-focused reform process.

According to him, the Constitution review must reflect the desires of the people and serve as a tool for fairness and progress.

“We are here to listen and reflect the voice of the people. But I must represent the deep wishes of the good people of Ogun East,” he said.

Senator Daniel presented the context of Ijebu Remo state creation, tracing the origins of Nigeria’s present structure to 24 historical provinces.

Notably, he pointed out that the Ijebu province remains the only one without its own state. This, he described, is a century-old injustice.

“For clarity, our great country is an amalgamation of 24 provinces,” he said. “The old Ijebu province is the only one still without a stand-alone state.”

He stressed that the proposed Ijebu-Remo State is not just historically justified but economically sound.

The region, he explained, hosts one of the fastest-growing industrial hubs in Nigeria and contributes significantly to Ogun State’s internally generated revenue.

“In our region, we have the Agro-Cargo International Airport and a deep seaport project at Olokola FTZ. Our mineral wealth includes crude oil, bitumen and limestone,” he stated.

Beyond natural resources, Senator Daniel described the cultural strength of the region.

“The world recently witnessed the Ojude Oba festival. It attracts millions and generates billions in trade and tourism,” he added.

He revealed a united front between Ijebuland and Remoland. At a recent Remo Traditional Council meeting, the royal leaders agreed to support the state proposal on the condition that their identity is reflected in the new name—Ijebu-Remo State.

“This is a general consensus. Just like Akwa Ibom, we ask for recognition and fairness. Our people will forever be grateful if this becomes reality,” he said.

The senator went further to advocate for birth-right citizenship for Africans of Nigerian descent.

“Since independence, our foreign policy has placed Nigeria as the guardian of Africa. Let us not deny the children of this continent the right to belong,” he said.

Another key area of concern was the need for constitutional backing of financial prudence.

Senator Daniel proposed a constitutional amendment to ensure the independence of the Sovereign Investment Authority and the Sovereign Wealth Fund.

“Our constitution must permit investment and savings. Without it, we cannot secure the future. We must allow these bodies to function free of political interference,” he said.

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He concluded by urging the audience to see these changes not as political ambitions but moral duties. “Support these amendments for equity, for progress, and above all, for God and country,” he declared.