In the robust tradition of public discourse, Seyi Bakare’s recent contribution to Daily Post presents a spirited defence of Governor Dapo Abiodun against criticisms of the Ijebu-Remo State creation effort. Read here.
While one respects the right to a firm rebuttal, several points invite a measured clarification rooted in the legitimate aspirations of the Ijebu and Remo people, rather than partisan framing.
The quest for a state drawn from the historic Ijebu Province rests on longstanding sentiments for self-determination, equitable development, and the correction of historical administrative imbalances.
Successive generations, including the late Awujale of Ijebuland, nurtured this vision.
So framing it solely as an election-season project by Senator Gbenga Daniel overlooks this deeper heritage and the cross-partisan consultations that have informed recent refinements, such as the adoption of the Ijebu-Remo nomenclature.
Constitutional realities and political will
No thoughtful observer disputes the formidable hurdles in Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution.
State creation requires broad consensus across multiple layers of governance and a national threshold that has proven elusive since 1999. Yet constitutional difficulty does not absolve elected leaders from exercising influence in support of their constituents’ wishes.
Leadership entails active facilitation: building coalitions, engaging colleagues across chambers, and demonstrating public commitment, rather than passive acceptance of structural barriers.
Questions persist about the level of mobilisation among Ogun East representatives in the House of Representatives during recent constitutional review exercises.
Reports of hesitation, contrasted with Senator Daniel’s documented efforts in the Senate, invite legitimate public scrutiny. Watch video evidence below.
@senatorogd I’m seeking the alterations to the constitution of the FRN for the creation of Ijebu State and the bill has passed first reading… #ogidiomo #ogd #oguneast #oguneast #OGDIsWorking #OgunEastDevelopment #foryou #ogunbestgovernor ♬ original sound – Sen. Otunba Gbenga Daniel
Citizens may fairly ask why momentum differed between chambers, particularly when the governor, a proud Remo son, wields considerable sway in the state’s APC structure. Such inquiries reflect a desire for transparency, not unfounded conspiracy.
Development and political timing
Governor Abiodun’s administration has recorded some strides in infrastructure and economic positioning for Ogun State. These achievements merit acknowledgment on their own terms, though accountability on funds spent on these projects are shrouded in secrecy, while durability of some leaves more to be desired.
However, they need not preclude the parallel pursuit of greater autonomy for Ijebu-Remo. A viable new state could complement broader progress by attracting focused federal attention, targeted investments, and administrative efficiency.
Concerns about timing arise naturally in any election cycle. Yet advocacy for state creation gained legislative traction in the current assembly through bills that advanced initial readings.
Dismissing it as mere political expediency risks undervaluing a multi-generational sentiment. The people of Ogun East deserve leaders prepared to champion their cause without subordinating it wholly to factional considerations.
Watch again below when Otunba Daniel made a case for Ogun Waterside and Tongeji Island.
@senatorogd As we are all aware that I’m not in the house to take pictures, here I’m calling for the protection of Ogun State’s mangrove areas and oil producing belts in Ogun Waterside and Tongeji Island. #fyp #ogidiomo #ogd ♬ original sound – Sen. Otunba Gbenga Daniel
Moving beyond polemics
Describing critics as “sore losers” or reducing the discussion to personal egos adds little to constructive understanding.
Public office invites accountability, and opinion writing serves democracy by airing perspectives, even when they prove uncomfortable.
The central issue remains how best to advance the developmental interests of Ijebu and Remo communities within Nigeria’s federal framework.
Constructive engagement would gain from inclusive stakeholder forums that rise above party lines, rigorous feasibility assessments on revenue, boundaries, and capital questions, and sustained legislative advocacy that demonstrates shared purpose.
Whether through full state creation or enhanced devolution of resources, the objective should centre on tangible progress for communities inspired by this vision.
@senatorogd On Tuesday 7 October , 2025, I made submissions in support of the Federal Medical Centres (Amendment) Bill towards actualising Federal Medical Centre, Ijebu Ode. #fyp #foryou #OGDIsWorking #OgunEastDevelopment #oguneast ♬ original sound – Sen. Otunba Gbenga Daniel
The aspiration for Ijebu-Remo State persists not because of any one individual but because it resonates with a people’s sense of identity and untapped potential.
As the conversation continues, let us conduct it with evidence, nuance, and a common commitment to Ogun’s prosperity, free from acrimony that ultimately serves neither side nor the wider public interest.
The industrious citizens of this region deserve no less.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
