A unified call for the creation of Remo State has emerged for the first time, gaining strong support from traditional rulers, community leaders, political figures, and civil society advocates in the Remo region.
Unlike past regional arrangements, this historic demand is solely driven by the Remo people, united in their vision for equity, recognition, and inclusive development.
In its memorandum, Remo has formally demanded the creation of a state from the existing Ogun State, to be named Remo State, with its capital in Sagamu. This demand is predicated upon emerging realities and the distinct ethnic identity of the Remo people, who are republican in nature and never monarchical.
The committee recounted that in 2009 while initially working toward a joint memorandum for a proposed Ijebu-Remo State, the Ijebu delegation ultimately pursued a separate bid for Ijebu State with Ijebu-Ode as capital.
Simultaneously, the Remo delegation submitted its own proposal advocating for a Remo-Ijebu State with Ikenne as capital. This divergence weakened the overall case and led to a missed opportunity for the province. While wishing the Ijebus success in their independent pursuit, the Remo committee maintains that Remo shall not be subsumed under any arrangement where its distinct identity is compromised.
The proposed Remo State would include the core Remo LGAs; Sagamu, Ikenne, Remo North, as
well as other culturally aligned communities that share linguistic and historical ties. The state
would leverage its already thriving industrial landscape, educational institutions, and traditional leadership structure to build a modern, inclusive, and prosperous entity.
Stakeholders emphasized that while they support state creation as a tool for development and
justice, Remo will not support any attempt to subsume its identity into a proposed Ijebu State. In the event that a mutual agreement cannot be reached, the Remo people firmly state their preference to remain within Ogun State rather than be merged into any formation that does not respect their distinct identity and autonomy.
During a press conference held at the palace of the Akarigbo of Remoland, Senator Gbenga Daniel (OGD), representing Ogun East Senatorial District, expressed his appreciation to the royal fathers, the committee chairman, and members for “accurately presenting the views of Remo.” He affirmed that the people have the constitutional right to self-determination and lauded the Remo people for exercising that right just as the Ijebu people have also done.
He urged both Remo and Ijebu people to prioritize peaceful dialogue and unity above division, saying, “The strength in Ogun State is because of the togetherness of both Remo and Ijebu. Let us find ways to compromise.” He further assured the gathering that he is actively working to help broker a suitable and peaceful resolution, saying, “I cannot see how anybody can subjugate Remo.
I have a responsibility, and I will do what needs to be done to ensure a compromise that is suitable for both sides.” Renowned Remo elder statesman and community leader, Chief S.K. Onafowokan, the Asiwaju of Remoland, advocated for practical and respectful compromise as well. While acknowledging the passionate call for Remo State, he proposed a best-case scenario in which Ijebu State is created with Sagamu as the capital of the new state. “One side cannot have it all,” he emphasized. “There must be compromise.” He further proposed that the two paramount rulers, the Akarigbo of Remoland and the Awujale of Ijebuland, should enter into a closed-door dialogue to craft a mutually agreeable path forward. “Let them enter one room and come out with an agreement,” he advised, “and then communicate this decision to their respective communities.”
Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, another prominent voice at the conference, echoed these calls and made a direct appeal to Senator Daniel to fulfill his promise of acting as a unifying statesman. “We plead with our Senator to play the role he has promised to play, with the interests of both sides being fairly represented,” Dr. Ogunbiyi said.
Meanwhile, advocates of the Remo State creation reaffirmed that their demand is a distinct, peopledriven initiative. Economically, Remoland is well-positioned to thrive as a standalone state. With
major corporations such as Nestlé Nigeria and Lafarge Cement operating in the area, proximity to Lagos, access to critical road infrastructure, and the presence of the Ogun State Agro-Cargo Airport, the region already possesses a solid industrial and commercial foundation for sustainable growth.
In attendance were Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Elepe of Epe, Oba Adewale Osiberu, Negbuwa of Ibido, Oba Kolawole Adesina Adeyemi, Radanuwa of Idado, Oba Musiliu O. Soile (Osiderumu), Alakenne of Ikenne, Oba Adeyinka Onakade, Alaye of Ode-Remo, Oba (Dr.) SUV. Adetunji A. Osho, Onipara of Ipara, Oba Taiwo Taiwo (Amororo II), Ebi of Idena, Oba Lukman Oluwadamilare Adebambo Salami (Sebu II), the Olumogun Adimula, Chief S.K. Onafowokan ,
Asiwaju of Remoland, Aare Dr. Kola Oyefeso- Aare Gbo-Gbo-Gbo (GGG) Remo-Land & Chairman Remo Committee on State Creation, Aremo Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi among others.
As the campaign for Remo State intensifies, the committee emphasizes that its advocacy will remain peaceful, inclusive, and rooted in the rule of law. Through town hall meetings, stakeholder engagements, and strategic lobbying, the movement seeks to awaken a collective consciousness across Remo and beyond. “We remain committed to a peaceful, lawful, and inclusive pursuit of statehood,” the committee reiterated. “But let it be clearly stated: if Remo State cannot be realized now, then Remo would rather remain in Ogun State, not as a tag-along to any other, but as a proud and autonomous people with a vision of our own.”
The movement also calls on Remo sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora to lend their voices and resources to this generational cause, stating that, “Remo State will, by collective will and justice, take its rightful place among the federating units of Nigeria.
