A former governor of Ogun State and current Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, on Sunday warned that a lack of unity of purpose among the people of Ijebu and Remo could jeopardise plans to create a new state from the old Ijebu Province.

Daniel said that while plans are at an advanced stage to reach a consensus on the name and capital of the proposed Ijebu-Remo State, the people of both Remo and Ijebu must remain united to ensure the success of the initiative.

The former governor also expressed his support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the country has been restored to a path of dignity, stability, and economic growth over the last two and a half years.

He made the remarks during the Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Otunba Gbenga Daniel Movement Midterm Assessment Tour in Odogbolu Local Government, held at Ikoto near Ijebu Ode, on Sunday.

The tour also featured the distribution of empowerment tools, including sewing machines, motorcycles, grinding machines, and freezers.

Daniel emphasised that, given the current circumstances in Ijebuland, the creation of a new state from the old Ijebu Province represents the last real hope for accelerated and sustainable development.

“As the senator representing this region in the National Assembly, I have undertaken significant work behind the scenes to ensure nothing hinders the creation of the proposed Ijebu-Remo State.

“However, I have deliberately chosen not to make much noise until we have successfully crossed all the necessary hurdles. The parameters and requirements for state creation are enormous and rigorous. Overcoming them demands nothing less than unity of purpose among our people.

“The old Ijebu Province, which forms the basis of this aspiration, consists of nine Local Government Councils. Anything short of this full complement cannot guarantee a successful process. The minimum and most critical requirement to achieve the creation of this state is unity of purpose. If the National Assembly cannot discern that unity among us, we cannot guarantee success. We must unite.

“Let me inform you that we are on the verge of reaching a consensus on the name and capital of the state: Ijebu-Remo State. If we fail to decide for ourselves, other people will take those decisions for us”, he said.

The senator urged every indigene of Remo and Ijebu land to avoid actions that could derail the creation of the proposed state.

Daniel also called on party members to participate in the APC e-registration exercise, which begins next week. He said registering would mobilise support for Tinubu’s second-term bid and for his own re-election to the Senate.

“On another important note, the e-registration process for the All Progressives Congress (APC) has now commenced. I implore all citizens—young and old, men and women—to take full advantage of this opportunity.

“Register and become full members of the party so that you can actively support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our own senatorial bid for re-election. Please visit your party ward secretariat starting next week to complete your registration,” he said.

He described the BATOGD Movement, which supports his and Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, as being rooted in accountability, community engagement, people-driven representation, and unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration while advancing the development of Ogun East.

Daniel highlighted some of his contributions during his tenure as governor, including the establishment of Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijagun, the College of Education in Omu, and numerous schools and infrastructure projects that continue to benefit communities in the area.

The former governor’s remarks come amid long-standing agitation for the creation of a new state for the people of Remo and Ijebu, who inhabit Ogun East Senatorial District. This area, once part of the old Ijebu Province, created over a century ago, remains the only province from that period yet to attain statehood. (The PUNCH)

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