Rally For New State, Sagamu Capital Gains Momentum As Remo Stakeholders Assert Historical Rights 

Remo Traditional Rulers, Stakeholders, and Elected Representatives Unite Behind Statehood Push Amid Historical Identity, Development Surge

In a resolute call for political restructuring, the people of Remo Land have renewed their longstanding demand for the creation of Remo State, with Sagamu proposed as its capital. This position was articulated in a press statement issued by the Remo Committee on State Creation, convened at the behest of the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, Oba Dr. Babatunde Adewale Ajayi CFR, BL, LLM, FCA, FBIR. The committee includes all Remo traditional rulers, elected representatives, high chiefs, professionals, and other key stakeholders.

The renewed push is rooted in the unique ethnic identity of the Remo people, who, despite geographical proximity to other Yoruba subgroups in Ogun State, have maintained a distinct cultural and republican heritage. Historically aligned with the Lagos Protectorate in 1894—unlike the Ijebus who were in the Abeokuta Province—Remo’s separation from monarchical structures has shaped its independent political aspirations.

The statement emphasized that Remo has consistently been sidelined in previous state creation exercises, often due to internal disagreements over the proposed state’s name and location of its capital. “Our Achilles heel has been the inability to agree on a unified identity for the proposed state,” the committee noted.

Citing past failures, particularly in 2009, were traced to a breakdown in consensus between Remo and Ijebu divisions. Despite initial agreements to submit a joint memorandum, the Ijebu faction reneged and proposed “Ijebu State” with Ijebu-Ode as its capital. In response, Remo independently submitted its own memorandum, proposing “Remo-Ijebu State” with Ikenne as the capital—a move that ultimately led to the collapse of a united front and the eventual loss of the state creation bid.

The statement addressed the perceived implications of a previous document jointly signed by the Awujale of Ijebuland and the Akarigbo of Remo, noting that while the endorsement was done respectfully and symbolically, it should not be mistaken as binding. “It was not a formal traction on state creation. Remo people were duly informed of its symbolic nature, and any future move would reflect the long-held sentiments and aspirations of the Remo populace,” the statement explained.

Again, in the most recent round of state creation calls, both Remo and Ijebu divisions have submitted separate memoranda to the National Assembly—highlighting unresolved differences. The Remo submission insists on a state solely identified as Remo State, rejecting any arrangement where the Remo name would be diminished or absorbed under another identity.

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“Remo’s identity is not negotiable,” the statement emphasized. “It was clearly validated by the Martindale Enquiry of 1937 and remains rooted in our historical lineage to Ile-Ife, particularly the Iremo Quarters.”

Remo stakeholders underscored the economic and infrastructural strength of Sagamu as justification for its designation as capital of the proposed state. Positioned strategically near Lagos and benefitting from rapid industrialization, Sagamu boasts of strong transport links, manufacturing growth, and proximity to an existing airport suited for local, cargo, and international flights.

The economic contribution of Remo to Ogun State’s internally generated revenue was also highlighted. “Remo is already one of the highest revenue contributors in Ogun State. We are confident that Remo State will be financially viable without excessive reliance on federal allocations.”

Despite the division on the issue of state creation, the Remo Committee affirmed continued respect and brotherhood with the Ijebu people. They particularly acknowledged the enduring leadership of Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona GCON, the Awujale of Ijebuland.

“We harbour no ill feelings toward the Ijebus. Our position is simply rooted in the protection of Remo identity. We wish them well in their own aspirations and remain committed to cordial interethnic relations,” the statement concluded.

Dignitaries present at the press conference were Senator Gbenga Daniel, Asiwaju S.K. Onafowokan, Honourable Damilare Muhammed Bello (OGHA member representing Ofin Sagamu 1 State Constituency), Elepe of Epe, Radanuwa of Idado HRH Oba Oriyomi Soile, Chief Adebayo Onafuwa the Bamofin Akarigbo of Remoland, Odofin of Soyindo, the committee members, youths and community stakeholders among others