The Awujale of Ijebuland and the Akarigbo of Remoland have set up committees to push for the constitutional approval of the proposed Ijebu State

The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, and the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Adewale Ajayi, have taken a significant step towards the creation of Ijebu State by inaugurating separate implementation committees.

These committees will advocate for the constitutional approval of the proposed state, which seeks to carve out the old Ijebu Province from the present Ogun State.

Each committee will initially operate independently before harmonising into a single entity to finalise its report.

According to a source close to the Awujale, the committees were established following a communiqué from the Ijebu Stakeholders Meeting held on 19th December 2024. The meeting reinforced the collective desire of the Ijebu and Remo people to form a new state.

**Ijebu Implementation Committee**

The committee set up by the Awujale is chaired by Chief Chris Olufunmilola Okunowo (Bobasuwa II of Ijebuland), with notable members including:
– Otunba Alex Gbenga Onabanjo
– Senator Gbenga Kaka
– Otunba Deji Osibogun
– Otunba Biodun Onanuga
– Omoba Bambo Adesanya SAN
– Chief (Prof) Adetokunbo Fassy Yusuf
– Prof Segun Awonusi
– Akogun Kola Onadipe (Technical Adviser)
– Prof Jumoke Awoderu (Secretary)

The committee has been tasked with advocating for the new state within the Ogun East Senatorial District, which comprises nine local government areas: Sagamu, Ikenne, Remo North, Odogbolu, Ijebu Ode, Ijebu North East, Ijebu East, Ijebu North, and Ogun Waterside.

It will also educate residents on the benefits of state creation, engage in public advocacy, and secure endorsements from lawmakers and stakeholders at state and national levels.

The inaugural meeting of the committee was held in Ijebu Ode on 9th February 2025, with Awujale Oba Sikiru Adetona and Senator Gbenga Daniel in attendance. Chief Sunny Kuku-Ogbeni Oja was recognised as a key resource person for the project.

**Remo Implementation Committee**

Similarly, Oba Adewale Ajayi has inaugurated a parallel committee in Remoland, chaired by Aare Kola Oyefeso. Other members include:
– Otunba Tunji Lawal Solarin
– Senator Dipo Odujirin
– Chief Akin Soname
– Engr Dele Amoda
– Prince Abdul Abayomi
– Mr Fatai Folarin
– Mr Sesan Ogun
– Hon John Obafemi (Technical Adviser)
– Mr Wole Awe (Secretary)

This committee is tasked with evaluating the viability of the new state, determining its name and capital, and resolving other relevant matters.

**Next Steps and Capital Decision**

A joint meeting between the two committees is expected in the coming week to harmonise efforts and finalise outstanding issues.

While discussions continue, stakeholders seem to favour Ijebu Ode as the capital due to its central location among the nine local governments.

The entire Ogun State and Nigeria at large now await the final decision from the joint committee session, which could mark a historic milestone in the realisation of Ijebu State.