By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
Senator Gbenga Daniel has urged the indigenes of Ogun State, particularly those from the Ijebu and Remo zones, to close ranks and avoid repeating past mistakes that have cost the state major developmental opportunities, such as the Dangote Refinery project.
Speaking during the Community Midterm Assessment Tour of the BATOGD Movement for Ijebu East Local Government in Ijebu Imusin, the former governor expressed concern that internal divisions could derail the long-standing struggle for the creation of Ijebu-Remo State.
Daniel, who represents Ogun East Senatorial District and is sponsoring the bill for the proposed state at the National Assembly, recalled how disunity and lack of collective support led to the loss of the multi-billion-dollar Dangote Refinery project to Lagos during his administration.
“I warned them that if we didn’t stand together, we would lose that project, and we did,” he said. “Now, history is about to repeat itself if we don’t unite behind the Ijebu-Remo State agenda.”
The senator emphasized that the proposed state comprising nine local governments from the old Ijebu Province would correct a century-old historical imbalance and enhance political representation for the people of the region.
Daniel noted that the agitation for Ijebu-Remo State dates back decades, championed by the late Awujale of Ijebu Land, Oba Sikiru Adetona. He described the creation of the state as a dream that must not be sacrificed for temporary or personal gains.
“We have to remember that only the Ijebu Province, among all the provinces created in 1923, has yet to become a state. This is our time, and we must not let internal sabotage or selfish interests derail it,” he said.
Daniel further linked the success of the agitation to his re-election to the Senate and to President Bola Tinubu’s continuity beyond 2027, urging the people to unite and speak with one voice.
He expressed optimism that with the right level of cooperation and federal support, the creation of Ijebu-Remo State could soon become a reality.