On behalf of the Remo Matters Diaspora Coalition (RMDC), we extend our warm appreciation to the Remo Committee on State Creation, set up by His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, CON, LLB, BL, LLM, FCA, FBR (Torungbuwa II), Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, for a well-packaged and meticulously crafted document as outcome of the assignment to them. Both in the aesthetic presentation and depth of its content, the report is emphatic about preserving the identity and legitimate interests of Remo Kingdom. It also essentially seeks to foster unity between the Remos and the Ijebus, in their ongoing bid for a new State.
The submission of the 66-page memorandum proposing the creation of Remo-Ijebu State, with Sagamu as the proposed State Capital, is a testament to the commitment, wisdom, and determination of the Akarigbo-in-Council, all other Royal Fathers and elders across Remoland. It lends credence to the great passion and unalloyed loyalty that the dedicated committee members had invested to have worked tirelessly to protect Remo’s heritage and preserve our identity, and collective interests.
We have carefully reviewed the 66-page memorandum, which had been formally presented to the Akarigbo in the presence of committee members, Royal Fathers, youth representatives, media personnel, and other key stakeholders. It is evident that the Committee’s passion for what is best for Remoland has driven this initiative. We are, therefore, not hesitant to rate the position pushed in the memorandum as being representative of our collective persuasion. It also satisfactorily assures Remo sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, that our interest would be well taken care of. In addition, this position enshrines a strong sense of belonging and radiates great hope for bright future in the New State.
We hereby wish to respectfully acknowledge with appreciation, the frantic support of our revered monarch, HRM Oba (Dr) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, CON, whose wisdom and foresight continue to guide Remoland towards a prosperous future. We also commend the Royal Fathers across Remoland for playing a pivotal role in securing a future that honours the struggles of our forebearers, while laying a strong foundation for generations unborn. Their collective endorsement of the memorandum which the Akarigbo had since submitted to the National Assembly is a historic milestone for rightful positioning of Remo’s identity and interests for being reckoned with, in the proposed new State.
The Remo Matters Diaspora Coalition sincerely appreciates and acknowledges the efforts and dedication of the Committee, led by its Chairman, Aare Kola Oyefeso, alongside the other committee members, who have worked extensively to ensure that Remo’s rightful place in history is ascertained. We, as the Remo Matters Diaspora Coalition (RMDC), firmly align our interests with the well-articulated proposals in the memorandum – emphasizing Remo’s vital importance, which clearly represents, protects, and justifies:
1. the recognition of Remo’s distinct identity
within the new state structure;
2. the fair and equitable naming of the proposed new state as Remo-Ijebu State;
3. the recommendation of Sagamu as the capital of the proposed new State, based on its connectivity of access to many neighbouring States and immediate West African neighbouring countries, including its inherent economic viability and rapid infrastructural growth; and
4. the call for additional Local Government Councils within Remoland, as to reflect its emerging population expansion and vital. economic contributions to the development of the proposed New State.
There is no gainsaying that the memorandum promote unity, ensures fairness and embraces our Ijebu partners, while preserving the distinct historical and cultural identity of Remoland. It is an example of true collaboration, equity, and mutual respect between two historically linked yet uniquely distinct ethnic groups.
As we pursue the long-anticipated independence of Ogun East (formerly Ijebu Province) through the creation of a new State, we have a great reservation for the lack of common audience to have a document firmed up by both the Remo and Ijebu delegates. The fact that the Ijebus are yet to come up with their submissions calls for great concerns too. On this note, we reverently beckon at our leaders, elders, and other key stakeholders from both Remoland and Ijebuland to come together to find a unifying ground that will enable this historic vision to become a reality. “A journey of a thousand years begins with a single step” – Lao Tzu.
As a diaspora advocacy group, the Remo Matters Diaspora Coalition (RMDC) is rallying its efforts to ensure Remoland’s rightful place within the proposed State is fully recognized. To this end, we strongly urge:
• The National Assembly, the Federal Government, our Royal Fathers, and all stakeholders to prioritize fairness and equity in the final deliberations on the State creation process.
• H.E. Governor Dapo Abiodun and our distinguished Senator for Ogun-East District, H. E. Otunba Gbenga Daniel to support the agenda of promoting the desires of the Remo people and allow posterity to judge their leadership favourably for where they stand in this fragile moment of decision.
• Political and traditional leaders to champion Remo’s cause, in alignment with the positions clearly documented and put forward by our elders and revered monarch.
We pray for continued wisdom for our Royal Fathers, as they lead and safeguard the future of Remoland each passing day. We also appeal to all stakeholders to unite behind a vision that honours the aspirations of both Remo and Ijebu, ensuring fair representation, equity, and sustainable progress for the entire proposed State.
As a people who originated from the Iremo Quarters of Ile-Ife, this is a defining moment in our history, and we must ensure that Remoland is not marginalized in this process of agitation for a New State out of the erstwhile Ijebu Province and what is now the Ogun-East Senatorial District within the present Ogun State. We also hope that our Ijebu people will show required understanding to allow a mutually beneficial consensus to be reached. With great trust in God, we remain steadfast in our commitment to preserving our identity, protecting our interests, and securing a brighter future for the unborn generations of Remonians.
Long Live Remoland!
Long Live the Proposed New State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Signed,
PROF. MUSEDIQ ABDUL
Acting Committee Chairperson
OLOLA FAITH DANIEL
Acting Committee Deputy-Chairperson
MOSES .O. BAMGBELU
Acting Committee Secretary
PRINCE (MAYOR) AYOKANGUN ONATOLA
Acting Head Librarian and Coordinator of Historical Matters
VICTOR OLUSEGUN OLUWOLE
Acting Committee Public Relations Officer
BOLANLE SODIYA KEHINDE
Acting Committee Cultural Advisor
MR. ADEOYE M. AKINSANYA
Committee Member
ENGR. OLUWASEUN .O.S
Committee Member
OLUGBENGA T. OGUNDIPE
Committee Member
For and on behalf of Remo Matters Diaspora Coalition (RMDC)
and then