A group, Sagamu Youths Association, on Thursday demanded for fairness, inclusion and equity in the ongoing discussions on the creation of a new state from the old Ijebu Province, otherwise known as the Ogun East senatorial.
The president of the association, Comrade Olugbenga Lawal, in a statement, said that the demand for the state creation was long overdue and stressed that the state structure must genuinely represent the interests of both the Remo and Ijebu people.
Lawal explained that it is against this background that the youth association is in support of the recent reports submitted to the Akarigbo and Paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, wherein Remo-Ijebu was proposed as the name for the new state, while Sagamu will be the capital.
He said, “For years, there have been continuous debates about the status and contributions of Remoland and Ijebuland within Ogun State. We take pride in our significant contributions to the state’s economic and political development.
“We propose a name that reflects the shared heritage and identity of both the Remo and Ijebu people. A fair and inclusive name, such as Remo-Ijebu State, will ensure that no group is marginalized.
“If the name Ijebu State is chosen, we categorically state without mincing words that it must come with clear and just arrangements for Remoland’s political and economic representation.
“It is imperative that the capital of the new state reflects a balance of interests. To maintain fairness and prevent undue dominance, we propose Sagamu, Remo, as the capital due to its strategic location, infrastructure development, and historical significance.
“To ensure equity, we propose a fair and balanced allocation of Local Government Areas (LGAs), with 55 percent allocated to Ijebu and 45 percent to Remo. This will guarantee adequate representation in governance and resource distribution.”
The youths hailed the Akarigbo, Oba Ajayi; the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona; the senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, as well as Governor Dapo Abiodun, among others, for their efforts towards ensuring that the state creation this time around becomes a reality.
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