Akogun Kola Onadipe presents compelling historical and political facts supporting the creation of a new state from the old Ijebu Province, praising Senator Gbenga Daniel for his legislative leadership in the ongoing push for a new State
Ijebu State: Why Creation Of A New State From Old Province Is A Must – Onadipe Highlights Facts, Hails Sen. Daniel’s Push
By Lukman OMIKUNLE
The campaign for the creation of a new state from the old Ijebu Province has gained renewed momentum as respected political strategist and public affairs analyst, Akogun Kola Onadipe, released a detailed fact-based justification describing the demand as “long overdue and nationally compelling.”
Onadipe, in his latest position, outlined historical records, demographic strength, and administrative facts he believes make the creation of an Ijebu-derived state not just necessary but inevitable—if equity and fairness must prevail.
But beyond the facts, Onadipe noted that the agitation has received an unprecedented boost this year, thanks to the relentless work of Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD) at the National Assembly.
According to Onadipe, Senator Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State, has become the central pillar of the modern Ijebu State agitation. The former governor and current Senator representing Ogun East has, within two years, achieved milestones that previous advocates could not secure in decades.
He pointed out that Senator Daniel formally submitted a comprehensive memorandum demanding the creation of Ijebu State, making it one of the most detailed state-creation requests before the Senate. “Through strategic lobbying, OGD ensured that “Ijebu State” is officially listed among state creation requests currently under consideration—a major victory in the legislative process,” he said.
Onadipe noted that Senator Daniel has been engaging lawmakers across geopolitical zones to back the request, leveraging his national stature and respected political network.
From Awujale to Akarigbo and Remo leaders, OGD has been quietly unifying stakeholders to present a single, conflict-free demand—something that has historically hindered the movement.
“What Senator Gbenga Daniel has achieved in two years is more than what we’ve seen in decades. His influence is the game-changer,” Onadipe stated.
Onadipe presented several compelling arguments backed by colonial and post-independence history:
Historical Distinction
The Ijebu Province, established in 1923, remains the only one of the 22 original provinces yet to become a standalone state.
Strong Administrative Identity
With Ijebu and Remo under its umbrella, the province functioned effectively for decades before being merged with Egba Province to form Ogun State in 1976.
Economic and Population Capacity
The region hosts industries, tourism corridors, agricultural belts, and revenue potential greater than that of some existing states.
Traditional Recognition
The Awujale and Akarigbo remain among the few paramount rulers recognised since the creation of Ogun State, reaffirming the area’s administrative importance.
Geopolitical Balance
With the National Assembly indicating that only one new state may emerge from the Southwest in this amendment cycle, Onadipe warned that lack of unity between Ijebu and Remo could cost the region the slot.
Disclosing the major stumbling block in previous attempts, Onadipe pointed out that, “It has been disagreement over the name of the proposed state and the location of the capital.”
He insisted that “a win-win formula—Ijebu-Remo State with capital in Ijebu-Ode” is the only viable formula capable of securing approval.
“The Remos have shifted ground. They now support the name Ijebu-Remo State with Ijebu-Ode as capital. The Ijebus must reciprocate. This is our moment,” he said.
Failure to agree, he warned, would give the advantage to other contenders like the Ibadan State lobby, which is currently more united.
Onadipe urged all stakeholders to rally behind Senator Gbenga Daniel’s legislative efforts, describing him as the strongest voice the agitation has seen in modern democratic history.
“If we miss this opportunity, history will judge us harshly. The facts support it. The people want it. The time for Ijebu State is now,” he concluded. Read More
