It was a weekend of dialogue and empowerment in Ijebuland as the Ijebu Youth Development Advocate (IYDA), All Progressives Congress (APC) members, and the Ikangba Housing Estate Community Residents’ Association (IHECRA) met with the senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), to deliberate on community development and the shared aspiration for the creation of Ijebu-Remo State.
The event, held at Obalofin Hall, GRA Ijebu-Ode, with the theme “Reclaiming Our Identity: Ijebu-Remo as a Catalyst for Balanced Development in Ogun East,” featured the inauguration of new executives of the Ikangba Housing Estate Development Association, award presentations, and a series of welfare programmes supported by the Gateway Front Foundation (GFF) — including free medical tests, eye screenings, distribution of eyeglasses, and support for widows and senior citizens.
In his address, Senator Daniel reaffirmed his commitment to the Ijebu-Remo State cause, calling it “a long but achievable journey” that hinges on unity among the Ijebu and Remo people.
“Creating a state is not a day’s dream. Ijebus and Remos must unite with one voice to achieve this. Unlike in the military era, state creation today requires broad consultation and legislative process,” Daniel said.
He noted that the movement for state creation is a competitive one, referencing the Ibadan gathering during the inauguration of Oba Rasheed Adewolu, where calls for a new state were also made.
“We have competitors. Others are already making moves. Ijebus and Remos must therefore stand together to ensure our dream is not hijacked,” he added.
Daniel emphasized that Ijebu remains the only old province yet to gain statehood, explaining that the proposed Ijebu-Remo State would encompass nine local governments across Ogun East, not six as widely assumed.
Speaking with journalists, Mr. Daniyan Adetayo, Convener of the Ijebu Youth Development Advocate (IYDA), said the gathering sought to sensitize residents on the importance of unity and focus in achieving the Ijebu-Remo dream.
“We are consulting across groups — market women, royal fathers, and religious leaders — to ensure a common voice. Only unity will bring faster development,” Adetayo said.
During a visit to the Ikangba Housing Estate, Senator Daniel also addressed community concerns about road infrastructure, advising the residents to obtain proper approvals from the Ministry of Town Planning and the Ogun State Housing Corporation before legislative intervention can follow.
“Once approvals are secured, we can incorporate the project into our constituency development plan,” Daniel assured.
In a gesture of support, the senator donated ₦2 million to the estate’s development fund and awarded scholarships to two children from the community. Elderly residents also benefited from free eyeglasses and medical gifts courtesy of the Gateway Front Foundation.
Presenting the report of the outgoing executive, Mr. Daniyan Adetayo, who also serves as the association’s General Secretary, highlighted key achievements such as improved electricity supply, security upgrades, road and drainage maintenance, and the installation of streetlights and gates.
The event drew an impressive turnout, including Chief Adesanya, the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Hon. Olufemi Ogunbanwo (represented), and Hon. Lukman Adeleye, Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, who donated ₦250,000 in support of the community.
Other dignitaries, party members, and traditional leaders from across Ogun East were also present.
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