Ijebu-Remo state creation gains momentum as Ogun Governor Abiodun faces calls to clarify his stance amid historic agitation
The long-standing agitation for the creation of a new state from the old Ijebu Province has entered a decisive phase and pressure is now mounting on Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to publicly declare where he stands on the matter.
Following a comprehensive fact-check and historical breakdown by political professional Akogun Kola Onadipe, questions are being raised about why the Ogun State Government has remained largely silent, even as lawmakers at the National Assembly move closer to determining the only one additional state to be created in the South-West.
The agitation for a new state whether named Ijebu State, Remo State, or the more strategic Ijebu-Remo State has reached a level where silence from the state’s chief executive is no longer acceptable.
Governor Abiodun governs over both Ijebu and Remo blocs.
Yet, at a time when: history is favouring the old Ijebu Province, lawmakers are reviewing all submissions, and unity is urgently needed to secure the South-West slot, the Governor has not issued any public stance, statement, or policy direction regarding the proposed new state.
Stakeholders argue that his silence is becoming an obstacle to consensus building.
Onadipe’s submissions highlighted that:
The colonial Ijebu Province of 1923 remains the only one of the 22 provinces yet to become a standalone state.
All state creations in Nigeria’s history succeeded only under military rule.
In a democratic era, near-total consensus is required and that begins with leadership from the sitting governor.
With the National Assembly confirming that only one new South-West state will be approved, the stakes have never been higher.
Multiple Applications, No Unified Voice
The official applications before the National Assembly include:
Ijebu State (two versions)
Remo State
Ijebu-Remo State
Lagoon State
Torumbe State
Ibadan State
Oke Ogun/Ijesha State
The disunity between Ijebus and Remos over naming and capital location has been identified as a major reason for past failures.
Remos are now reportedly willing to adopt Ijebu-Remo State with capital in Ijebu-Ode.
Now, all eyes turn to Ijebu leaders and most importantly, the Governor.
Stakeholders across the old Ijebu Province are now calling out Governor Abiodun to:
1. State clearly whether he supports the creation of a new state out of Ogun.
2. Declare whether he supports the Ijebu-Remo option, which combines both divisions.
3. Initiate dialogue among traditional rulers, political elders, and elected representatives.
4. Stop hiding behind neutrality, especially when the political future of nearly half the state depends on this.
The silence, many argue, is fueling division and weakening the region’s chances before the National Assembly Committee on Constitution Review.
This is not the time for ambiguity.
Not when Ibadan stakeholders are pushing aggressively.
Not when Oke-Ogun and Lagoon advocates are mobilising.
Not when history has presented Ijebu and Remo with a rare opportunity.
If Governor Dapo Abiodun believes in fairness, equity, and development, he must step forward and tell the people his position openly and boldly.
The people of old Ijebu Province have waited since 1923. They cannot afford another failure caused by political silence.
Less than three years after stepping into office as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has steadily carved a distinct imprint on the nation’s diplomatic landscape. In a world increasingly defined by shifting alliances, economic realignments and delicate geopolitical balances, he has proven himself, beyond rhetoric, to be a round peg in a round hole.
From the very beginning, Ambassador Tuggar approached the ministry not merely as an administrative responsibility, but as a strategic command centre for Nigeria’s global engagement. With an intellect sharpened by experience and a temperament grounded in composure, he has brought clarity and coherence to Nigeria’s foreign policy direction. His style is not loud, yet it resonates. It is measured, yet firm. It is thoughtful, yet decisive.
In multilateral corridors and bilateral negotiations alike, Tuggar has showcased the fine balance between diplomacy and national interest. He speaks with precision, listens with intent, and negotiates with foresight. Under his watch, Nigeria’s voice has not only been heard — it has been respected. From strengthening regional partnerships within Africa to redefining economic diplomacy as a core pillar of engagement, he has demonstrated that foreign policy is not an abstract exercise; it is a tool for national development.
Economic diplomacy, in particular, has gained renewed momentum. Tuggar has consistently advanced conversations that align Nigeria’s external relations with internal growth objectives — trade expansion, investment attraction, diaspora collaboration and strategic partnerships. His understanding of global power dynamics has allowed Nigeria to navigate complex international waters without losing sight of sovereign priorities.
Beyond policy frameworks and diplomatic communiqués, what distinguishes Ambassador Tuggar is his grasp of nuance. He understands that diplomacy in the 21st century demands adaptability, cultural intelligence and strategic patience. In moments of global uncertainty, his calm articulation of Nigeria’s position has reinforced confidence both at home and abroad.
Ambassador Tuggar stands as more than a minister occupying an office. He represents a refined blend of intellect and pragmatism — a diplomat who truly knows his onions and continues to position Nigeria not merely as a participant in global affairs, but as a consequential voice shaping them.
His diplomatic philosophy reflects both scholarship and experience. Soft-spoken but firm, analytical yet accessible, he understands that modern diplomacy demands more than ceremonial presence. It requires strategic thinking, cultural intelligence and the ability to translate global conversations into domestic gains. In high-level meetings and multilateral forums, he has projected Nigeria not as a peripheral player, but as a nation with agency, voice and influence.
Under his stewardship, Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture has taken on sharper definition. Economic diplomacy has moved from being a slogan to becoming a structured pursuit. Trade partnerships, investment dialogues and diaspora engagement have gained renewed emphasis, reflecting his belief that diplomacy must ultimately serve the economic aspirations of the Nigerian people. For Tuggar, embassies are not mere outposts; they are gateways for opportunity.
Regionally, his role in strengthening West African cooperation has been marked by balance and foresight. In moments of political strain across the sub-region, Nigeria’s responses have carried both firmness and restraint — a testament to his appreciation of diplomacy as a stabilizing force. Globally, he has continued to articulate Nigeria’s positions on security, development, climate and economic equity with clarity and conviction.
What distinguishes Ambassador Tuggar most, perhaps, is his grasp of nuance. He listens before he speaks. He studies before he acts. He recognises that diplomacy is often about timing as much as it is about language. This deliberate approach has earned him respect among peers and renewed confidence within Nigeria’s diplomatic corps.
Two years on, his tenure reflects a steady recalibration of Nigeria’s external engagements — less reactive, more strategic; less performative, more purposeful. Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has not merely occupied the office of foreign minister; he has grown into it, shaping it with intellect, composure and a forward-lookFedreing vision that continues to position Nigeria as a consequential voice in an evolving global order.
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