Ijebu Remo state creation proposal gains momentum as Senator Gbenga Daniel calls for fairness and constitutional justice at National Assembly hearing
Ijebu Remo state creation has received renewed attention at the National Assembly as Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel made a passionate case during the Constitution Alterations Bills public hearing held on Friday, 4 July 2025.
Addressing fellow lawmakers, stakeholders and citizens, Senator Daniel thanked the leadership of the National Assembly and the joint constitutional review committee for their dedication.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting a legacy-focused reform process.
According to him, the Constitution review must reflect the desires of the people and serve as a tool for fairness and progress.
“We are here to listen and reflect the voice of the people. But I must represent the deep wishes of the good people of Ogun East,” he said.
Senator Daniel presented the context of Ijebu Remo state creation, tracing the origins of Nigeria’s present structure to 24 historical provinces.
Notably, he pointed out that the Ijebu province remains the only one without its own state. This, he described, is a century-old injustice.
“For clarity, our great country is an amalgamation of 24 provinces,” he said. “The old Ijebu province is the only one still without a stand-alone state.”
He stressed that the proposed Ijebu-Remo State is not just historically justified but economically sound.
The region, he explained, hosts one of the fastest-growing industrial hubs in Nigeria and contributes significantly to Ogun State’s internally generated revenue.
“In our region, we have the Agro-Cargo International Airport and a deep seaport project at Olokola FTZ. Our mineral wealth includes crude oil, bitumen and limestone,” he stated.
Beyond natural resources, Senator Daniel described the cultural strength of the region.
“The world recently witnessed the Ojude Oba festival. It attracts millions and generates billions in trade and tourism,” he added.
He revealed a united front between Ijebuland and Remoland. At a recent Remo Traditional Council meeting, the royal leaders agreed to support the state proposal on the condition that their identity is reflected in the new name—Ijebu-Remo State.
“This is a general consensus. Just like Akwa Ibom, we ask for recognition and fairness. Our people will forever be grateful if this becomes reality,” he said.
The senator went further to advocate for birth-right citizenship for Africans of Nigerian descent.
“Since independence, our foreign policy has placed Nigeria as the guardian of Africa. Let us not deny the children of this continent the right to belong,” he said.
Another key area of concern was the need for constitutional backing of financial prudence.
Senator Daniel proposed a constitutional amendment to ensure the independence of the Sovereign Investment Authority and the Sovereign Wealth Fund.
“Our constitution must permit investment and savings. Without it, we cannot secure the future. We must allow these bodies to function free of political interference,” he said.
He concluded by urging the audience to see these changes not as political ambitions but moral duties. “Support these amendments for equity, for progress, and above all, for God and country,” he declared.
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has been appointed as a Sub-National Representative to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) African Executive Committee.
The announcement was formally conveyed through a letter from the CPA Africa Region, which was read on the floor of the Assembly by the Clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, on Tuesday, March 10. The appointment confirms Speaker Obasa’s three-year tenure, spanning 2026 to 2029.
Lawmakers took turns to congratulate Speaker Obasa, praising his devotion to parliamentary service and his consistent efforts to strengthen legislative practice. They described his appointment as a recognition of his hard work and a reflection of Lagos State’s growing influence within the Commonwealth. Members noted that his achievements continue to bring pride not only to Lagos but to Nigeria as a whole.
In his remarks, Speaker Obasa expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support, urging them to remain steadfast in prioritizing the progress of the Assembly and to continue working collectively to advance the legislature. He further directed the Clerk to send a formal letter of appreciation to the CPA African Region for the honour bestowed upon him. “Let us always put the House of Assembly first and never relent in our efforts to move the legislature forward, ” Obasa concluded.
The CPA African Region plays a pivotal role in advancing the interests of African parliaments within the Commonwealth. It is widely recognized for promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, respect for human rights, democracy, and good governance across member nations.
Trending News5 years ago
Others4 years ago
Humanity4 years ago
Others7 years ago
Business2 years ago
Business1 year ago