True Reconciliation in Ogun State: Ijebu Lokan Movement’s Call for Unity Amid Political Strife and State Creation Agitation

On Friday, August 22, 2025, the Ijebu Lokan Movement undertook a significant fact-finding visit to the residence of Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State and current Senator representing Ogun East, at his Asoludero residence in Shagamu. This visit occurred against the backdrop of heightened political tensions revolving around the ongoing agitation for the creation of Ijebu State, an issue that has recently gained renewed momentum amid complex political controversies.

The dual purpose of the visit was to seek clarity on two pressing matters: the unresolved dispute between Senator Gbenga Daniel and the current Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, which threatens to destabilize the political environment, and the fractious disagreements between the Ijebu and Remo committees regarding the statehood project.

The delegation’s meeting with Senator Daniel was comprehensive, revealing deeper pain beyond political disagreements. Senator Daniel articulated the rationale behind the Ijebu State agitation, emphasizing it as a struggle for justice, equity, and historical rectification. He recounted his ordeal of alleged political victimization, noting how a statesman of his stature is subjected to undue humiliation despite his dedicated service to Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

Over the past weeks, Senator Gbenga Daniel has faced politically charged actions, including government moves threatening the demolition of his Sagamu residence and associated properties. These actions have been widely perceived as politically motivated, linked to the ongoing feud with Governor Dapo Abiodun and their competing ambitions for the 2027 senatorial seat.

Despite the political tensions, the Ijebu Lokan Movement stressed that the struggle for Ijebu State transcends individual conflicts. It is about correcting systemic imbalances and ensuring fairness within Nigeria’s federal structure. The movement underscored the necessity of peace and unity among Ogun’s political family, urging that divisions be set aside in favor of collective progress.

The issue also involves complex dynamics between Ijebu and Remo communities. While previously Remo insisted on pursuing a separate state, recent developments indicate a willingness to collaborate with Ijebu on a joint Ijebu-Remo State, provided their cultural identity receives proper recognition in the new state’s nomenclature. This unity signals progress in what was once a divisive issue.

The Ijebu Lokan Movement announced plans to engage Governor Dapo Abiodun directly to seek dialogue and a path toward reconciliation. They called on social media and mainstream media supporters on both sides to desist from inflammatory rhetoric and promote peace to restore tranquility in Ijebu land.

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In closing, the movement affirmed that history will judge leaders not by their offices or victories but by how they treat public servants and the collective aspirations they champion. Senator Gbenga Daniel, as a former governor and sitting senator, deserves dignity and respect, as does Governor Abiodun. Above all, the dream of Ijebu State requires genuine commitment rather than political sabotage.

With the ongoing efforts and the spirit of dialogue, there is cautious optimism that true reconciliation and peace in Ogun State can be achieved soonest—even without intervention from the highest political offices in Abuja.

The Ijebu Lokan Movement’s Reconciliation & Mobilization Unit calls on all stakeholders to embrace this path of unity and constructive engagement for the betterment of Ogun State and its people.