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Tag: Remo

  • Akpabio seeks Remo, Ijebu unity to achieve Ijebu-Remo State

    Akpabio seeks Remo, Ijebu unity to achieve Ijebu-Remo State

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has urged the people of Remoland to strengthen unity and cooperation with their Ijebu kinsmen in pursuit of the proposed Ijebu-Remo State.

    Akpabio, who made the call at the 2025 Remo Day celebration, held at the Akarigbo Pavilion in Sagamu, Ogun State, on Saturday, described harmony as essential to the realisation of the collective aspiration.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was themed:  ‘One People, Diverse Cultures, One Identity.’

    He described the Remo people as industrious, enterprising and astute industrialists, noting that their spirit of cooperation would be pivotal to the creation of the new state.

    “I want to urge the Remo people to continue to live in peace. Remo is blessed with hardworking industrialists, which explains the concentration of industries in this area.

    “I want you to work closely with the Ijebu people towards the creation of Ijebu state. We at the National Assembly will support you.

    “I’ll not speak about where the capital will be located, but you already know. However, the capital must be in a peaceful environment,” he said.

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    Akpabio said that the cultural celebration served as an opportunity for collective reflection and strategic thinking about the development of the homeland.

    He added that his presence at the event symbolised Nigeria’s unity across ethnic boundaries, stressing that diversity should be embraced as strength rather than a weakness in nation-building.

    The senate president assured Nigerians that insecurity across the country would soon become a thing of the past, noting that President Bola Tinubu is working assiduously to address the nation’s security challenges.

    Akpabio also commended Gov. Dapo Abiodun for his infrastructural strides across the state, singling out the Gateway International Airport, which he described as the best airport in the country.

    In his remarks, Abiodun described Remoland as a land blessed with illustrious sons and daughters who had contributed immensely to the development of Ogun state and Nigeria.

    The governor said that the massive turnout at the event underscored the unifying power of culture, warning that societies that lose touch with their roots risk losing their identity.

    “Remo is far more than a geographical expression; it is a people defined by a rich and enduring history,” the governor said .

    Earlier, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, said the vision behind instituting Remo Day was to celebrate, preserve and project Remo culture to the global stage.

  • Remo indigenes insist on state creation

    Remo indigenes insist on state creation

    The Remo people have reiterated their unwavering demand for the creation of Remo State from the existing Ogun State, with Sagamu as its proposed capital.

    They cited distinct ethnic identity, economic viability, and infrastructural development as compelling justifications for their demand.

    In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Remo Committee on State Creation and Aare Gbo-Gbo-Gbo of Remo-Land, Aare Kola Oyefeso, and the Committee’s Secretary, Wole Awe, the people of Remo expressed unity and determination in their quest for statehood.

    The statement was issued at the instance of the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo-Land, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, alongside traditional rulers, elected representatives, high chiefs, professionals, and other Remo stakeholders.

    According to the statement, “Remo has ticked all the boxes required for the creation of a new state: economic sustainability, infrastructural readiness, growth potential, land mass, and, above all, the consensus of its people.”

    The Committee emphasised that the push for statehood is not rooted in “primordial sentiment” but in historical facts and administrative logic. 

    It disclosed that internal disagreements over the proposed name and capital city had previously hindered progress during past attempts to secure state creation.

    The Committee also recalled how, in 2009, the Remo and Ijebu divisions failed to reach a consensus on a joint memorandum.

    “While the Ijebus submitted their own bid for Ijebu State with Ijebu-Ode as capital, the Remos presented a separate memorandum proposing Remo-Ijebu State with Ikenne as its capital. That division ultimately cost both sides the opportunity,” the statement read.

    Addressing the endorsement of unity documents in 2020 and 2024 by the Awujale of Ijebu-Land and the Akarigbo of Remo-Land, the Committee described the move as “symbolic and innocuous,” asserting that genuine state creation efforts go far beyond royal endorsements.

    “Remo remains republican and has never been subjected to autocratic rule,” the statement added.

    Highlighting the rapid growth of Sagamu and surrounding areas, the Committee stressed the region’s strategic proximity to Lagos, its industrial strength, and robust transportation links.

    “Remo stands tall, head and shoulders above other towns in Ogun East. Our readiness is unmatched,” it declared.

    The statement further noted the presence of an operational airport in Remo Central, which caters to both cargo and passenger flights—an asset that would ease pressure on Lagos’ aviation infrastructure and boost regional connectivity.

    On revenue potential, the Committee affirmed that Remo contributes significantly to Ogun State’s internally generated revenue and has the financial capacity to function independently.

    “We are not seeking to depend on federal allocations; Remo can stand on its own,” it said

  • NPFL: Remo’s late goals down Lobi Stars

    NPFL: Remo’s late goals down Lobi Stars

    • Bayelsa United in Lagos

    Remo Stars scored two late goals to beat Lobi Stars and returned  to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League table after Doma United brief occupant stay on Wednesday.

    The Savannah Tigers had jumped to the top on Wednesday after defeating Heartland FC 1-0 in Gombe but goals from Sikiru Alimi and Adams Olamilekan changed all that in the dying moments of the game between Remo Stars and Lobi Stars.

    The Sky Blue Stars had tried everything to unlock the Pride of Benue without success until goals came in, in the dying minutes.

    The win returned  Remo Stars to the top of the table with 29 points from 15 games while Doma United slipped to the second spot with a point behind. Lobi Stars are third with 26 points.

    In Ilorin, Kabiru Dogo’s three game ultimatum as the head coach of Kwara United started with a win. The Harmony Boys had to come back from a goal down before securing maximum points off Plateau United.

    Albert Hilary made it the fourth goal in the last two games after he fired home a free kick from about 20 yards in the 20th  minute. Plateau United were reduced to 10 players in the 35th minute when Yakubu Adams received a second yellow card.

    The equaliser eventually came in the 73rd  minute through Kabiru Balogun from another long range free kick before Sadeeq Yusuf got the matchwinner for the Harmony Boys in the 84th minute. He celebrated the goal wildly and got a second yellow card and a dismissal in the process. But his colleagues held on for a win. Kwara United improved to the 11th  on the log with 19 points.

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    Mojeeb Odufeso struck in the 76th  minute as Gombe United beat Katsina United to move to the 12th  spot. The Changi Boys are in the 15th  spot with 17 points.

    Sporting Lagos scored a late goal before rescuing a point against 10 men Bayelsa United.

    Robert Mizo scored for the visitors in the 24th minute, his 10th of the season but Aliu Salawudeen equalised for Sporting Lagos in the 90th minute.

    In Kaduna, Niger Tornadoes bagged a last minute goal through Bashir Usman to beat Kano Pillars 1-0 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

    While in Benin, Bendel Insurance pipped Abia Warriors 1-0 to move to the fourth spot with 23 points. Evans Ogbonda struck after seven minutes for his first goal of the season to secure all points for the Benin Arsenals.

  • Remo, Egba monarchs shower royal blessings on Abiodun

    Ogun State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has received the blessings of royal fathers in Remo and Egba.

    The paramount ruler and Akarigbo of Remo, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, prayed for Abiodun to pursue his ambition to a successful end.

    Abiodun had consulted the monarchs in Sagamu on his desire to become the next governor in 2019.

    The APC candidate, who reeled out his manifestos during the consultation, promised free education up to the junior school, provision of standard health care, provision of industrial parks, increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and even distribution of infrastructures.

    The Remo royal fathers, including the Ewusi of Makun Sagamu, Oba Timothy Akinsanya; the Oludotun of Idotun Ikenne, the Odunayo Solarin and Onirolu of Irolu – all spoke on behalf of other monarchs.

    They blessed the APC candidate to show their support for his ambition and confidence in him to govern well.

    Oba Ajayi prayed for Abiodun’s success in his quest to govern the state, advising him to fulfil the policies he highlighted when he gets the people’s mandate.

    The oil magnate and real estate operator took his campaign team to the palace of Alake of Egba in Abeokuta, the state capital.

    He got royal blessings ahead of the official kick-off of his campaign ahead of next year’s election.

    The APC candidate promised that his administration would build on the success of Governor Ibikunle Amosun and put the people first in his policies and programmes.

    While soliciting support for himself and his running mate, Abiodun also urged the royal fathers to pray for electoral victory of President Muhammadu Buhari to enable his administration take the nation to the Next Level.

    He read his blueprint to the Council of Obas, saying within first year of his administration, he would ensure an increase in the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state, rural development, good governance, women empowerment, educational development, improved health sector, facilitate the availability of constant power supply and infrastructural development, among others.

     

     

  • ‘Remo deserves senate now’

    Remo Progressives Forum (RPF), a socio-cultural group for the promotion of overall interests of Remoland, has called on political parties in Ogun State desiring of Remo’s support in 2019 to pick their Ogun East senatorial candidates from any part of Remo.

    A statement by its Chairman, Otunba Adesoji Shomoye, said it was time to end the marginalisation and short-changing of Remo people “our bid is to occupy the seat of the Senator representing Ogun East.”

    The statement reads: “Whereas Ogun East Senatorial District is made up of two divisions – Remo and Ijebu – it is disheartening that Remo has never occupied the senate since Ogun East Senatorial District was created. And we feel the time is now for us to take our destiny in our hands. Therefore, any party that must get our votes must pick its Ogun East candidate from Remo land.

    “For those who may not know, past Senators from Ogun East are – Senator Abraham Adesanya (Ijebu-Igbo/Ijebu North); Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye (Ijebu-Igbo/Ijebu-North); Senator Jubril Martins Kuye (Ago-Iwoye/Ijebu North); Senator Tokunbo Ogunbanjo (Erunwon/Ijebu North East); Senator Lekan Mustapha (Ijebu-Igbo/Ijebu-North); Senator Gbenga Kaka (Ijebu-Igbo/Ijebu-North); and presently Senator Buruji Kashamu (Ijebu-Igbo/Ijebu-North).

    “We also urge politicians of Remo extraction that the genuine demand by Remo people for Senate in 2019 is real and cannot be sacrificed on the altar of personal interest. We are already mobilising Remo indigenes and friends to use our votes to end this age-long marginalisation come 2019.”

  • Remo youths seek accelerated action on new Akarigbo

    Youths of Sagamu in Ogun State have urged the Ibikunle Amosun administration to issue a directive to accelerate the selection and installation of a new Akarigbo of Remo.

    Some youths, during a peaceful protest at the weekend at Isale-Oko in Sagamu, few metres from the palace of the Akarigbo, noted that since Oba Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo joined his ancestors last year, the town has been without a traditional ruler.

    A youth leader, Niyi Nojeem, who led the placard-carrying protesters, said the residents needed an Akarigbo to lead the town from where Oba Sonariwo stopped and galvanise the people for further “socio-cultural and economic development of Sagamu and Remo land.”

    The Nation gathered that princes from Torungbuwa Ruling House, including two professors, have shown interest in the traditional stool.

    Those in the race are: Prof. Adewale Solarin, Prof. Gabriel Ogunmola, Tunde Ajayi, Mutiu Adebayo and Akeeb Kazeem.

    It was learnt that based on the state government’s gazette on chieftaincy declaration, Torungbuwa Ruling House is to produce the next Akarigbo.

    The town’s kingmakers are consulting to ensure a hitch-free installation.

    But the youth “earnestly begged” Amosun to expedite action on the process to forestall further delay.

    President of the Sagamu Youth Congress, Mr Segun Okeowo, told The Nation on phone that their eagerness was in order.

    He hoped the governor would answer them.

    Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Jide Ojuko said he was in a meeting when The Nation sought the government’s position on the matter.

    He did not respond to a text message sent to his mobile phone.

  • Remo 2 vs 1 Wikki Tourists: Ganaru, journalist, referee attacked in Shagamu

    Remo 2 vs 1 Wikki Tourists: Ganaru, journalist, referee attacked in Shagamu

    All hell was let loose at the Shagamu Stadium on Sunday during Remo Stars 2-1 win over Wikki Tourists in the match day 15 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) as the visitors’ head coach Mohammed Baba Ganaru, centre referee and sports journalist, Kelvin Ekerete were attacked by the home fans.

    The home team got the first goal through Victor Chinedu before Jonathan Richard scored the equaliser for the Big Elephants.

    The Sky Blues scored the second goal in a controversial circumstances via penalty. The penalty call was protested by the Wikki Tourists players but at the end the day the penalty was awarded and scored by Victor Mbaoma.

    However, a sport journalist, Kelvin Ekerete was also rough-handled by the fans and his mobile phone was snatched. He was left with bloody nose.

    Kelvin’s undoing was his audacity to film the harassment on the match officials and the visitors.

    In a telephone conversation with SportingLife, Ganaru said the referee lost control of the match after he was attacked and intimidated which pressured him to award a dubious penalty to apiece the angry home fans.

    “We lost the match through a dubious penalty. The officiating was very bad. There was intimidation and the atmosphere was very bad. The fans attacked me and the centre referee when we were going to the dressing room at half time. Our chairman was harassed and our cameraman was also attacked. And to my surprise the referee gave a very dubious penalty to Remo Stars,” Ganaru told SportingLife.

  • Kano Pillars, Remo Stars qualify for Gold Cup semis

    Kano Pillars, Remo Stars qualify for Gold Cup semis

    Kano Pillars and Remo Stars have qualified for the semi-finals of the pre-season Gold Cup.

    Pillars, who are Gold Cup defending champions, defeated Niger Tornadoes 1-0 to secure a semi-final spot, while newly promoted NPFL side Remo Stars qualified for the semi-final after defeating non-league FC Yobo 3-2 in the final round of Group B match.

    A resilient team effort was required from Kano Pillars to overcome enterprising Tornadoes who gained better ball possession but were shy in front of goal.

    Adamu Muhammed’s 31st minutes strike ensured ‘Sai Masu Gida’ advanced to the semi-final to cap a remarkable run.

    Pillars recorded eight points from four games, while FC Ebedei garnered seven points from same number of games.

    MFM have six points from three matches with a decisive game at hand against Tornadoes  played yesterday evening.

    ‘Sky Blue Stars’ Remo Stars started like a house on fire and it paid off in the second minute after Ekene Awazie scored from a nice build up.

    Ekene doubled the lead with a beautiful finish just after 15 minutes, before Chukuma Emmanuel pulled one back for FC Yobo in the 37th minute.

    Yobo FC started the second half brilliantly, but they couldn’t make all their efforts in front of goal count against the NPFL newcomers.

    In the 52nd minute, Francis Nwako rounded FC Yobo goalkeeper to shoot into the net to make the scoreline 3-1.

    FC Yobo missed a couple of chances, before Bright Ogbonna scored with a sublime freekick to end the game on an interesting note.

    Remo Stars garnered eight points from four matches and will be up against an unconfirmed opponent from Group A on this evening.

  • Remo ruler Sonariwo passes on at 80

    Remo ruler Sonariwo passes on at 80

    Renowned chartered accountant and Paramount Ruler of Remoland Oba Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo is dead. He was 80.

    The Nation gathered from unofficial sources that the foremost traditional ruler passed on in the United Kingdom (UK) on Saturday.

    “Our Kabiyesi has joined his ancestors,” the source told The Nation on phone.

    Oba Sonariwo was said to have travelled to the UK for medical check-up, but could not make it back.

    He was born at Ita Eleye in Lagos in 1936 and attended St. John School, Aroloya, Lagos, from 1941- 1949, Methodist  Boys High School from 1950 till 1955 and later became an accountant.

    Oba Sonariwo would have been 26 years on the throne in September, and last year during his 25th coronation anniversary attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, he spoke on the agitation for an Ijebu State.

    To the shock of his Ijebu guests, he declared that the Remo people have neither common agenda nor meeting-point with Ijebu over the creation of the proposed Ijebu State.

    According to him, the position of Remo people had been that the proposed Ijebu State, if created, should have its capital at Ikenne in Remo.

  • Remo, Ijebu yet to agree on modalities for new state -Akarigbo

    Remo, Ijebu yet to agree on modalities for new state -Akarigbo

    The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Adeniyi Sonariwo, has said that the zone and Ijebu have not forged a common agenda over the creation of the proposed Ijebu State.

    He spoke at an occasion to mark the 25th anniversary of his coronation.

    Present at the event include the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, amongst several others.

    The monarch disclosed that the position of Remo that Ikenne should serve as the capital of the proposed state has not changed.

    Ikenne is the hometown of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    Sonariwo said the other alternative is for the Remo people to have the right to choose the name of the proposed state expected to be carved out from the present Ogun State, while the capital would be sited at Ijebu – Ode.

    The paramount ruler of Remoland vowed that the zone will not shift ground on its position regarding the proposed new state.

    He said: “This is an appropriate time and venue to discuss the creation of the so called Ijebu State expected to be carved out from the present Ogun State. I realise that the creation of states and local governments help the development of any area.

    “As a result, when I was invited at the initial stage without previous consultation to discuss the issue, I consulted the people present at the spot. It was agreed that I should support the issue with the aim of discussing the details and modalities as to the appropriate name to bear and the location of the new state capital, all in the interest of even development of Remoland.

    “I and with the other delegates discovered that we have no common agenda with our would-be partners on the issue. Ever since, we agreed wholeheartedly on the creation of the state if the capital will be sited in Ikenne Remo towards Odogbolu with the name Ijebu State.

    “If this is not acceptable to our would-be partners and they want the capital to be in Ijebu-Ode, then the Remo people should be allowed to choose the name of the new state. This is where we stand and we would not shift ground.”

    In his address, Osinbajo described the Akarigbo as an “exceptional individual,” and a traditional ruler that has “consistently cultivated noble character.”

    He said: “I recall that when Oba Sonariwo first mounted the throne, a dispute was brewing between some indigenes of this town and some settlers from the Northern part of the country. The Oba must be praised for the manner and wisdom displayed in the quick resolution of the dispute. Since then and till this very moment, there has been no further altercation between indigenes and settlers.

    “The elders here will recall also that at the time of Oba Sonariwo’s ascension to the throne, there were several incidents of robbery all over the place. But the Oba has decisively dealt with that menace with the establishment of a vigilante corp to protect the entire land.”

    Obasanjo, who spoke in a similar vein, lauded Oba Sonariwo for the progress and development of his domain in the last 25 years. He also commended the Akarigbo for bestowing late Awolowo, who hailed from Ikenne with a Posthumous Award.