WELCOME ADDRESS BY ALAIYELUWA OBA (DR.) S. K. ADETONA, GCON AWUJALE AND
PARAMOUNT RULER OF IJEBULAND AT THE STAKEHOLDERS MEETING ON THE CREATION OF A NEW STATE OF OLD IJEBU PROVINCE OUT OF THE PRESENT OGUN STATE ON THURSDAY, 19TH DECEMBER, 2024 AT AAFIN AWUJALE, IJEBU-ODE.
Your Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, Governor of Ogun State,
Former Governor of Ogun State & Senator Representing Ogun East,
Otunba Gbenga Daniel,
Alaiyeluwa Oba Adewale Ajayi, CFR
Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland
Other Royal Fathers present,
Former and present Members of the National Assembly,
Legislators here present,
Former Deputy Governors here present
Distinguished guests,
Members of the Press,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me use this opportunity to welcome you all and wish you Merry Christmas in advance. I am happy that this event is happening today and heartily thank Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and his government that has provided the atmosphere to make the time auspicious for consideration of the Creation a New State out of the Old Ijebu Province out of the present Ogun State.
Ijebu and Remo people are one, but we recognise that when politics comes into play sometimes people forget the bond that binds us together and turn blind eyes as if we are enemies. However, we are grateful that so far we have unity of purpose and desire on the creation of a new State of old Ijebu Province. We thank the National Assembly that has made possible the first and second reading of the Bill on the creation of Ijebu State. By this, we have been nudged to be more resolved on our responsibilities to ensure the realization of Ijebu State.
Let me thank all those that have responded to our call in this regard, financially and otherwise. In particular, I thank Otunba Gbenga Daniel for the detailed and beautiful memorandum he put together, as well as his financial support of N2.5million towards the luncheon of today. I also thank other sons and daughters of Ijebu and Remo for their dedication to this cause.
Research has shown clearly, as we shall see from the presentation in the course of this meeting that everything that is required for us to have a viable new State of old Ijebu Province from population, to economic, human and material resources are available as God-given. Therefore, I appeal to our people that what binds us together is more than what divides us. No matter what, we must strive to stay together and embrace this opportunity that the present Federal government is giving us with gratitude.
Let me note that as we are striving to have a state, we already have an International Airport which I believe is an added advantage. For this, I thank Your Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON Governor of Ogun State for this leverage.
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Also, I express immense appreciation to Alaiyeluwa Oba Adewale Ajayi, CFR, Akarigbo of Remoland, whose cooperation has been a great source of encouragement on this issue of creation of a new State of Old Ijebu Province. I have no doubt that your love for our people and intentions are true and genuine.
Let me reiterate that this event presents an avenue for us to discuss the matter of the creation of a new State of old Ijebu Province truthfully and honestly amongst ourselves and agree on a common position to move ahead as one with common goal.
I give my heartfelt compliments for this season and wish us very successful deliberation.
Thank you.
