Remo group tells politicians to stick to Ogun zoning agreement for 2027

A sociocultural group in Remoland, the Pan Remo Movement (PRM), has warned political leaders and those seeking office from the area against breaking the zoning agreement ahead of the 2027 governorship election. They say this could damage the trust that has been built between different zones in Ogun State.

The group spoke up as the debate continues about a governorship hopeful from Remo. They reminded the people of the zone to remember the support they got from other areas when Governor Dapo Abiodun ran for and won the governorship in 2019 and 2023.

In a statement signed by its President, Otunba ‘Poju Akintayo-Ayodele, and General Secretary, Oloye Tunde Adekoya, PRM pointed out that Remo has held the governorship for 16 of the 28 years since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999. They noted that former Governor Gbenga Daniel and the current governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, both come from Remo.

The group said it is time for Remo to show gratitude for the support it has received by allowing power to move to another part of the state, especially Ogun West, to ensure fairness and equity.

"We are not ungrateful. Remo has had its fair share of the governorship. Governor Gbenga Daniel and Governor Dapo Abiodun have both represented our zone and the state.

"We must appreciate the support from other zones and be ready to help the legitimate aspirations of others to also have a governor.

"Yewa deserves a sense of belonging. It is only fair that power should move to another zone," the group stated.

PRM also warned politicians and stakeholders in Remo to put the interests of the zone and the state above personal ambitions. They cautioned that any attempt to disrupt the current agreement on power sharing could lead to serious consequences.

The group urged the people of Remo not to back what they called a selfish political agenda that could damage the trust other zones have in them. They said political arrangements depend on trust, give-and-take, and mutual respect. They stressed that support Remo enjoys today might change if they are seen as unwilling to reciprocate.

"Those who work against this understanding may be planting seeds of conflict and problems for future generations. We must think beyond one election, one candidate, or one political ambition.

"The real question should be what is fair and just for Ogun State and how we can maintain trust among the different zones," they added.

The group also announced plans to hold the 2026 edition of their annual Pan Remo Forum soon. This year’s event will focus on keeping goodwill and peace among the different zones of Ogun State before, during, and after the upcoming general elections.

PRM believes the political leadership of Ogun should keep promoting an arrangement that gives every zone a feeling of inclusion and belonging. They urged Remo political leaders, traditional institutions, community leaders, and others to think about the long-term political stability of the state and avoid actions that could cause unnecessary division.

The group further called on all stakeholders to respect the principle of fairness and allow Ogun West, which they pointed out has not had a governor since the state was created, a chance to lead.

They emphasized that this issue should not be about any individual’s ambition, but should be viewed from the perspective of fairness, political cooperation, and the need to maintain good relationships among Ogun’s major political groups.