Ayomide Awe
The ancient town of Isara-Remo in Ogun State has renewed its drive for cultural preservation, economic growth and improved security, as the 57th Afotamodi Day Festival brought together traditional rulers, government officials, investors and indigenes from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
The annual celebration, held on Saturday at Isara Secondary School under the theme, “Preserving Our Heritage, Restoring Our Glory,” also provided a platform for the community to seek support for the proposed ₦600m reconstruction of the Odemo’s Palace and attract fresh investments into the town.
The festival, organised by the Afotamodi Day Planning Committee, attracted prominent personalities, including the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi; the Odemo of Isara-Remo, Oba Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo, Otete III; and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya.
Discussions at the event centred on preserving Isara’s historical heritage, strengthening traditional institutions, mobilising diaspora support, attracting industrial investments and addressing security challenges.
Speaking at the celebration, the Akarigbo urged the people of Isara to rally behind their monarch, Oba Ogunbayo, describing him as a capable traditional ruler who deserved the collective support of his subjects.
Oba Ajayi expressed satisfaction with the cultural identity of the community, particularly its anthem, which he said reflected the history, values and enduring heritage of Isara.
He said the unity of the people remained critical to the success of the monarch’s leadership and the community’s development aspirations.
The Akarigbo also dismissed claims that Oba Ogunbayo had received money reportedly released by the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, for distribution among communities in Remoland.
He clarified that Isara had yet to receive its share of the funds, contrary to reports suggesting that the Odemo had collected the money and channelled it into the ongoing palace reconstruction initiative.
“You know that Adebutu gave us some money that he said we should share at Remo. Isara has not gotten its own because I am hearing that the king has collected it. He hasn’t oooo,” Oba Ajayi said.
He explained that the palace reconstruction initiative was being funded through the monarch’s personal resources, hence the need for a separate fundraising campaign to mobilise the required ₦600m.
Earlier, Oba Ogunbayo had appealed to indigenes, corporate organisations, philanthropists, business leaders and friends of Isara at home and abroad to support the reconstruction of the royal palace.
The monarch described the palace as a symbol of the community’s history, identity and traditional institution, rather than merely a physical structure.
“A palace is much more than a physical structure. It represents the traditional institution, preserves our collective memories, and reflects our identity, values and continuity as a people,” he said.
He explained that the proposed reconstruction was aimed at providing future generations with a befitting royal institution that reflected the dignity of the throne and the historical significance of Isara.
Oba Ogunbayo urged royal fathers, chiefs, community associations, professionals, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to contribute towards achieving the fundraising target.
Beyond the palace project, the monarch highlighted security as another major priority of his administration, disclosing that about 42 tactical and specialist police personnel had been deployed to Isara during a period of heightened security concerns.
He said the deployment followed engagements with relevant authorities aimed at strengthening security operations and protecting residents.
The monarch also disclosed that he had pursued the establishment of a Nigeria Police Force Area Command headquarters in Isara-Remo to improve security coordination across the area.
Recalling the security challenges that followed an attack at Atoba Village, Orile-Oko, Oba Ogunbayo said he had engaged relevant authorities over efforts to secure the release of abducted victims and improve security patrols along vulnerable routes.
He disclosed that the Ogunbayo Family had provided temporary accommodation for the Police Area Command, while the Daramola Dynasty Foundation was working towards completing a permanent building for the command.
He also acknowledged contributions from local organisations towards security operations, including the provision of patrol vehicles and other essential resources.
The monarch particularly commended four quarry companies for donating a combined ₦65m towards security and development initiatives in the community.
He, however, stressed that sustaining security required the cooperation of government, security agencies, private organisations and residents.
On economic development, Oba Ogunbayo disclosed that three companies had been attracted to Isara-Remo and had commenced land-clearing activities on land acquired from the Ogun State Government within the Isara Industrial Cluster II Scheme along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
He expressed optimism that the investments would create employment opportunities, stimulate commercial activities and improve the economic fortunes of the community.
The monarch also revealed plans for a multipurpose market close to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, saying the proposed facility would provide a platform for farmers, traders and entrepreneurs to expand their businesses.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working with investors, government officials and community stakeholders to position Isara as an attractive destination for productive investments.
In his remarks, Governor Abiodun, represented by Oresanya, congratulated Oba Ogunbayo on his emergence as the 38th Odemo of Isara-Remo, describing his reign as an important chapter in the history of the ancient community.
The governor described Afotamodi Day as more than an annual cultural celebration, saying its 57-year history reflected the enduring traditions, values and collective identity of the Isara people.
He commended indigenes living outside the community for maintaining their connection with their ancestral home and contributing to its development.
Abiodun also threw his weight behind the proposed ₦600m palace reconstruction project, urging Isara indigenes at home and abroad to support the initiative.
On infrastructure, the governor said his administration remained committed to extending development to communities across Ogun State through its ISEYA development agenda, covering infrastructure, social welfare and well-being, education, youth empowerment, agriculture and food security.
He listed the Iperu-Ilishan Road, Ilishan-Ilara-Akaka-Ode Remo Road, Ode Junction-Sapade Road and Sagamu Junction-Iperu corridor among strategic road projects undertaken to improve connectivity and economic activities in Remoland.
He also identified the Ode Remo-Isara Road and other connecting routes as important infrastructure requiring continued attention to improve accessibility within Remo North and neighbouring communities.
The governor further cited the Gateway International Airport along the Iperu-Ilishan axis as a major economic project expected to boost commerce, logistics, tourism and industrial development in Remoland.
On healthcare, Abiodun disclosed that his administration was advancing plans for a legacy hospital in Isara-Remo, describing the proposed facility as an intervention that would improve healthcare delivery, create employment and provide lasting benefits to residents.
He added that his administration would continue to invest in primary healthcare, education, youth empowerment, agriculture and social welfare.
“Our people deserve the best, and we must continue to work together to deliver it,” the governor said.
Abiodun, who acknowledged that his administration was in its final lap, pledged to remain focused on delivering its mandate until the end of his tenure.
He also expressed his intention to serve as Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District after leaving office, subject to the acceptance and support of the electorate.
The governor urged the incoming administration to consolidate on the foundations laid by his government and sustain development across the state.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of ADRON Homes and Properties urged Isara indigenes living in different parts of the country and abroad to return home and invest in real estate, industrial development and other business opportunities.
Describing Isara as the plateau of Remoland, the real estate executive attributed the community’s geographical landscape, characterised by surrounding hills, to its historical resilience against external attacks.
He said Isara had significant economic potential and urged indigenes to take advantage of the town’s development prospects by establishing businesses, industries and residential estates.
“I love something which is land, and we will build GRA at Isara. God has given us a great king,” he said.
He also disclosed plans to establish an estate in the community, expressing confidence that Isara could become a globally recognised destination.
“Come back home and build estates and industries. I will start my own estate in Isara as soon as possible. The name Isara will be global,” he added.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Remo North Local Government, Olumuyiwa Sodade, described Afotamodi Day as a celebration of cultural identity, ancestral values and communal unity.
He commended indigenes for their contributions to the development of Isara, irrespective of their places of residence.
Sodade also praised the Ogun State Government for infrastructure projects in the area, particularly the completion of the Mada-Takete Road and the re-award of the Iyankan-Orile-Oko Road.
He further acknowledged the government’s approval for the construction of shopping complexes aimed at stimulating commercial and socio-economic activities.
The council chairman, however, called for sustained cooperation among indigenes, stressing that the community’s development required collective commitment.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Afotamodi Day Planning Committee, Heric Olaanimasaun, expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the festival, saying the committee hoped the celebration would provide memorable experiences for guests and encourage greater participation in subsequent editions.
The event featured cultural displays and musical performances by popular entertainers, including Alhaji Ramoni Akanni, Alhaji Musiliu Haruna Ishola and gospel musician, Evangelist Dr Lanre Teriba, popularly known as Atorise.
Other dignitaries at the celebration included Hon. Kola Dickson Awolaja, representing Remo North State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly; Hon. Adebiyi Adeleye, an aspirant for the Ogun State House of Assembly; traditional rulers, chiefs, religious leaders, community stakeholders and prominent Isara indigenes.
The festival ended with renewed calls for unity, diaspora participation and collective investment in initiatives aimed at preserving Isara’s heritage and advancing its socio-economic development.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
