…Odemo appeals to indigenes, investors for support
Ayomide Awe
The ancient town of Isara-Remo in Ogun State has launched a ₦600m fundraising drive for the reconstruction of the Odemo’s Palace, as the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, clarified that the community had yet to receive its share of funds reportedly released by a Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant, Ladi Adebutu, for distribution among communities in Remoland.
Oba Ajayi gave the clarification at the 57th Afotamodi Day Festival held at Isara Secondary School, Isara-Remo, on Saturday, dismissing claims that the Odemo of Isara-Remo, Oba Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo, Otete III, had received the money and was using it to finance the palace reconstruction.
The Akarigbo, who was the royal father of the day, said the palace project was being funded through the personal resources of the Odemo, hence the need for collective contributions from indigenes and other well-meaning individuals.
He said, “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.”
The clarification came as the Odemo appealed to Isara indigenes, corporate organisations, philanthropists and friends of the community, particularly those in the diaspora, to contribute towards the proposed ₦600m project.
The festival, organised by the Afotamodi Day Planning Committee with the theme, “Preserving Our Heritage, Restoring Our Glory,” also provided a platform for discussions on security, industrial development, infrastructure, investment and the preservation of Isara’s cultural heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Oba Ajayi urged the people to unite behind their traditional ruler, describing Oba Ogunbayo as the right person to occupy the throne and calling for collective support for his leadership.
“I am glad with what I am seeing because the one who is capable of being on the throne is the one there. I want us to join our hands together with the king,” he said.
Earlier, the Odemo described the palace as an important symbol of the community’s history, identity and traditional institution, stressing that its reconstruction was necessary to preserve the heritage of Isara for future generations.
He said the project went beyond erecting a physical structure, noting that the palace represented the people’s collective memories, values and continuity.
“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,” the monarch said.
He urged traditional rulers, chiefs, community associations, business leaders, professionals and corporate organisations to support the initiative, describing the ₦600m target as a collective investment in the town’s history and future.
Beyond the palace project, Oba Ogunbayo disclosed that efforts were underway to strengthen security in Isara, revealing that about 42 tactical and specialist police personnel had been deployed to the community during a period of heightened security concerns.
He said he had also engaged relevant authorities over the establishment of a Nigeria Police Force Area Command headquarters in Isara-Remo to improve security coordination and protect lives and property.
Recalling the security challenges following an attack at Atoba Village, Orile-Oko, the monarch said he had intervened through engagements with relevant authorities to support efforts towards securing the release of abducted victims.
He disclosed that the Ogunbayo Family had provided temporary accommodation for the proposed police command, while the Daramola Dynasty Foundation was working towards the completion of a permanent building for the facility.
The Odemo also acknowledged four quarry companies for contributing a combined ₦65m towards security and development initiatives in the community.
He, however, called for sustained collaboration among government authorities, security agencies, corporate organisations and residents, stressing that the protection of lives and property remained a collective responsibility.
On economic development, the monarch disclosed that three companies had been attracted to Isara-Remo and had commenced land-clearing activities on land acquired from the Ogun State Government under the Isara Industrial Cluster II Scheme along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
He expressed optimism that the investments would generate employment, stimulate commercial activities and create economic opportunities for youths, artisans and traders.
Oba Ogunbayo also disclosed that plans were underway to establish a multipurpose market close to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to support farmers, traders, entrepreneurs and other business operators.
He said the proposed market, alongside the industrial investments, would strengthen the town’s economic base and position it to attract further private-sector participation.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of ADRON Homes and Properties urged Isara indigenes living outside the community to return home and invest in real estate, industries and other business opportunities.
Describing Isara as the plateau of Remoland, he said the town’s geographical landscape and surrounding hills had contributed to its historical resilience.
He expressed confidence in the community’s development prospects, disclosing his intention to establish an estate in Isara.
“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 said.
In his address, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, 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, who described himself as a proud son of Remoland, commended the community for sustaining the annual Afotamodi festival, saying the celebration had remained an avenue for preserving cultural values, strengthening family ties and promoting unity among indigenes at home and abroad.
Abiodun also acknowledged the proposed ₦600m palace reconstruction project, urging Isara indigenes and well-meaning individuals to support the initiative.
On infrastructure, the governor listed several road projects undertaken by his administration in Remoland, including the Iperu-Ilishan Road, Ilishan-Ilara-Akaka-Ode Remo Road, Ode Junction-Sapade Road and the Sagamu Junction-Iperu corridor.
He also mentioned the Oba Erinwole Road and Hospital Road in Ogijo, describing the projects as important links to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other economic opportunities.
Specifically addressing Isara and neighbouring communities, Abiodun highlighted the Ode Remo-Isara Road and other connecting routes, assuring residents that his administration recognised the importance of improving accessibility in Remo North.
The governor further identified the Gateway International Airport along the Iperu-Ilishan axis as a major economic project expected to boost commerce, logistics, tourism and industrial development across Remoland.
On healthcare, he disclosed that his administration was advancing plans for a legacy hospital in Isara-Remo, saying the facility would improve access to medical services, create employment and provide lasting benefits to residents.
Abiodun also highlighted interventions in education, youth empowerment, agriculture and social welfare, assuring the people that his administration remained committed to the development of the area.
The governor, who acknowledged that his administration was in its final lap, promised to remain focused on delivering its mandate until the end of his tenure.
He also disclosed his intention to continue serving the people as senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, subject to their acceptance and support.
He urged the incoming administration to sustain ongoing development projects and consolidate on the achievements of his government.
The Chairman of Remo North Local Government, Olumuyiwa Sodade, described Afotamodi Day as a celebration of cultural identity, ancestral values and communal unity.
Sodade commended the state government for its infrastructural interventions in the area, particularly the completion of the Mada-Takete Road and the re-award of the Iyankan-Orile-Oko Road.
He also acknowledged the government’s approval for shopping complexes aimed at improving commercial and socio-economic activities in the area.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Afotamodi Day Planning Committee, Heric Olaanimasaun, expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the festival, saying the event was designed to reconnect Isara indigenes with their ancestral roots and encourage greater participation in community development.
The celebration attracted traditional rulers from across Remoland, political office holders, business leaders, religious leaders and prominent indigenes.
Among those present were the Akarigbo, Oba Ajayi; Governor Abiodun, who was represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya; the member representing Remo North State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Kola Dickson Awolaja; and an Ogun State House of Assembly aspirant, Adebiyi Adeleye.
The event also featured cultural displays and musical performances by popular entertainers, including Ramoni Akanni, Musiliu Haruna Ishola and gospel musician, Lanre Teriba, popularly known as Atorise.
The 57th Afotamodi Day celebration ended with renewed calls for unity, investment and collective responsibility, as the community seeks to rebuild its traditional palace, strengthen security and attract investments to accelerate its development.
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