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.
