Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has called on traditional rulers across the country to priortise peace and mobilise their communities to advance the development of the country.
Obasanjo said that the traditional rulers are constitutionally enthroned to be drivers of development and compliment every effort of the government to make life more meaningful for the people at the grassroots.
The former president said that modern day traditional rulers should always strive to add values to the life of their subjects and be committed to advancing unity and progress of their various domains
Obasanjo gave this charge on Tuesday during the installation of the new Odemo of Isara Kingdom, Oba Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo.
He urged Oba Ogunbayo to be the father of all and foster cordial relationships among the people of the town as well as neighbouring communities.
He added that apart from being a custodian of traditions and culture of the town, Oba Ogunbayo must mobilize his people to contribute their quotas to the socioeconomic growth of the town.
While congratulating the traditional ruler for successfully ascending the throne of his forebears, Obasanjo charged him to epitomize unity, love and cooperation, with the aim of accelerating community development.
Obasanjo said that "I must thank our Governor, Dapo Abiodun for approving the installation of our brother and Kabiyesi, Oba Peter Ogunbayo as the new Odemo of Isara Remo, we are grateful to the governor.
"My word of advice is not much, it is in line with what the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remo land, Oba Babatunde Ajayi has said. There is no reason why we installed traditional ruler other than to enhance the peace and further development of their various domain.
"I am however happy that our new Odemo of Isara has been at the forefront of the development of his community before his enthronement and this the Kabiyesi must continue to do because that is why God has given him this grace to be the leader of this great town.
"I therefore urge you to work in cooperation with others for the upliftment of this great community, we achieve a lot when we work together in unity. I pray that the Almighty God will make your reign very peaceful and memorable"
Speaking at the coronation, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Michael Babatunde Ajayi, charged the new Odemo to reach out and embrace other contestants for the royal stool.
Oba Ajayi also urged Oba Ogunbayo to work for the peace and development of his domain, assuring him of the support and cooperation of other traditional rulers in Remoland.
In his address, the Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hazmat, said the installation of a new Odemo is a testimony to the commitment of Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration in ensuring that the rich cultural heritage is sustained.
Hamzat acknowledged that the nomination and selection process that produced the new monarch had followed the due process prescribed by Stool of Odemo of Isara and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021, as well as the 1958 registered Chieftaincy Declaration of the State.
The Commissioner, however, called on all sons and daughters of Isara Community to rally round and cooperate with the new traditional ruler, so that the town will continue on the path of progress and development.
"I beseech you to regard this appointment as a call to serve. I am confident that you will concentrate on the task of accelerating the pace of socio-economic development in Isara and Remoland by mobilizing your people in such a manner that their efforts will complement our Administration's "Building our Future Together" Agenda in Ogun State.
"At this point, I want to swiftly inform you of the Land Grabbing Prohibition Law in Ogun State, which amongst others, prohibits land-grabbing and wanton allocation of lands in the state for personal gains, without due recourse to the appropriate authority.
"I must say that the Ogun State Government does not only frown at land-grabbing activities, but detests involvement of any traditional ruler in such dastard acts.
"Therefore, I advise our new Kabiyesi to support the anti land grabbing campaign by ensuring that measures and machinery are put in place to curb land grabbing and other related criminalities in your domain", Hazmat stated.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Ogunbayo called for the support of other ruling houses in the town, promising to "run an open and inclusive royal administration where the voice of every ruling house, stakeholder, and Citizens will be heard".
He disclosed that his palace would work closely with the Odemo-in-Council, the Isara Development Council (IDC) Isara Remo Associations in the Diaspora, youths and women organizations, religious leaders, market leaders, security agencies, and non-indigene associations, to ensure development of the town.
"As part of my developmental vision, I am pleased to announce the establishment of a Royal Economic Advisory Council - a formidable team of experienced sons and daughters of Isara Remo who will guide and assist in implementing my royal cardinal agenda, a blueprint for growth, unity and sustainability in our kingdom", Oba Ogunbayo stated.
The Ogun State Government had recently approved the appointment of Oba Ogunbayo as the new Odemo of Isara Remo in Remo North Local Government Area.
The approval was granted by Prince Dapo Abiodun on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, following the confirmation by the State Executive Council as part of efforts to strengthen traditional institutions and grassroots governance across the state.
Otunba Ogunbayo, a respected businessman and community leader, was born on April 23, 1970, to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Olakunle Ogunbayo of Isara-Remo.
He attended Army Children Primary School and Muslim High School, Sagamu, before proceeding to Plateau School of Accounting and Management Studies. He later obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from the University of Jos.
He began his professional career with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in Lagos before venturing into private business.
In February 2002, he established Amba Properties Limited, a real estate and facilities management company based in Sagamu, Ogun State, with operations across the South-West, Port Harcourt and Abuja.
Otunba Ogunbayo has received several chieftaincy titles in recognition of his philanthropic gestures and contributions to community development. These include Akile of Itori Land, Otunba Fiwagboye of Ijoku Land, and Basoorun of Isara Remo.
He is also a respected figure in religious circles and currently serves as Baba Ewe of Emmanuel Anglican Church, Sabo, Sagamu, and Diocesan Adviser to the Remo Anglican Diocese on Property and Land Matters.
Otunba Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo is married to Mrs. Abimbola Ogunbayo and the union is blessed with three children.
His appointment as Odemo of Isara is expected to further strengthen traditional leadership and promote peace, unity and development in Isara Remo and its surrounding communities.
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