…Urges Inclusive Leadership, Peace and Sustainable Development

Ogun governor urges inclusive leadership, peace and development as monarch extends olive branch to rival princes and calls on Iperu indigenes at home and abroad to unite for the town’s progress.

IPERU REMO, OGUN STATE — Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has charged the newly installed Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba (Dr) Taiwo Adenaike Ogunbona (Fibigbuwa IV), to embrace inclusive leadership, promote unity and work towards the socio-economic development of his community.

Abiodun gave the charge during the presentation of the Certificate of Appointment and Staff of Office to the monarch in Iperu Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Oladunjoye Hamzat, the governor described the appointment as a call to service, urging the new monarch to deploy his experience and managerial skills to advance the interests of the community.

He also called on the people of Iperu Remo to support the traditional ruler and work collectively to sustain peace, unity and development.

According to Abiodun, Oba Adenaike’s emergence followed the vacancy created by the death of his predecessor, Oba Adeleke Adelekan Idowu-Basibo, who joined his ancestors on February 6, 2025.

He explained that the nomination and selection process complied with the provisions of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law 2021, commending the new monarch, the Remo Traditional Council and the people of Remo Land for their cooperation and peaceful conduct throughout the process.

The governor described the installation as an opportunity to strengthen the traditional institution and accelerate development across Iperu Remo, Remo Land and Ogun State.

He noted that the Alaperu’s position as a first-class traditional ruler, a high-ranking member of the Remo Traditional Council and a permanent member of the Ogun State Council of Obas carried significant responsibilities.

Abiodun consequently urged the monarch to extend a hand of fellowship to all members of the community, including the princes who contested the throne with him.

“I implore you to be the father of all, irrespective of political, religious and social directions, while ensuring that your hand of love and fellowship is extended to all sons and daughters of the soil, including those who contested the stool with you,” the governor said.

He further urged the monarch to mobilise residents in support of the state government’s development agenda, stressing that collective participation was essential to achieving sustainable progress.

The governor also encouraged him to maintain cordial relationships with neighbouring communities and promote civic responsibility among his subjects.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to industrial growth and investment attraction, Abiodun said the state would continue to pursue initiatives aimed at improving economic opportunities and promoting the collective welfare of residents.

He also commended the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, Oba (Dr) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, for his continued support and contributions to the development of Remo Land.

Abiodun subsequently presented the Certificate of Appointment and Staff of Office to Oba Adenaike, expressing optimism that his reign would usher in greater peace, prosperity and development for Iperu Remo and neighbouring communities.

Oba Adenaike Extends Olive Branch to Rival Princes

In his acceptance speech, Oba Adenaike expressed gratitude to Almighty God, whom he referred to as Olodumare, and thanked the individuals and institutions that supported him throughout the nomination and selection process.

He pledged to govern with humility, fairness and a strong sense of responsibility, assuring the people that his reign would be guided by justice, accessibility and a commitment to the collective interests of the community.

The monarch stressed that religious differences and political affiliations should not become sources of division among the people of Iperu Remo.

“Our diversity in faith should never become a source of division; rather, it should strengthen our collective commitment to peace, mutual respect and the development of Iperu,” he said.

Extending a hand of fellowship to the princes who contested the throne alongside him, Oba Adenaike acknowledged their courage, patriotism and commitment to the community.

He declared that the contest was over and called on all parties to set aside their differences and work together for the advancement of Iperu Remo.

“This is the time to put our differences aside, embrace one another, and demand for peace, progress and development of Iperu,” the monarch stated.

He maintained that the community’s greatest achievement would not simply be the emergence of a new king but the ability of its people to build a stronger, more united and prosperous town for future generations.

“Let us remember that the true victory is not simply that one person has emerged as king, but that Iperu Akesan Land emerges stronger, more united and more prosperous,” he said.

The monarch also urged the various ruling houses to sustain the spirit of brotherhood, mutual respect and understanding, noting that their shared heritage should take precedence over individual differences.

He specifically acknowledged the Fibigbuwa, Agbonmagbe, Amororo (Mogunsen) and Odoru royal dynasties, calling on them to work together to preserve the community’s traditions and secure a prosperous future.

Oba Adenaike thanked the kingmakers and other stakeholders who participated in the selection process, noting that their support and prayers had encouraged him throughout the journey.

He also pledged to protect the dignity and integrity of the Alaperu throne, describing it as a royal heritage that transcends any individual occupant.

Youth Empowerment, Community Development Top Monarch’s Agenda

Outlining his vision for Iperu Remo, Oba Adenaike identified community welfare, cultural preservation, youth empowerment, economic opportunities and the strengthening of traditional institutions as key priorities of his reign.

He called on captains of industry, professionals, artisans, youth groups, women’s organisations and other prominent indigenes to partner with the palace in driving the town’s development.

The monarch also appealed to Iperu sons and daughters living outside the community and in the diaspora to reconnect with their ancestral home by contributing their knowledge, experience, resources and networks to local development initiatives.

He assured residents that his palace would remain open to everyone willing to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of the community.

According to him, stronger collaboration in education, healthcare, commerce, youth development and other critical sectors would enable Iperu Remo to make greater contributions to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria.

He expressed confidence that the town’s rich history, human resources and emerging economic opportunities could be harnessed to build a more prosperous community.

Oba Adenaike also commended Governor Abiodun for upgrading the Ogun State Cooperative College in Shasha, Iperu, to offer National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes.

He further noted that the Gateway International Airport project in the Iperu-Ilishan axis had enhanced the strategic importance and development prospects of the area.

The monarch assured the governor of Iperu Remo’s readiness to contribute more to the state’s economic growth, stressing the importance of stronger partnerships among government, traditional institutions, private investors and residents.

Ebi of Idena Urges Unity Across Iperu

The Ebi of Idena, Oba Lukman Oluwadamilare Adebambo Salami, who represented the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, also called on the people of Iperu Remo to strengthen unity and cooperation across the different sections of the community.

He noted that Iperu comprises several sections, including Idena, Idarika and Afukon, urging residents to preserve their shared identity and work together towards the town’s progress.

His appeal underscored the importance of cooperation among traditional institutions and community groups in sustaining peace and promoting development.

Other traditional rulers at the ceremony included the Odemo of Isara Remo, Oba Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo; the Akufon of Idarika, Oba Olugbenga Somade; and the Onimeji of Imeji, Oba Babatunde Kayode Olayebo.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, an indigene of Iperu, was also present in support of the commissioner during the presentation of the instruments of office.

Ikenne LG Chairman Seeks Support for New Monarch

The Chairman of Ikenne Local Government Area, Hon. Jamiu Mohammad Asimi, urged the people of Iperu Remo to give Oba Adenaike the necessary support to succeed on the throne.

He also called on residents to appreciate the Ogun State Government’s development initiatives by supporting the administration’s political platform, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in forthcoming elections.

The ceremony attracted members of the Association of Remo Oloris (Queens), the Iperu Regency led by the Olisa of Iperu, High Chief Rotimi Odutona, other high chiefs, religious leaders and representatives of various sectors of the community.

The Alaperu’s Multipurpose Hall was filled to capacity as traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders and well-wishers gathered to witness the presentation of the Staff of Office. Security personnel were deployed to maintain order throughout the event.

The installation of Oba Adenaike marks a new chapter in the traditional leadership of Iperu Remo, with the monarch placing reconciliation, inclusive leadership and collective responsibility at the centre of his vision for the community.

As he begins his reign, the success of his agenda will depend on sustained cooperation among the royal families, traditional institutions, government, indigenes at home and abroad, and the wider community in building a more peaceful, united and prosperous Iperu Remo.