More than three months after the stool of Odemo of Isara in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State became vacant, the town’s kingmakers on Monday selected Bashorun Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo as the new traditional ruler to oversee the community.
Ogunbayo, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Amba Properties Nigeria Limited, defeated six other contestants to emerge the Odemo-elect during an election meeting of the kingmakers held at the Odemo palace in Isara-Remo.
Nine out of the 12 kingmakers reportedly voted for Ogunbayo during the meeting which held amidst the heavy deployment of security operatives, including soldiers, police, Amotekun Corps and vigilante men, among others.
Others contestants to the throne included a former member of the state House of Assembly, Otunba Fatai Sowemimo; former Commissioner for Health, Dr Kehinde Osifade; Sule Shodipe; Kunle Shodipe; Otunba Dele Amoda and Asiwaju Muyiwa Sonupe.
It will be recalled that the Odemo throne became vacant on May 1, 2025 after the passing of Oba Albert Adebose Mayungbe.
Speaking with reporters after his declaration as the Odemo-elect, Ogunbayo commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for facilitating a transparent selection process, free from external influence or undue interference.
He said, “I must first of all thank the Almighty God for giving me the privilege to emerge as the Odemo-elect for Isara-Remo today, and particularly, I must thank our governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for giving everyone a level playing field and making the process to be free and fair. May the Almighty God continue to guide our governor aright.”
The property merchant noted that his emergence as the traditional ruler of the ancient community marked a new era that will be devoted to pursuing industrialisation and accelerated socio-economic development across all sectors in the community.
Ogunbayo further said, “I am into properties, we deal with industrial land transactional set up. So, I will use all my network and experience garnered over the years and above all, the grace of God, to push for the industrialisation of our community.
“When there are jobs for the people to do, there will be economic growth and prosperity and crime rate will be at the lowest ebb. There is really a lot of developmental plans in place to drive the socio-economic development of our community.”
The Oba-elect also hailed other family members who contested with him for their courage and sportsmanship, urging them to support and cooperate with him in taking Isara-Remo to greater heights.
Also speaking, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hon. Adebiyi Adeleye, applauded the rancour-free selection process for the new Odemo-elect.
Adeleye said that the development had been made possible with the maturity displayed by other contestants to the throne as well as their supporters.
He described the Oba-elect as a highly successful property merchant and an illustrious son of Isara who has all it takes to drive rapid development across the length and breath of the community.
He also lauded Governor for supporting a free and fair selection process that eventually paved the way for Ogunbayo’s emergence, adding that Abiodun had always demonstrated that he is on the side of the people and would always allow their will to prevail.
The Governor’s aide called on the people of Isara-Remo to rally round the new traditional ruler for a peaceful and prosperous reign.
With the selection of new Odemo of Isara, the kingmakers are expected to forward the name of the chosen candidate to the Ogun State Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for necessary action.
