Barely three months after the stool of Odemo of Isara in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State became vacant, Bashorun Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo has been selected as the new Odemo-elect, promising a fresh era of development and progress for the ancient town.
The selection, which took place on Monday at the Odemo palace, saw Ogunbayo, the Chief Executive Officer of Amba Properties Nigeria Limited, outshine six other contestants. Reports indicate that nine out of the 12 kingmakers cast their votes in his favour amidst tight security, which included soldiers, police officers, Amotekun Corps, and local vigilante men.
The other contestants for the coveted stool were a mix of political and business heavyweights, including former House of Assembly member Otunba Fatai Sowemimo, former Commissioner for Health Dr. Kehinde Osifade, Sule Shodipe, Kunle Shodipe, Otunba Dele Amoda, and Asiwaju Muyiwa Sonupe.
The Odemo stool became vacant on May 1, 2025, following the passing of Oba Albert Adebose Mayungbe, leaving the community eagerly awaiting new leadership.
Speaking to journalists after his declaration, Ogunbayo expressed gratitude to God and commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for facilitating a fair and transparent selection process.
“I must first of all thank the Almighty God for giving me the privilege to emerge as the Odemo-elect for Isara-Remo today. Particularly, I must thank our governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for giving everyone a level playing field and making the process free and fair,” he said.
Ogunbayo, who has built a strong reputation in the property sector, assured the people of Isara-Remo that his reign will be dedicated to industrialisation, job creation, and socio-economic development.
“We deal with industrial land transactions. I will use all my experience, network, and above all, the grace of God, to push for industrialisation in our community. When there are jobs for the people to do, economic growth and prosperity will follow, and the crime rate will drop significantly,” he said.
The Odemo-elect also called on other contestants to join him in working for the town’s growth, praising them for their sportsmanship and courage.
Governor Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hon. Adebiyi Adeleye, described the process as rancour-free and transparent, attributing the smooth outcome to the maturity of the contestants and their supporters. He further hailed Ogunbayo as a highly successful businessman and illustrious son of Isara-Remo, capable of driving rapid community development.
With the selection completed, the kingmakers are expected to forward Ogunbayo’s name to the Ogun State Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for official ratification and preparations for his formal installation.
The people of Isara-Remo, both at home and in the diaspora, now look forward to a reign that blends tradition, development, and modern leadership—a new chapter in the rich history of the town.