…identifies community welfare, youth empowerment, and employment opportunities as key priorities

IPERU REMO, OGUN STATE — Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has presented the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to the new Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba (Dr) Taiwo Adenaike Ogunbona (Fibigbuwa IV).

Governor Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Oladunjoye Hamzat, presented the staff of office at the official installation ceremony held at the Alaperu’s Palace in Iperu Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area.

Oba Ogunbona (Fibigbuwa IV), in his acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to Almighty God and appreciated the individuals and institutions that supported him throughout the nomination and selection process.

The new Alaperu, who emphasised the importance of cultural preservation and communal harmony for a more peaceful and prosperous Iperu, pledged to be a father to all, regardless of religious, political, and other differences.

The monarch pledged to lead 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.

“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.

Oba Adenaike particularly extended a hand of fellowship to the princes who contested the throne alongside him, acknowledging their courage, patriotism and commitment to the community, while asking them to work together in the interests of Iperu Remo.

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

He added that the real achievement would not simply be the emergence of a new king but the continued unity for a more prosperous Iperu that is better positioned 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 appealed to the various ruling houses in Iperu to sustain the spirit of brotherhood, mutual respect and understanding, stressing that their shared heritage should take precedence over individual differences.

Oba Ogunbona called on all the ruling houses in Iperu to continue working together in mutual understanding to preserve the traditions and build a better future for the coming generations.

The monarch asked community leaders, religious leaders, chiefs, princes and other stakeholders to join hands with him in building the “Iperu of our dreams”. He added that while every challenge facing Iperu will not disappear overnight, he pledged his commitment, dedication and effort to work with all stakeholders to solve them.

The new Alaperu also commended Governor Abiodun for the Gateway International Airport, which he says has positioned Iperu and Ogun State for greater global visibility, as well as stimulating commerce, investment, and employment opportunities.

Outlining his vision for Iperu Remo, Oba Adenaike identified community welfare, cultural preservation, youth empowerment, the creation of 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 join hands with the palace in advancing the development of the town.

The monarch also appealed to Iperu sons and daughters living outside the community and in the diaspora to renew their commitment to their ancestral home by contributing their knowledge, experience, resources and connections to local development.

He assured residents that his palace would remain open to everyone willing to contribute positively to the advancement of the community. He said greater cooperation in education, healthcare, commerce, youth development and other sectors would enable Iperu Remo to make more meaningful contributions to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria.

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

Governor Abiodun, in his remarks, urged the new monarch to regard his appointment as a call to serve the people and advance the socio-economic development of the community.

Governor Abiodun, who expressed confidence in the new Alaperu’s leadership, urged him to deploy his experience and managerial skills to move Iperu Remo to greater heights.

He also called on the people of Iperu Remo to support their traditional ruler and work with him to sustain peace, unity and development in the community.

According to the governor, the emergence of Oba Adenaike 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 that produced the new monarch complied with the provisions of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law 2021.

Abiodun congratulated the new Alaperu, the Remo Traditional Council and the people of Remo Land for their cooperation and peaceful conduct throughout the selection process.

The governor noted that Oba Adenaike’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 came with significant responsibilities. He urged the monarch to use his position to foster unity and extend his hand of fellowship to all members of the community, including those 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,” Abiodun said.

The governor further urged the monarch to mobilise the people towards supporting the state government’s development agenda, noting that collective participation would be essential to achieving sustainable progress.

He also encouraged the new Alaperu to maintain peaceful relationships between Iperu Remo and neighbouring communities while promoting civic responsibility among his people.

Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to industrial growth and attracting high-value investments to Ogun State for the collective benefit of its 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.

The governor subsequently presented the instruments 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 its environs.

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

He noted that Iperu comprises different sections, including Idena, Idarika and Afukon, and urged residents to preserve their common identity while working together for the town’s progress. His appeal reinforced the importance of cooperation among the various traditional institutions and community groups in sustaining peace and development.

Other traditional rulers at the event 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 to support the commissioner during the presentation of the instruments of office.

The event 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 stakeholders.