Isara Seeks ₦600m For Palace Rebuild As Akarigbo Denies Receipt Of Adebutu’s Remo Funds

…Odemo appeals to indigenes, investors for support

Ayomide Awe

The ancient town of Isara-Remo in Ogun State has launched a ₦600m fundraising drive for the reconstruction of the Odemo’s Palace, as the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, clarified that the community had yet to receive its share of funds reportedly released by a Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant, Ladi Adebutu, for distribution among communities in Remoland.

Oba Ajayi gave the clarification at the 57th Afotamodi Day Festival held at Isara Secondary School, Isara-Remo, on Saturday, dismissing claims that the Odemo of Isara-Remo, Oba Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo, Otete III, had received the money and was using it to finance the palace reconstruction.

The Akarigbo, who was the royal father of the day, said the palace project was being funded through the personal resources of the Odemo, hence the need for collective contributions from indigenes and other well-meaning individuals.

He said, “You know that Adebutu gave us some money that he said we should share at Remo. Isara has not gotten its own because I am hearing that the king has collected it. He hasn’t.”

The clarification came as the Odemo appealed to Isara indigenes, corporate organisations, philanthropists and friends of the community, particularly those in the diaspora, to contribute towards the proposed ₦600m project.

The festival, organised by the Afotamodi Day Planning Committee with the theme, “Preserving Our Heritage, Restoring Our Glory,” also provided a platform for discussions on security, industrial development, infrastructure, investment and the preservation of Isara’s cultural heritage.

Addressing the gathering, Oba Ajayi urged the people to unite behind their traditional ruler, describing Oba Ogunbayo as the right person to occupy the throne and calling for collective support for his leadership.

“I am glad with what I am seeing because the one who is capable of being on the throne is the one there. I want us to join our hands together with the king,” he said.

Earlier, the Odemo described the palace as an important symbol of the community’s history, identity and traditional institution, stressing that its reconstruction was necessary to preserve the heritage of Isara for future generations.

He said the project went beyond erecting a physical structure, noting that the palace represented the people’s collective memories, values and continuity.

“A palace is much more than a physical structure. It represents the traditional institution, preserves our collective memories, and reflects our identity, values and continuity as a people,” the monarch said.

He urged traditional rulers, chiefs, community associations, business leaders, professionals and corporate organisations to support the initiative, describing the ₦600m target as a collective investment in the town’s history and future.

Beyond the palace project, Oba Ogunbayo disclosed that efforts were underway to strengthen security in Isara, revealing that about 42 tactical and specialist police personnel had been deployed to the community during a period of heightened security concerns.

He said he had also engaged relevant authorities over the establishment of a Nigeria Police Force Area Command headquarters in Isara-Remo to improve security coordination and protect lives and property.

Recalling the security challenges following an attack at Atoba Village, Orile-Oko, the monarch said he had intervened through engagements with relevant authorities to support efforts towards securing the release of abducted victims.

He disclosed that the Ogunbayo Family had provided temporary accommodation for the proposed police command, while the Daramola Dynasty Foundation was working towards the completion of a permanent building for the facility.

The Odemo also acknowledged four quarry companies for contributing a combined ₦65m towards security and development initiatives in the community.