By Johnson Dairo Daniel
BoldNEWS Africa
Iperu Remo, Ogun State
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has charged the new Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba (Dr) Taiwo Adenaike Ogunbona (Fibigbuwa IV), to be a father to all, irrespective of political, religious and social affiliations, as he formally presented him with his Certificate of Appointment and Staff of Office.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Oladunjoye Hamzat, the governor gave the charge during the monarch’s installation ceremony in Iperu Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area, urging him to promote peace, unity and socio-economic development.
Abiodun said the monarch’s emergence followed the death of his predecessor, Oba Adeleke Adelekan Idowu-Basibo, on February 6, 2025, adding that the selection process complied with the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law 2021.
He urged Oba Adenaike to extend a hand of fellowship to all members of the community, including princes who contested the throne, and mobilise residents to support the state’s development agenda. He also called on the people to cooperate with the new monarch in building a peaceful and prosperous community.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Adenaike pledged to lead with humility, fairness and justice, declaring that political and religious differences should not divide the people of Iperu Remo.
The monarch extended a hand of fellowship to rival princes, urging them to put the contest behind them and work collectively for the town’s progress.
He appealed to the Fibigbuwa, Agbonmagbe, Amororo (Mogunsen) and Odoru ruling houses to sustain brotherhood and mutual respect, stressing that the community’s unity and prosperity mattered more than individual interests.
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.
Outlining his priorities, Oba Adenaike identified community welfare, cultural preservation, youth empowerment, job opportunities and stronger traditional institutions as key areas of focus.
He called on professionals, business leaders, artisans, youth groups, women’s organisations and Iperu indigenes in the diaspora to contribute their expertise, resources and connections to the town’s development.
The monarch commended Governor Abiodun for upgrading the Ogun State Cooperative College in Shasha, Iperu, to offer National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes. He also highlighted the Gateway International Airport project along the Iperu-Ilishan axis as an opportunity to strengthen the area’s economic prospects.
He expressed readiness to work with the government, private investors and community stakeholders to advance development in Iperu Remo.
Oba Lukman Oluwadamilare Adebambo Salami, the Ebi of Idena, who represented the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, Oba (Dr) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, urged residents across Iperu’s sections, including Idena, Idarika and Afukon, to preserve their shared identity and work together for progress.
Other traditional rulers present 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 Chairman of Ikenne Local Government Area, Hon. Jamiu Mohammad Asimi, also appealed to residents to support the new monarch in fulfilling his responsibilities.
The ceremony attracted traditional rulers, government officials, chiefs, religious leaders, members of the Association of Remo Oloris, the Iperu Regency led by the Olisa of Iperu, High Chief Rotimi Odutona, and other community stakeholders.
Oba Adenaike’s installation marks a new chapter in Iperu Remo’s traditional leadership, with reconciliation, inclusive governance, cultural preservation and collective development emerging as central themes of his reign.
About the Author
