Matters Arising From Remo Day 2025:
The Emergence of Remoland as a Cultural and Political Bloc
By Charles Segun Adegbite
What unfolded in Sagamu on December 27, 2025, was far more than a cultural carnival. It was a statement; measured, deliberate, and unmistakable. Remo Day 2025, being the second edition, did not merely celebrate history; it reframed it. Under the watchful eyes of royalty, the weight of political authority, and the vibrant presence of a people rediscovering themselves, Remoland announced its arrival as a cohesive cultural force and an emerging political bloc in Ogun State and beyond.
At the centre of this reawakening stood the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, CFR (Torungbuwa II)—not just as a custodian of tradition, but as a bridge between history and modern relevance. Around him converged power, purpose, and people in an unprecedented alignment that has now become the defining legacy of Remo Day 2025.
Beyond Celebration: A Convergence of Power and Identity
From the early hours of the day, Sagamu bore the markings of something historic. The colourful parade of dancers, drummers, artisans, and cultural troupes was visually arresting, but beneath the rhythm was a deeper message: unity without erasure, diversity without division. The theme—“One People, Diverse Cultures, One Identity”—was not decorative; it was ideological.
When the Akarigbo made his grand entrance, flanked by Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, the symbolism was profound. Traditional authority and modern governance walked side by side, projecting a rare harmony often spoken about but seldom seen.
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That harmony was further reinforced by the presence of President of the Nigeria’s Senate , Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, former Ogun State Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the Minister of Arts, Culture and Tourism Hannatu Musa Musawa, and a constellation of political leaders, royal fathers, and industrial figures.
This was no coincidence. Remo Day 2025 became a meeting point where culture met politics—not in confrontation, but in collaboration.
The Akarigbo’s Quiet Revolution
Oba Babatunde Ajayi’s leadership has gradually transformed Remo Day from a long-conceived idea into a living institution. While the seed was planted as far back as 2014 by his predecessor, Oba (Dr.) Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo, it was under Ajayi’s reign that vision crystallised into reality. The maiden edition in 2024 broke an 87-year silence since Remo’s liberation era; the 2025 edition consolidated it.
What distinguishes the Akarigbo’s approach is subtlety. There were no incendiary speeches or overt political demands. Instead, the monarch emphasised peace, unity, love, and collective responsibility—values that, when consistently projected, naturally evolve into influence. In doing so, he positioned Remoland not as a protest bloc, but as a persuasive one.
From Cultural Unity to Political Consciousness
The attendance of top-tier political actors was not ceremonial courtesy; it was acknowledgement. Senate President Akpabio’s address, praising Remo’s unity and resilience, underscored a national recognition that cultural cohesion translates into political relevance. Governor Abiodun’s repeated affirmation of government partnership signalled that Remoland is no longer a peripheral constituency but a central stakeholder.
The unveiling of new infrastructure—the stadium and pavilion—during the celebration further reinforced this shift. These were not just physical projects; they were metaphors for permanence. Remo Day is no longer an event; it is an institution with economic, cultural, and political implications.
The People as the Power
Perhaps the most striking feature of Remo Day 2025 was the breadth of grassroots participation. From the Iyalodes, Iyaolojas, youth groups, women’s collectives, professional associations, royal houses, and social clubs, Remo society appeared in full representation. Each group danced not merely to entertain, but to be seen—to affirm presence, relevance, and belonging.
The role of youths was particularly symbolic. Once associated with rivalry and unrest, Remo youths now projected discipline, coordination, and purpose. Their involvement before and during the event sent a powerful message: a cultural rebirth anchored on generational continuity.
The Strategic Brilliance Behind the Scenes
The meticulous planning—from the press briefing at the Akarigbo Palace to the religious observances, beauty pageant, security arrangements, and logistics—revealed an organisational maturity that mirrors state-level coordination. Leaders like Otunba Seni Adetu, Prince Wole Sowole, and the Remo Growth Development Foundation quietly transformed Remo Day into both a cultural festival and an economic catalyst.
This structure matters. Culture without structure fades; structure without culture collapses. Remo Day now has both.
Matters Arising: A Bloc Takes Shape
What, then, are the matters arising from Remo Day 2025?
First, Remoland has demonstrated that cultural unity can be a foundation for political coherence without antagonism. Second, it has shown that traditional institutions, when visionary, can convene modern power respectfully.
Third, Remo has positioned itself as a negotiating entity—culturally confident, politically relevant, and economically attractive.
The convergence of royalty, government, legislature, diaspora interest, and grassroots participation points to a future where Remoland speaks with one voice on issues of development, representation, and identity.
A New Chapter, Written in Confidence
As the drums faded and the pavilion lights dimmed, one truth remained unmistakable: Remo Day 2025 was not an end; it was a declaration.
Remoland is no longer content with fragmented histories and isolated celebrations. It is consciously shaping its narratives; rooted in heritage, driven by unity, and aligned with power.
Under the steady gaze of the Akarigbo, Remo is rising; not in defiance, but in dignity. And in Nigeria’s complex cultural and political tapestry, that may be the most powerful statement of all.
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