PARTNERING FOR PROGRESS: OBA ADEWALE AJAYI PLEDGES CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR CIPM'S ACTIVITIES IN REMOLAND

In a heartwarming royal encounter marked by gratitude, warm exchanges and a reassuring pledge, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland reaffirms his commitment to supporting the Remo and Ijebu Chapter of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.

By Charles Segun Adegbite

In a remarkable demonstration of royal hospitality, community leadership and support for professional development, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, HRM Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, CFR, Torungbuwa II, has pledged his continued support for the activities of the Remo and Ijebu Chapter of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM).

The respected monarch gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Chapter's executive members to his palace at Ita Oba, Sagamu, Ogun State, on Friday.

Led by the Chapter's Chairman, Prince Enoch Adebayo Akinde, the delegation visited the royal father to express its appreciation for the support he provided during the Chapter's state conference held in Sagamu from June 30 to July 2, 2026.

What began as a visit of appreciation developed into a memorable royal encounter, with the monarch receiving his guests warmly, exchanging pleasantries with them and offering an assurance that would undoubtedly encourage the professional body as it plans its future activities.

For the visiting executives, the occasion was an opportunity to acknowledge the importance of the monarch's support while strengthening the relationship between the palace and the Institute.

A ROYAL FATHER'S SUPPORT FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The relationship between traditional institutions and professional organisations can create valuable opportunities for community engagement, knowledge sharing and institutional development.

It was against this background that the CIPM Remo and Ijebu Chapter's leadership visited the Akarigbo to acknowledge his contribution to the successful hosting of its state conference in Sagamu.

The conference, which took place between June 30 and July 2, 2026, represented an important professional engagement for the Institute. The Chapter's executives considered it appropriate to return to the palace to formally convey their gratitude to the monarch.

Their visit also reflected the value they placed on maintaining a cordial relationship with the traditional institution and seeking its continued support for their professional activities.

At the centre of this relationship is Oba Ajayi, a respected royal father whose reign has provided the setting for engagements involving individuals, organisations and institutions within Remoland.

INSIDE THE AKARIGBO'S PALACE: A VISIT MARKED BY WARMTH AND APPRECIATION

Leading the delegation was Prince Enoch Adebayo Akinde of Vendata Metal Industries Limited, Chairman of the CIPM Remo and Ijebu Chapter.

He was accompanied by the Deputy Chairman, Mrs Gbemisola J. Alakija of Olam Agri; the General Secretary, Mr Babatunde Awoyemi; and the Public Relations Officer and Media Officer, Mr Adeyemi Emmanuel Da-Souza (ACIPM).

Also present was Dr Taiwo Olusanya of Taiyelolu Farms Ltd, a member of the Institute.

The monarch received the visitors warmly, with his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Leyasu Abiodun Aina, and Head of Protocol, Mr Tunde Sowole, also in attendance.

The atmosphere was cordial as the royal father engaged the visiting professionals in conversation.

During the visit, the General Secretary presented a letter of appreciation to the monarch after reading its contents. The delegation also presented other items brought for the royal father.

The gesture was an expression of gratitude for the support already received and an acknowledgement of the importance of the relationship between the palace and the professional body.

"IT'S A PLEASANT SURPRISE!" — THE MONARCH'S HEARTWARMING RESPONSE

One of the memorable moments of the visit came when Oba Ajayi responded to the delegation's letter and its expressions of appreciation.

The monarch expressed pleasant surprise at the gesture, saying:

"It's a pleasant surprise. Modupe lowo yin (I thank you all)."

His response added a personal touch to the occasion, reflecting the warmth of the reception and the appreciation he expressed for the visitors' thoughtful gesture.

For the delegation, the moment provided a fitting opportunity to convey its gratitude directly to the royal father and acknowledge the support he had extended to the Chapter.

"I HAVE ALREADY ACCEPTED YOUR INVITATION" — A PROMISE THAT DREW APPLAUSE

The high point of the encounter came when the Akarigbo offered an encouraging assurance concerning the Institute's future programmes.

In a statement that drew enthusiastic applause from the delegation, the monarch declared:

"Whether you bring letter or you assumed that you have brought letter, take it from me that I have already accepted your invitation."

The statement was greeted with a round of applause by the visiting executives.

His assurance conveyed a clear message of continued goodwill towards the Institute and offered encouragement to its leadership as it looks ahead to future programmes and engagements.

For the CIPM Remo and Ijebu Chapter, the monarch's words were a welcome development, reinforcing the value of maintaining a constructive relationship with the palace.

The moment also gave the visit a particularly memorable conclusion: the delegation had come to express appreciation for support already received and left with a fresh assurance of the royal father's willingness to continue supporting its activities.

A PARTNERSHIP BUILT ON MUTUAL RESPECT

Beyond the formalities of a courtesy visit, the encounter highlighted the importance of building relationships that bring professional organisations and community institutions closer together.

For the CIPM Remo and Ijebu Chapter, sustaining engagement with the traditional institution provides an opportunity to strengthen its connections within Remoland while pursuing its professional objectives.

For the palace, receiving professional bodies and engaging with their representatives creates opportunities for dialogue and the recognition of activities that contribute to professional and community development.

The visit therefore represented more than a ceremonial expression of appreciation. It was also an opportunity to reaffirm a relationship grounded in mutual respect, cooperation and a shared interest in supporting professional activities within the region.

A ROYAL BLESSING TO CONCLUDE A MEMORABLE ENCOUNTER

As the visit drew to a close, Oba Ajayi offered prayers for the visiting executives and blessed them.

It was a fitting end to an occasion characterised by royal hospitality, gratitude and encouraging words.

For Prince Enoch Adebayo Akinde and the members of his delegation, the visit provided an opportunity to acknowledge the monarch's previous support and strengthen the relationship ahead of future engagements.

For the Chapter, the Akarigbo's pledge represents an encouraging message as it continues to pursue its programmes and professional responsibilities in Remoland.

And for the monarch, the encounter provided an opportunity to receive the Institute's representatives, appreciate their gesture and reaffirm his willingness to support their future activities.

Ultimately, the visit to the Akarigbo's palace was a story of appreciation met with encouragement, professional engagement strengthened by royal goodwill, and a relationship looking towards continued cooperation.

As the CIPM Remo and Ijebu Chapter moves forward with its programmes, the monarch's assurance stands as a memorable highlight of a visit that began with gratitude and ended with renewed encouragement.