Gov Abiodun Presents Staff of Office to New Alaperu, Oba Adenaike, Over 300 Years After Fibigbuwa's Last Reign

 Gov Abiodun Presents Staff of Office to New Alaperu, Oba Adenaike, Over 300 Years After Fibigbuwa's Last Reign

The Ogun State Governor charges Oba Taiwo Adenaike to embrace inclusive leadership, while the new monarch extends a hand of fellowship to rival princes and calls on Iperu indige

nes at home and abroad to unite for the community's development.

By  The Editor,

IPERU REMO, OGUN STATE — History was made in Iperu Remo as Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, presented the Certificate of Appointment and Staff of Office to the newly installed Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba (Dr) Taiwo Adenaike Ogunbona, more than 300 years after the Fibigbuwa Ruling House last produced a monarch for the ancient town.

The presentation, which formally confirmed Oba Adenaike's installation, took place on Friday at the Alaperu Multipurpose Hall, Iperu Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Oladunjoye Hamzat, represented Governor Abiodun at the ceremony and presented the instruments of office to the monarch, who bears the royal title Ogunbona Fibigbuwa IV.

Oba Adenaike emerged as the Alaperu-elect on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, following the conclusion of the traditional selection process by the Iperu Regency Council, led by the Olisa of Iperu, High Chief Rotimi Odutona. The kingmakers elected him during a meeting held at the Alaperu Multipurpose Hall.

His emergence fills the vacancy created by the passing of his predecessor, Oba Adeleke Adelekan Idowu-Basibo, who joined his ancestors on February 6, 2025.

The installation marks a significant moment in the history of Iperu Remo, particularly for the Fibigbuwa Ruling House, which, according to the President of the Iperu Development Association (IDA), Otunba Taiwo Oyebanjo, had not occupied the Alaperu throne for more than three centuries.

ABIODUN CHARGES NEW ALAPERU TO SERVE ALL

Speaking through his representative, Governor Abiodun congratulated Oba Adenaike on his emergence, describing his appointment as a call to service and urging him to deploy his leadership experience and managerial skills towards promoting peace, unity and sustainable development in Iperu Remo.

The governor charged the new monarch to embrace inclusive leadership and regard himself as a father to all, irrespective of their political affiliations, religious beliefs, family backgrounds and social differences.

He emphasised that the traditional institution had an important role to play in fostering communal harmony, strengthening relationships among residents and supporting government efforts to improve the welfare of the people.

"By your appointment as the new Alaperu, you are a first-class Oba, a high-ranking member of the Remo Traditional Council, as well as a permanent member of the Ogun State Council of Obas. I beseech Kabiyesi to regard your appointment as a call to serve," the governor said.

Abiodun also urged the monarch to extend his love and fellowship to all sons and daughters of Iperu Remo, including the princes who contested the throne alongside him.

"I implore you to be the father of all, irrespective of political, religious and social directions," he added.

The governor called on the people of Iperu Remo to rally behind their traditional ruler and cooperate with him in advancing the town's development.

He noted that the peaceful conduct of the selection process reflected the commitment of the community's stakeholders to preserving harmony and respect for traditional institutions.

According to the governor, the nomination and selection process that produced Oba Adenaike complied with the provisions of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law 2021.

He congratulated the new Alaperu, the Remo Traditional Council and the people of Remo Land on the successful conclusion of the process.

Abiodun further charged the monarch to maintain cordial relationships between Iperu Remo and neighbouring communities while encouraging residents to fulfil their civic responsibilities.

He expressed confidence that Oba Adenaike possessed the leadership qualities required to steer the affairs of the community towards greater progress.

The governor also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to industrial growth and attracting high-value investments to Ogun State, stressing that cooperation between government, traditional institutions and local communities remained essential to achieving sustainable development.

He acknowledged the contributions of the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, Oba (Dr) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, CFR, to the development of Remo Land and appreciated his continued support for the traditional institution.

Abiodun subsequently presented the instruments of appointment and Staff of Office to Oba Adenaike, expressing optimism that his reign would usher in greater peace, progress and prosperity for Iperu Remo, Remo Land and Ogun State.

FIBIGBUWA RETURNS TO THE ALAPERU THRONE AFTER OVER THREE CENTURIES

Providing historical context to the occasion, IDA President, Otunba Taiwo Oyebanjo, disclosed that the Fibigbuwa Ruling House had waited for more than 300 years to produce another Alaperu, as other ruling houses had occupied the throne in turns.

He explained that the intervention of prominent Iperu indigenes, including Chief Awotesu, Dosumu and others, helped to advance the case for the Fibigbuwa Ruling House to be considered again.

According to him, their efforts were driven by the need to sustain the spirit of unity and togetherness among the ruling houses, particularly because the Alaperu throne operates on a rotational arrangement.

The emergence of Oba Adenaike therefore represents more than a change of traditional leadership; it also marks a significant development in the history of the town's royal institution.

The event underscored the importance of mutual understanding among the ruling houses in preserving the traditional succession arrangement and sustaining peaceful coexistence within the community.

OBA ADENAIKE PLEDGES INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE LEADERSHIP

In his acceptance speech, Oba Adenaike expressed gratitude to Almighty God, whom he referred to as Olodumare, as well as the individuals and institutions that supported him throughout the nomination and selection process.

The monarch pledged to lead with humility, fairness and a strong sense of responsibility, assuring the people that his palace would remain accessible to all, regardless of their religious beliefs, family backgrounds and political affiliations.

He stressed that differences in religious beliefs should not become a source of division but should instead strengthen the community's commitment to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and development.

"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.

In a significant message of reconciliation, the new Alaperu extended a hand of fellowship to the princes who contested the throne alongside him, acknowledging their courage, patriotism and commitment to the community.

He urged them to put the contest behind them and join hands with him in building a stronger and more prosperous Iperu Remo.

"The contest has ended and a new chapter has begun. This is the time to put our differences aside, embrace one another, and demand for peace, progress and development of Iperu," the monarch stated.

He maintained that the true measure of victory was not simply the emergence of one individual as king but the ability of the community to emerge stronger, more united and more prosperous.

"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.

Oba Adenaike also called on the various ruling houses to preserve their shared heritage and sustain the spirit of brotherhood, mutual respect and understanding.

He specifically acknowledged the Fibigbuwa, Agbonmagbe, Amororo (Mogunsen) and Odoru royal dynasties, urging them to work together to protect the town's cultural heritage and secure a better future for generations to come.

The monarch expressed appreciation to the kingmakers and other stakeholders who participated in the selection process, describing their solidarity, prayers and support as a source of encouragement.

He pledged to protect the dignity of the Alaperu throne, which he described as a royal heritage that transcends the individual occupying it.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, COMMUNITY WELFARE TOP DEVELOPMENT AGENDA

Outlining his vision for Iperu Remo, Oba Adenaike identified community welfare, cultural preservation, youth empowerment, opportunity creation 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 stakeholders to contribute their knowledge, experience and resources towards advancing the community.

The monarch also appealed to Iperu indigene living in other parts of Nigeria and abroad to renew their commitment to their ancestral home by supporting development initiatives.

He urged them to bring their professional expertise, business connections, investments and other resources to bear on the development of the town.

Oba Adenaike assured the people that his palace would remain open to constructive ideas and contributions from anyone willing to support the advancement of Iperu Remo.

He explained that greater cooperation in education, healthcare, commerce, youth development and other critical sectors would enable the community to contribute more meaningfully to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria.

Describing Iperu as a town with a rich history and considerable potential, the monarch expressed confidence that its human resources and emerging economic opportunities could be harnessed to build a more prosperous future.

He emphasised the need for collective responsibility, noting that government alone could not meet every development need without the active participation of the people, investors, community organisations and other stakeholders.

MONARCH HAILS COOPERATIVE COLLEGE UPGRADE, GATEWAY AIRPORT PROJECT

Oba Adenaike also expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government for upgrading the Ogun State Cooperative College in Shasha, Iperu, to offer National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes.

He described the development as an important opportunity to expand educational access and strengthen the capacity of young people to acquire relevant knowledge and skills.

The monarch further highlighted the Gateway International Airport project in the Iperu-Ilishan axis as a development with the potential to enhance the strategic importance and economic prospects of the area.

He assured Governor Abiodun that Iperu Remo was ready to contribute more meaningfully to the economic growth of Ogun State.

According to him, stronger partnerships among government, traditional institutions, investors and community members would help unlock the town's economic potential and create opportunities for its residents.

The monarch's development priorities reflect an emphasis on harnessing the community's human resources, educational institutions and emerging economic opportunities to promote inclusive growth.

EBI OF IDENA CALLS FOR UNITY AMONG IPERU COMMUNITIES

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

He noted that Iperu comprises different sections, including Idena, Idarika and Afukon, urging residents to preserve their common identity and work together towards the town's progress.

His remarks reinforced the importance of cooperation among traditional institutions, community leaders and residents in sustaining peace and promoting development.

Other traditional rulers at the ceremony 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, who is also an indigene of Iperu, attended the ceremony and supported the commissioner during the presentation of the instruments of office.

The gathering brought together traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, religious representatives and other stakeholders, reflecting the significance of the installation to Iperu Remo and the wider Remo traditional institution.

IKENNE LG CHAIRMAN SEEKS SUPPORT FOR NEW ALAPERU

The Chairman of Ikenne Local Government Area, Hon. Jamiu Mohammad Asimi, urged the people of Iperu Remo to give Oba Adenaike their maximum support to enable him to succeed on the throne.

He also called on residents to reciprocate the Ogun State Government's development initiatives by supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) in forthcoming elections.

The ceremony 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 sectors of the community.

The Alaperu Multipurpose Hall was filled to capacity as dignitaries and well-wishers gathered to witness the formal presentation of the Staff of Office, while security personnel maintained order throughout the event.

A NEW CHAPTER FOR IPERU REMO

The presentation of the Staff of Office to Oba Adenaike marks the beginning of a new chapter in the traditional leadership of Iperu Remo.

Beyond the historical significance of the Fibigbuwa Ruling House returning to the Alaperu throne after more than three centuries, the new reign begins with expectations of stronger communal harmony, cultural preservation, youth empowerment and accelerated socio-economic development.

The governor's call for inclusive leadership and the monarch's appeal for reconciliation place unity and collective responsibility at the centre of the new administration.

For Iperu Remo, the challenge ahead will be to translate these commitments into practical benefits for the people through stronger community participation, productive partnerships, investment and sustainable development initiatives.

With the support of the traditional institution, government, community leaders and Iperu indigenes at home and abroad, Oba Adenaike's reign presents an opportunity to strengthen the town's heritage while building a more prosperous future for generations to come.